Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has called on President Bola Tinubu to settle the ₦45 billion debt owed to the late Chief MKO Abiola by the Nigerian government.

Lamido made this appeal during the public presentation of his book, “Being True To Myself,” in Abuja on Tuesday.

In his address at the event, Lamido stressed the need to resolve the long-standing financial issue related to Abiola, who won the 1993 Presidential Election but was denied the presidency.

Lamido said, “I would like to appeal to President Tinubu to close the chapter of June 12. In his book, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida revealed that Abiola won the election,” adding that “when I went to him (IBB), 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.”

Addressing the Minister of Information, who represented President Tinubu at the event, Lamido urged him to pass on the message to the President, saying, “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 also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Allah, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and others who contributed to the event’s success. He remarked, “All manner of gratitude goes to Allah SWT for His endless bounties and blessings for sparing our lives to see this momentous day.”

The former Governor also acknowledged Obasanjo as his “Boss, Guide, Leader, and Inspiration,” appreciating the former President for his inspiring foreword in the book and for attending the event.
Lamido said, “Baba, I sincerely and profoundly thank you. May God Almighty endow and bless you with abundant health, wisdom, joy, and well-being.”

He further praised General Abdulsalami Abubakar for his “professional truthfulness and service to our nation,” commending the General for his continued support. Lamido also acknowledged the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for promoting religious harmony and attending the event despite his busy schedule.

Lamido expressed gratitude to Dr. Iyorchia Ayu for his role in reviewing the book, calling him a “MunChi comrade” and longtime friend.
He also commended the Editorial Team and the Organizing Committee for their efforts in ensuring the success of the event, as well as the Media Subcommittee for generating widespread interest in “Being True To Myself.”