Former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido has urged President Bola Tinubu to settle the N45 billion debt allegedly owed to the late MKO Abiola by the Nigerian government, saying the payment would bring closure to the long-standing controversy surrounding the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Lamido made the call on Tuesday during the public presentation of his autobiography, Being True To Myself, in Abuja.
In his vote of thanks, he stressed the need to resolve the matter in honour of Abiola, widely regarded as the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election.
“I would like to appeal to President Tinubu to close the chapter of June 12. In his book, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida revealed that Abiola won the election,” Lamido stated.
He went on to reveal a conversation he once had with the former military president, saying, “When I went to him (IBB), he said Abiola is being owed N45 billion. Abiola is doubly punished. One, he was not given the presidency, and two, he is owed.”
Directing his message to the minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, who represented President Tinubu at the event, Lamido said, “Please tell him to pay Abiola’s family the N45 billion. When this money is paid, the chapter of June 12 will be closed. It is very important.”
Lamido also took time to express gratitude to those who contributed to the success of the book presentation, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who wrote the foreword and attended the event in person.
“All manner of gratitude goes to Allah SWT for His endless bounties and blessings for sparing our lives to see this momentous day,” he said.
On Obasanjo, Lamido added, “Baba, I sincerely and profoundly thank you. May God Almighty endow and bless you with abundant health, wisdom, joy, and well-being.”
The June 12 election, considered one of Nigeria’s fairest polls, was annulled by the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida.
Abiola later died in detention in 1998 after declaring himself president.
