Abiola Family Demands N45bn Debt as Lamido Calls for National Healing

A decades-old debt is at the heart of a renewed call for justice and national healing in Nigeria. The family of the late "Chief Moshood Abiola" is demanding details of a reported "N45 billion debt" owed by the Federal Government, a claim reignited by former Jigawa State Governor, "Sule Lamido".

Lamido, at his memoir launch, revealed that Abiola's company, International Telephone & Telegraph, completed major government contracts in the 1970s but was never fully paid. He framed this as "double punishment" for Abiola, who was denied both the presidency and due payment, advocating that settling this debt would bring “moral and symbolic closure" to the June 12 saga.

This revelation has stirred public discourse, with figures like the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, “Gani Adams”, urging President Tinubu to pay the debt as an honor to Abiola's sacrifice. However, the Abiola family, through Jamiu Abiola, seeks more specific details before action. Meanwhile, a Presidency official suggested the family file a formal claim, questioning Lamido's role and why previous administrations hadn't addressed it.

As the nation grapples with its democratic past, the question remains: will this renewed push finally bring resolution to a long-standing grievance and contribute to Nigeria's journey of healing?

Posted on: Thu Jul 24 2025 Back to posts