The family of late General Sani Abacha has issued a scathing response to former Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, over claims made in his new book, “A Journey in Service”.
In his book launched recently, Babangida alleged that Abacha was responsible for the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, sparking widespread controversy.
The Abacha’s family, through a statement signed by Mohammed Abacha Sunday and released to newsmen in Abuja, vehemently denied these claims, stating that General Sani Abacha was neither the Head of State nor the Commander-in-Chief at the time of the election annulment.
Instead, the family emphasized that the decision was made under Babangida’s administration, who held absolute executive powers and was solely responsible for his government’s actions.
The family accused Babangida of attempting to distort historical facts and shift blame onto Abacha, who was a senior military officer at the time.
They urged Nigerians to be cautious of revisionist narratives aimed at manipulating public perception for personal or political gain.
Despite Babangida’s claims, the Abacha family highlighted General Sani Abacha’s loyalty to his comrades, including Babangida, whom he rescued when his life was under threat.
They expressed gratitude to Nigerians who have defended Abacha’s legacy and commitment to truth and historical accuracy.
The Abacha family regretted that Babangida’s book failed to provide a truthful and objective account of past events, quoting a public commentator who noted that honesty, sincerity, and integrity are virtues not commonly associated with the author.
“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.
“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.
“We take this opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation to the many Nigerians who have risen in defense 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.
“As we reflect on Nigeria’s history, we acknowledge General Sani Abacha’s time in leadership and the role he played in the nation’s development. His contributions, like those of past leaders, remain part of our country’s history. We believe that history is best judged with fairness and objectivity.
“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.”