Abacha’s son responds to IBB’s memoir with father’s eulogy

Sadiq Abacha, son of former military ruler, Sani Abacha has said that he was proud of the legacy his father left behind.

He said despite constant criticism from Nigerians, history would remember his father for being a better leader.

In a social media post, Sadiq asserted that his father was the subject of envy and silent deceit but maintained that distractors would not succeed.

“The man Abacha you have always been the one they envied with silent deceit. History shall remember you for being a better leader, no matter how much they try to put you down.

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“As a son, I am most proud of you today. You indeed are the man they wish they were half of,” he wrote.

He concluded with the Hausa proverb, “Duk wanda yayi jifa a kasuwa,” meaning, “whoever throws a stone in the market…”

Sadiq’s comment did not come as a surprise, considering that on Thursday former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s (IBB) in whose administration his father served as Defence Minister before becoming military head of state, launched the much-anticipated memoir, which has sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria and beyond.

In the book IBB exposes the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which Babangida admitted was won by MKO Abiola.

Babangida stated that while he regretted the decision, revealing that the move was ultimately driven by internal forces led by Abacha, allegedly without his prior knowledge.

Abacha, who ruled Nigeria from 1993 until his death in 1998, remains a controversial ruler in the country’s political history.

His regime was credited with the murder of prominent Nigerians, including the late Kudirate Abiola, after she protested the incarceration of her husband, MKO Kashimawo Abiola after emerging victory in the 1993 presidential election.

Although Abacha’s administration is also credited with economic reforms, strong exchange rate and robust national security measures, however, the critics have also point to alleged embezzlement of public funds, human rights abuses.