A former Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has called on President Bola Tinubu to settle the ₦45 billion debt owed to the late Chief MKO Abiola by the Nigerian government.
Lamido made this appeal during the public presentation of his book, “Being True To Myself,” in Abuja on Tuesday.
In his address at the event, Lamido stressed the need to resolve the long-standing financial issue related to Abiola, who won the 1993 Presidential Election but was denied the presidency.
Lamido said, “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,” adding that “when I went to him (IBB), he said Abiola is owed ₦45 billion. Abiola is double punished. One, he was not given the presidency, and two, he is being owed.”
Addressing the Minister of Information, who represented President Tinubu at the event, Lamido urged him to pass on the message to the President, saying, “Please tell him to pay Abiola’s family the ₦45 billion. When this money is paid, the chapter of June 12 will be closed. It is very important.”
Lamido also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Allah, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and others who contributed to the event’s success.
He remarked, “All manner of gratitude goes to Allah SWT for His endless bounties and blessings for sparing our lives to see this momentous day.”
The former Governor also acknowledged Obasanjo as his “Boss, Guide, Leader, and Inspiration,” appreciating the former President for his inspiring foreword in the book and for attending the event.
Lamido said, “Baba, I sincerely and profoundly thank you. May God Almighty endow and bless you with abundant health, wisdom, joy, and well-being.”
He further praised General Abdulsalami Abubakar for his “professional truthfulness and service to our nation,” commending the General for his continued support.
Lamido also acknowledged the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for promoting religious harmony and attending the event despite his busy schedule.
Lamido expressed gratitude to Dr. Iyorchia Ayu for his role in reviewing the book, calling him a “MunChi comrade” and longtime friend.
He also commended the Editorial Team and the Organizing Committee for their efforts in ensuring the success of the event, as well as the Media Subcommittee for generating widespread interest in “Being True To Myself.”
I won’t be distracted from doing what’s right — Tinubu
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has pledged to remain focused on driving Nigeria’s development and maintaining national unity, stating that he would not be distracted from doing what is right for the country.
Tinubu stated this through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Tuesday, during the launch of the autobiography of former Governor of Jigawa State and elder statesman, Sule Lamido.
The President, who was the Grand Guest of the occasion, described Lamido’s autobiography as a significant contribution to Nigeria’s political literature and democratic discourse.
Representing Tinubu, the Minister commended Lamido for his courage, consistency, and principled stance in Nigeria’s political evolution, despite being a staunch opposition figure.
“This is not merely the unveiling of a book,” Idris remarked, “it is the celebration of a life defined by courage, consistency, and commitment to democratic ideals. Alhaji Sule Lamido, though a staunch member of the political opposition and often a critic of the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains one of the strong pillars of Nigeria’s political evolution.”
Tinubu, through the Minister, reiterated his belief in political inclusivity, stressing that opposition is not an act of enmity but a contest of ideas.
“Every citizen, regardless of party affiliation, has a seat at the table of national discourse,” he said.
The Minister also lauded the decade-long development of Lamido’s autobiography, describing it as a “labour of resilience” that contributes to preserving Nigeria’s political history.
He urged other political veterans to follow Lamido’s example by documenting their experiences for future generations.
Reflecting on the book’s title, “Being True to Myself,” Idris noted that it aptly captures Lamido’s reputation as a blunt and principled politician.
He also likened President Tinubu’s leadership qualities to those of Lamido, stating that Tinubu remains true to himself and Nigeria’s core ideals—truth, justice, peace, and shared prosperity.
The Minister emphasised Tinubu’s commitment to steering Nigeria towards growth and macroeconomic stability despite the challenges faced.
“Are we saying that we are where we need to be and that there isn’t room for more work to be done? Certainly not. What we are saying is simple: that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon audacity and vision to set Nigeria on the path of true growth and development,” Idris stated.
On national security, Idris reassured the public that Tinubu remains steadfast in his efforts to protect citizens and the nation’s territorial integrity. He called for appreciation of the Nigerian military’s sacrifices in maintaining security across the country.
The Minister also highlighted the administration’s efforts to increase national revenue through newly introduced Tax Bills aimed at fostering national development without imposing unnecessary burdens on citizens.
“President Tinubu welcomes constructive criticism at all times, in the spirit of freedom of speech and democratic engagement, but he will also never allow himself to be distracted from doing what is right for Nigeria,” Idris concluded.
The event, which was well attended, further solidified Tinubu’s commitment to political inclusivity, national development, and strong democratic values.