Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, on Tuesday appealed to President Bola Tinubu to pay the ₦45 billion allegedly owed to the late Chief MKO Abiola by the Federal Government, as a final gesture of justice over the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Speaking at the public presentation of his new book, Being True To Myself, in Abuja, Lamido emphasized the need to finally lay the ghosts of June 12 to rest by compensating Abiola’s family.
“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. “When I went to him, he said Abiola is being owed ₦45 billion. Abiola is double punished. One, he was not given the presidency, and two, he is being owed.”
He urged the Minister of Information, who represented the president at the event, to personally relay the message.
“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 added.
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The former governor expressed deep gratitude to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he described as his “Boss, Guide, Leader, and Inspiration,” for writing the foreword to the book and attending the event.
“All manner of gratitude goes to Allah for His endless bounties and blessings for sparing our lives to see this momentous day,” he said.
He also appreciated the presence and contributions of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, who reviewed the book.
Lamido praised the Editorial and Organizing Committees, as well as the Media Subcommittee, for the wide attention and success garnered by Being True To Myself.
The call for Abiola’s compensation comes as political and civil society circles continue to revisit the legacy of June 12 and the enduring consequences of the annulled election.