Abacha Family to IBB: Stop Tarnishing Our Father’s Image

The family of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha (rtd), has cautioned former Military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida against distorting historical facts and tarnishing Abacha’s legacy.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Mohammed Abacha criticized Gen. Babangida’s claim in his recent book, A Journey in Service, where he alleged that the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election was the responsibility of Gen. Sani Abacha.

Describing the allegation as false, the Abacha family argued that the decision to annul the election rested solely with Gen. Babangida, who was Head of State at the time and wielded absolute executive power. “Any attempt to shift this blame onto General Sani Abacha, who was a senior military officer within the regime, is a deliberate distortion of historical facts,” the statement read.

The family further warned against revisionist narratives designed to manipulate public perception, stressing that “the memory of our late father and leader must not be tarnished by baseless accusations meant to absolve those truly responsible.”

On Gen. Abacha’s role in Gen. Babangida’s survival, the family stated, “It was General Abacha who ensured Babangida’s safety when his life was under threat.”

The statement also criticized A Journey in Service, lamenting its failure to present a truthful and objective account of history. “As one public commentator aptly put it, honesty, sincerity, and integrity are virtues not commonly associated with the author,” it concluded.

(Daily Trust)