The family of the late Chief Moshood Abiola has demanded clarification on the reported N45 billion debt allegedly owed to them by the Federal Government.
The demand follows a recent statement by former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, who called on President Bola Tinubu to compensate the family as a gesture of national healing and justice.
Lamido reignited the dispute over the unpaid money, insisting the government owes the late business mogul’s heirs about N45 billion. Speaking in Abuja at the launch of his memoir, Being True to Myself, Lamido said Abiola’s company, International Telephone & Telegraph, completed significant communications contracts for the military government in the 1970s but was never fully compensated.
He claimed that the late Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, acknowledged the debt before his assassination in 1976, and that Abiola himself confirmed the figure during a meeting with Lamido shortly before his arrest in 1994.
Describing the unpaid sum as a “double punishment,” Lamido said Abiola was first denied the presidency after his June 12, 1993 electoral victory was annulled, and then denied the payment he was owed for completed contracts.
He argued that settling the debt would provide moral and symbolic closure to Nigeria’s longstanding June 12 saga, signalling President Tinubu’s commitment to justice for pro-democracy figures.
“Abiola kept faith with this country; paying what is owed will close the chapter decently,” Lamido told guests, which included Information Minister Mohammed Idris, whom he urged to convey the appeal to the President.
The issue has reignited public discourse about Nigeria’s democratic journey and Abiola’s sacrifices, following his death in detention in 1998 after his struggle to reclaim his electoral mandate.
The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, also called on President Tinubu to honour the debt, stressing it is about more than compensation it is about recognising Abiola’s legacy.
“That money should be paid to Abiola’s family. It is not just about compensation, it is about honouring a man who gave everything for this democracy. Giving an appointment to one of his children is not enough,” Adams said.
Speaking for the family, Jamiu Abiola said that more information was needed before any action could be taken.
“The former governor did not specify what the money was owed for. He didn’t give many details. Until the matter is substantiated, the issue of payment cannot proceed,” he stated.
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