IBB’s book: Family warns against tarnishing Abacha’s image

IBB’s book: Family warns against tarnishing Abacha’s image

The family of the late General Sani Abacha has condemned former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), over claims made in his recently released memoir, A Journey in Service.

The Abacha family accused Babangida of attempting to shift responsibility for the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election onto the late head of state.

In a statement signed by Mohammed Abacha on behalf of the family, they expressed disappointment that the book failed to present an accurate and objective account of past events.

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to recent claims made by former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, in his newly 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. These 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.”

The family argued that Abacha was not the head of state or commander-in-chief at the time of the annulment and that Babangida, as the sitting military president with full executive authority, should take full responsibility for the decision.

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“It is important to state unequivocally 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. 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 statement continued.

The family also emphasized Abacha’s loyalty to Babangida, stating that he ensured the former president’s safety during times of threat.

“Furthermore, we wish to emphasize that despite this 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. He was a man of unwavering commitment to his comrades. We also find 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,” the statement added.

The Abacha family urged Nigerians to be cautious of revisionist accounts and thanked those who had spoken out in defence of the late general’s legacy.

“We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation to the many Nigerians who have risen in defenve of General Sani Abacha in an effort to set the record straight. Your unwavering commitment to truth and historical accuracy is deeply appreciated, and we acknowledge the outpouring of support from those who refuse to allow history to be distorted,” the statement said.

The family concluded by expressing regret that Babangida’s memoir failed to offer an honest account of Nigeria’s political history.

“We regret that A Journey in Service missed the opportunity and failed to make history as a truthful and objective account of past events. As one public commentator aptly put it, honesty, sincerity, and integrity are virtues not commonly associated with the author.”