Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to settle the ₦45 billion debt allegedly owed to the late Chief MKO Abiola by the Nigerian government.
Lamido made the call during the public presentation of his autobiography, Being True To Myself, held in Abuja on Tuesday. While giving his vote of thanks, the former Foreign Affairs Minister emphasized the need for the government to offer justice and closure over the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest.
“I would like to appeal to President Tinubu to close the chapter of June 12. In his book, General Ibrahim Babangida revealed that Abiola won the election,” Lamido said. “Abiola was denied the presidency and is still owed ₦45 billion. He is double punished.”
Lamido urged the Minister of Information, who represented the President at the event, to deliver the message directly to Tinubu. “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,” he added.
The event, which drew a crowd of political figures, traditional rulers, and dignitaries, also served as a moment of gratitude for Lamido. He acknowledged former President Olusegun Obasanjo—who wrote the foreword to the book—as his “Boss, Guide, Leader, and Inspiration.”
“Baba, I sincerely and profoundly thank you. May God Almighty bless you with abundant health, wisdom, and joy,” he said.
Lamido also commended General Abdulsalami Abubakar for his “professional truthfulness,” praised the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for promoting religious harmony, and expressed appreciation to Dr. Iyorchia Ayu for reviewing the book.
He concluded by thanking the editorial and organizing committees for their dedication, and the media subcommittee for generating national interest in the book.
