The family of the late General Sani Abacha has responded to recent claims made by former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, in his newly launched book, A Journey in Service.
In the book, Babangida alleged that the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election was the responsibility of General Sani Abacha.
These claims have sparked widespread controversy, prompting the Abacha family to set the record straight in the interest of historical accuracy and justice.
In a statement, the family firmly rejected the allegations, emphasising that General Sani Abacha was neither the Head of State nor the Commander-in-Chief at the time of the election annulment. They pointed out that 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.
“Any attempt to shift this blame onto General Sani Abacha, who was a very senior military officer within the regime, is a deliberate distortion of historical facts,” the family stated.
The Abacha family expressed concern over what they described as repeated efforts by various actors to rewrite the history of that critical period in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. They urged Nigerians to be cautious of revisionist narratives that seek to manipulate public perception for personal or political gain.
“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 read.
The family also highlighted the close relationship between General Abacha and General Babangida, noting that General Abacha remained a loyal friend to Babangida until his death. They recounted an incident where General Abacha reportedly came to Babangida’s rescue when his life was under threat, ensuring his safety.
“Despite this unfortunate attempt to shift blame, General Sani Abacha was a man of unwavering commitment to his comrades,” the family added.
The statement concluded with an expression of gratitude to Nigerians who have defended General Abacha’s legacy and stood against attempts to distort history. “Your unwavering commitment to truth and historical accuracy is deeply appreciated,” the family said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s history, the Abacha family acknowledged General Sani Abacha’s time in leadership and his contributions to the nation’s development. They emphasised that his legacy, like that of other past leaders, remains an integral part of the country’s history.
“We believe that history is best judged with fairness and objectivity,” the family stated.
They expressed regret that A Journey in Service missed the opportunity to provide a truthful and objective account of past events. Quoting a public commentator, they noted that “honesty, sincerity, and integrity are virtues not commonly associated with the author.”
The Abacha family’s response underscores their determination to protect the legacy of General Sani Abacha and ensure that historical records remain accurate and unbiased.
