Maryam Abacha, widow of former military Head of State General Sani Abacha, has rejected longstanding allegations that her late husband looted billions of dollars during his time in office, insisting there is no credible evidence to support such claims.
In an interview with TVC on Sunday, Mrs Abacha challenged the narrative surrounding her husband’s legacy and questioned the basis of the accusations.
“Who can testify to the money that was supposedly stashed away? Did you see the signature or any evidence of money hidden abroad?” she asked.
She further claimed that the funds her husband allegedly secured for Nigeria vanished shortly after his death.
“The money my husband had saved for Nigeria disappeared within a few months. People are not discussing that,” she stated.
Mrs Abacha criticised the ongoing focus on her husband nearly three decades after his death, questioning the motivations behind the scrutiny.
“Why are you blaming someone? Is it tribalism or a religious issue, or what exactly is the problem with Nigerians?” she asked. “Why are we so unkind to one another? Just because someone is a northerner or a southerner, a Muslim or a Christian… It’s simply not fair.”
She also aimed at the media, urging journalists to adopt a more constructive approach.
“People are not that bad. Twenty-seven years on, and you are still talking about Abacha. He must have been very powerful and loved by Nigerians. We thank God for that,” she remarked.
In response to comments regarding Nigeria’s relatively stable economy during her husband’s rule, characterised by increased foreign reserves and reduced external debt, Mrs Abacha reiterated that there was no wrongdoing.
“So, where did he steal the money from? Where could he have possibly stolen it?” she questioned. “And because Nigerians are gullible, they believe everything.”
She called for unity and mutual respect among Nigerians, stating, “Babangida does not define Nigeria alone. Abacha does not define Nigeria alone. Abiola and everyone else – no one is big enough for Nigeria. Even the individual on the street is very important. We are all human beings, for goodness’ sake. All this discord should come to an end.”
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