Maryam Abacha, widow of the late Nigerian military ruler General Sani Abacha, has challenged the long-held narrative that her husband looted billions of dollars while in power.
In a recent interview with TVC, she dismissed the allegations, insisting that no concrete evidence has ever been presented to substantiate the claims.
“Who are the witnesses to these so-called hidden funds?” she asked. “Has anyone seen documents or verified signatures? Where is the real proof?”
Mrs. Abacha further alleged that money her husband had purportedly earmarked for Nigeria mysteriously vanished shortly after his death in 1998.
“In just a few months, it was all gone,” she said. “Yet no one talks about that.”
Reflecting on nearly 30 years of public scrutiny since her husband’s passing, she expressed dismay over the persistent criticism of his legacy.
“Why keep blaming someone who’s no longer here?” she asked. “Is it because of ethnicity, religion, or just malice? Why are Nigerians so harsh on one another?”
She also accused the media of perpetuating a negative image of her late husband.
“Even after 27 years, they won’t stop talking about Abacha. He must have been very influential and admired by Nigerians,” she added.
Pointing to Nigeria’s foreign reserves and reduced debt during General Abacha’s regime, Mrs. Abacha defended his record in office.
“So where exactly did he steal from?” she queried. “But Nigerians tend to believe whatever they hear.”
Concluding the interview, Maryam Abacha called for greater unity and mutual respect among Nigerians.
“Abacha didn’t build Nigeria alone. Neither did Babangida or Abiola. Every Nigerian contributes to this country including the man on the street. It’s time to move forward and stop all this unnecessary conflict.”
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