Abacha
Family Rejects IBB’s Claims, Absolves Abacha Over June 12 Election Annulment
Eighteen days after the public presentation of former Military President General Ibrahim Babangida’s memoir, A Journey in Service, the family of the late military leader General Sani Abacha has formally responded to the publication. The memoir alleges that General Abacha, who served as Defense Minister under Babangida, was the mastermind behind the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely believed to have been won by businessman Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.
In a statement signed by Mohammed Abacha on behalf of the Abacha family, the late General was absolved of any responsibility for the annulment.
The family emphasized that General Babangida, as Head of State at the time, held absolute executive power and was solely accountable for the actions of his government. They dismissed Babangida’s claims as “a deliberate distortion of historical facts.”
The statement read in part: “Our attention has been drawn to recent claims made by former Head of State General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida in his newly launched book, A Journey in Service, where he alleged that the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election was the responsibility of the late General Sani Abacha. These claims have sparked widespread controversy and necessitate a clear response from the immediate family of General Sani Abacha and the entire Abacha clan in the interest of historical accuracy and justice.
“It is important to state unequivocally that General Sani Abacha was neither the Head of State nor the Commander-in-Chief at the time the June 12 election was annulled. The decision to annul the election was made under the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, who, as the then Head of State, held absolute executive powers and was solely responsible for the actions of his government. Any attempt to shift this blame onto General Sani Abacha, who was a very senior military officer within the regime, is a deliberate distortion of historical facts.”
The Abacha family also criticized what they described as ongoing efforts to rewrite Nigeria’s history, urging the public to reject revisionist narratives aimed at manipulating perceptions for personal or political gain. They highlighted General Abacha’s loyalty to Babangida, noting that he had even ensured Babangida’s safety during a period when his life was under threat.
The statement continued: “For years, various actors have attempted to rewrite the history of that critical period in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. However, the facts remain unchanged. We urge Nigerians to be wary of revisionist narratives that seek to manipulate public perception for personal or political reasons. The memory of our late father and leader, General Sani Abacha, must not be tarnished by baseless accusations meant to absolve those who were truly responsible.
“Furthermore, we wish to emphasize that despite this unfortunate attempt to shift blame, General Sani Abacha remained a true and loyal friend to General Ibrahim Babangida up to the time of his death. He was a man of unwavering commitment to his comrades. We also find it necessary to state that at the time General Babangida’s life was under threat, it was General Abacha who came to his rescue, ensuring his safety.”
The family expressed gratitude to Nigerians who have defended General Abacha’s legacy, acknowledging their commitment to truth and historical accuracy. They also reflected on General Abacha’s contributions to Nigeria’s development, urging that history be judged with fairness and objectivity.
The statement said: “We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation to the many Nigerians who have risen in defense of General Sani Abacha in an effort to set the record straight. Your unwavering commitment to truth and historical accuracy is deeply appreciated, and we acknowledge the outpouring of support from those who refuse to allow history to be distorted.
“As we reflect on Nigeria’s history, we acknowledge General Sani Abacha’s time in leadership and the role he played in the nation’s development. His contributions, like those of past leaders, remain part of our country’s history. We believe that history is best judged with fairness and objectivity.
“We regret that A Journey in Service missed the opportunity and failed to make history as a truthful and objective account of past events. As one public commentator aptly put it, honesty, sincerity, and integrity are virtues not commonly associated with the author.”
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