Sadiq Abacha Defends His Father, Rejects Babangida’s Allegations, Calls Abacha a Victim of Envy
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In a personal response to accusations leveled against his late father, General Sani Abacha, in General Ibrahim Babangida’s memoir A Journey in Service, Sadiq Abacha has strongly defended his father, claiming that Abacha was a victim of envy and that those attempting to tarnish his reputation were secretly envious of him.
Babangida’s book revisits controversial events, including the role of Abacha’s forces in the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, and even alludes to a potential violent plot by Abacha to overthrow his administration. In response, Sadiq took to Facebook to praise his father’s leadership and legacy, despite ongoing criticisms. He claimed that those attempting to paint Abacha as a bad leader were, in fact, envious of his strength and achievements.
“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. As a son, I am most proud of you today. You indeed are the man they wish they were half of,” Sadiq wrote, concluding with a Hausa proverb, “Duk wanda yayi jifa a kasuwa,” meaning, “whoever throws a stone in the market…”
In his memoir, Babangida reflected on his handling of Abacha during the transition to civil rule, acknowledging moments of tension and fear for his own safety. He questioned why he didn’t retire Abacha earlier, despite growing opposition and plotting against him, explaining that the unstable political environment led him to delay any action that could escalate tensions.
Babangida also clarified that there was no agreement for Abacha to succeed him, admitting that he feared for his safety in the factionalized military environment. He explained that such a volatile situation made it difficult to take decisive action against Abacha, as it could have led to violence.
As debates continue over Abacha’s legacy, Sadiq Abacha remains firm in his defense of his father, asserting that history will ultimately judge him as a better leader, despite the ongoing criticisms.
