It was said that of all the successful coups carried out in Nigeria, Abacha was among them. He was a planner of coup and one successful in aborting one. Even Babangida once described Abacha as someone although not very bright at top job, but someone who can carryout or abort a coup plot.
There was a saying that Great men are always misunderstood. This powerful anecdote rang true again with regard to the life story of this rare leader that Nigeria ever saw. The media, the International community, and his many enemies had succeeded in launching and disseminating the most obnoxious propaganda against him.
Ironically, after about 26 years of persistent campaign and smears to deceived the masses, nature always exonerated him in one way or the other.
For my readers who may feel uncomfortable for using the word Khalifa, this was his popular nickname especially among the inner circle of the Elite military handlers of the 1990’s. He was referred to Khalifa because of the seeming vice-gerency he was destined to be after the Babangida Era, because many saw Abacha as the most loyal, and eminence grise of IBB 8 years leadership, hence nickname Khalifa (awaiting Prince).
Sani Abacha was born in 1943 to a Businessman of Kanuri descent in the ancient city of Kano. He was trained in the Nigerian Army in his early twenties taking him to prominent training centers like the famous Sandhurst in UK and others. After his commissioned in to Nigerian Army, the courageous but silent young man was among the so called Murtala Boys that participated in the 1966 July rematch, the Nigeria’s civil war, the 1975 , 1983 and 1985 coups, that brought Murtala Ramat, Buhari, and Babangida in to power respectively.
It was said that of all the successful coups carried out in Nigeria, Abacha was among them. He was a planner of coup and one successful in aborting one. Even Babangida once described Abacha as someone although not very bright at top job, but someone who can carryout or abort a coup plot.
His stardom began to rise when he appeared on television to announced the successful military takeover of Shagari, and Buhari Government. Abacha later became second in command throughout IBB tenure until in 1993 when the latter resigned and handed over to a civilian through Interim National Government (ING) because of the controversial June 12 election annulment that hindered Abiola chance of becoming Nigeria President.
The ING of Chief Shonekan only lasted for some months due to crises the country was thrown in to. This saw to the emergence of General Abacha as the new head of State in November 1993, to the jubilation of majority of Nigerians including Abiola and his supporters.
Abacha saw his Government as a child of necessity looking at the economic, social and the political crises that tries to bring the country to it’s knees and at verge of collapse. The responsible leader stand in to action and miraculously the country was stable once again.
Throughout his 5 years stay in power Abacha Government was the proverbial ‘Birgimar Hankaka’ in Hausa ( The acrobatic dance of a Hawk bird ), meaning you would see it’s black and white spot all over it’s body. But personally to me, Abacha positive effects were far far more than his unintended negative consequences on this country.
Despite the insecurity in the country, the persistent strikes by labour and trade Unions, the international community sanctions, the palace coup plots, Abacha courageously matched forward and creates impactful legacies of national interest that no any other leader that preceded or succeeded him with the same level of challenges was able to do.
Abacha constructed Federal Medical centers across all 36 states, He Nationalize Telecommunications, created the famous PTF and handed it to Buhari that oversaw the thousands of projects across every nook and crony in Nigeria. Abacha reduced inflation from 100% in 1993 to below 10% in 1998.
Abacha had never borrowed a penny from International lenders, he even reduced our debt from 32 to 27 Billion dollars. Our sovereign Fund improved dramatically to several Billion dollars. The youth spirit in sport was at it’s highest during his time because of his support for Nigeria’s team, we can never forget our Olympic and world cup of 1994.
Against many allegations that he was not democrat, we shouldn not forget that it was during his time that Nigeria liberated many West African countries like Liberia and Serra leone. That was the period where our morale and dignity as a country was at all time high!
Despite all rumours and propaganda, its time for all Nigerians to deeply investigate the authenticity of those allegations against this great man. To set point clear, the famous Abacha loot was a set up against him, The financially responsible Abacha had no intention of amassing such madling wealth for his children.
The other rumor surrounding the circumstances He died was also unfounded, it is ridiculous for someone to invite prostitutes in to his guest house in the presidential villa where his faithful wife and children were also living. Many testimonies that shows Abacha had underlying health problem was already given by his close friends and even critics.
Another key allegation was about his intention to become civilian President, Abacha had never publicly stated, no by any means indicated to any body that he harbours such ambition. Indeed he was the only leader in Nigeria’s history that over 3 million people match just to pressed him to accept their offer as their leader. Over 5 political parties collectively endorsed him as their candidate which would never be an act of coercion, use of money, or power.
Abacha famously stated that “power belongs to God alone, and only he can give it, I absolutely have no intention to perpetuate my self in power…”
The responsible Abacha would forever be remembered for his silence, courage, resilience against all odds, his constant smile face with dark glasses that send shock wave to his enemies.
He was a visionary man, it’s only now that we began to grasp the full picture of your vision 2010 Sir.
Saifullahi Attahir Wurno, a student of Federal University Dutse wrote.
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