IBB : Abacha’s children defend father’s legacy

Sadiq Abacha, son of the late Nigerian military leader General Sani Abacha, has publicly praised his father’s leadership, asserting that despite ongoing criticism, his legacy endures.

In a recent social media post, Sadiq claimed that his father was often the target of envy and hidden betrayal, but he believed history would ultimately view him as a more effective leader than his detractors suggest.

“Abacha — the man they secretly envied. No matter how hard they try to tarnish your name, history will remember your leadership. As your son, I am prouder than ever today. You are the man many wish they could measure up to,” Sadiq wrote.

He closed his post with a Hausa proverb: “Duk wanda yayi jifa a kasuwa,” which translates to, “Whoever throws a stone in the market…”

His remarks surfaced just days after the launch of former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s (IBB) memoir, which has sparked heated public discussions.

The book revisits the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which Babangida admitted was won by MKO Abiola. He expressed regret over the decision but claimed the move was influenced by internal pressures, allegedly led by Abacha, without his knowledge.

Abacha, who governed Nigeria from 1993 until his death in 1998, remains a divisive figure. While he is credited with certain economic reforms and bolstering national security, his regime is also associated with allegations of corruption and human rights violations.

In a related development, Gumsu Abacha, one of Abacha’s daughters, shared a cryptic one-word response to IBB on her social media account, writing: “Weakling.” She also reposted comments implying that Babangida portrayed Abacha negatively, taking advantage of the fact that the late general could no longer defend himself.