Maryam Abacha, widow of Nigeria’s former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, has dismissed longstanding claims that her late husband looted billions of dollars from the nation’s treasury during his regime from 1993 to 1998.
In a rare television interview on TVC’s Politics on Sunday with Femi Akande, Mrs. Abacha labeled the allegations as unfounded and politically motivated.
“Who is the witness of the monies that were being stashed? Did you see the signature or evidence of any money stashed abroad? And the money that my husband kept for Nigeria, in a few months, it vanished. Why are you blaming somebody?” she queried.
On the Annulment of the 1993 Election
Addressing the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely believed to have been won by MKO Abiola, Mrs. Abacha absolved her husband of responsibility.
“The annulment was not done by my husband. And if it was him, then that means he was more powerful than the President at the time. That means Abacha was the greatest. But I’m not here to talk about Babangida or anybody. All I know is that my husband didn’t do it,” she stated.
A Defense of Military Rule
Maryam Abacha also used the platform to defend military regimes, claiming they offer structure and decisiveness lacking in civilian governments.
“No government can fail. Military governance is different; they have the will and the power. Maybe the civilians are not that strong. But the solution lies in cooperation,” she argued.
Concerns Over Insecurity and National Unity
The former First Lady expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s prolonged battle against Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and rising insecurity across the nation.
“I don’t know why insurgents have lingered this long. Other smaller nations have tackled theirs. We are bigger, richer, and more experienced,” she lamented.
She called for stronger collaboration between the government and the military, citing the Nigerian military’s success in international peacekeeping missions like ECOMOG.
“I believe in our military. I know they have what it takes to tackle the insurgents. If ECOMOG could bring peace to other countries, why can’t we have peace here?” she asked.
An Appeal for National Unity and Truthful Journalism
Mrs. Abacha warned against the dangers of ethnic and religious division and urged Nigerians to prioritize national unity over tribal and religious differences.
“Why are we so bad towards each other? Because someone is a Northerner or Southerner? A Muslim or a Christian? It’s not fair,” she said.
She concluded by urging the media to practice responsible journalism:
“Let’s pray for our country. Let’s be good to our leaders and say good things. The press should be truthful and help build the nation, not destroy people’s reputations,” she advised.
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