The family of the late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha says claims by former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), in his recently 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, as a distortion historic facts.
In a statement, Mohammed Abacha says the 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 says it is important to state 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.”
The statement maintains that any attempt to shift the blame onto General Sani Abacha, who was a very senior military officer within the regime, is a deliberate distortion of historical facts.
It explains that 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.”
The statement says despite the 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.
It stressed that he was a man of unwavering commitment to his comrades and the family also finds 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.
“We regret that “A Journey in Service” missed the opportunity and failed to make history as a truthful and objective account of past events.”
