Former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has urged President Bola Tinubu to pay the N45 billion debt allegedly owed to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola by the Federal Government, as a symbolic step toward bringing closure to the historic June 12 saga.
Lamido made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of his new autobiography, Being True to Myself.
The event drew several dignitaries including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and other prominent Nigerians.
Addressing the gathering, Lamido said it was time for the Nigerian government to rectify the “double injustice” meted out to Abiola — the acclaimed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election who was never sworn in, and who, according to Lamido, is still owed billions by the state.
“I would like to appeal to President Tinubu to close the chapter of June 12,” Lamido said. “In his book, General Ibrahim Babangida revealed that Abiola won the election.
When I went to him, he said Abiola is being owed N45 billion. Abiola was double punished — first, he was denied the presidency, and second, he was not paid what was due to him.”
Lamido directed his message through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, who represented the President at the event, insisting that paying the debt would be a critical act of reconciliation and justice.
“Please tell him (President Tinubu) to pay Abiola’s family the N45 billion. When this money is paid, the chapter of June 12 will be closed. It is very important,” he stressed.
The June 12 presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest, was annulled by then-military ruler General Ibrahim Babangida, plunging the nation into political turmoil. Abiola was later arrested by the Sani Abacha regime and died in custody in 1998.
Lamido’s passionate call adds a new dimension to the national conversation about recognition, restitution, and closure surrounding the June 12 legacy, which President Tinubu himself has long championed.
The book launch was also an opportunity for Lamido to reflect on his political journey and to express gratitude to those who played significant roles in his life and career.
He lauded Obasanjo as his “Boss, Guide, Leader, and Inspiration,” thanking the former President for authoring the foreword of the book and gracing the event with his presence.
He also acknowledged the contributions of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and former PDP Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, among others.
The event was marked by heartfelt speeches, recollections of Nigeria’s political evolution, and renewed calls for justice in the country’s democratic history.
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