Peace Be Upon You,
Hajiya Dr. (Mrs) Maryam Sani Abacha, wife of the Late President, Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Gen. Sani Abacha, GCFR, the initiator of the Family Support Programme (FSP), the Family Economic Advancement Programme (FEAP), the National Programme on Immunization (NPI) and Founder of Sani & Maryam Abacha Support Foundation has this to say to fellow Nigerians: LET US BUILD A NEW NIGERIA.
Today, June 8th 2023 is exactly 25 years since my husband, the late Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Sani Abacha, GCFR, mni, together with two of our beloved sons Ibrahim Gaji (Late) and Abdullahi (Late) all answered the call of Almighty Allah.
The past twenty-five (25) years have been very difficult and painful, and very often very traumatic for the children and me.
We have had to bear not only the painful loss of our dear father and husband but also the often more agonizing experience of seeing his name and legacy being subjected to the most malicious attacks and bitter denigration ever visited on any former Nigerian President, dead or alive.
There is hardly any newspaper or magazine which has not reported one “exclusive “story or the other, on the alleged crimes of General Sani Abacha, GCFR. There have also been numerous media assaults on the family he left behind which are calculated efforts and intentional campaigns of treachery and deception against us.
We have remained strong all through this period of pain and tribulation only by the special grace of Almighty Allah and through the support, friendship, prayers and goodwill of many friends and well-wishers both from within and outside Nigeria.
My husband was not an Angel. Neither am I. Certainly, nobody is perfect. Perfection is the sole attribute of Almighty Allah.
Thirty-six (36) years in the service of Nigeria (1962 to 1998).
About ninety-five per cent (95%) of his life work in 1962 under the Military spent in the top brass of the Nigerian Army, He enlisted into the Nigerian Army in December 1962, thirty-six
(36) years in the service of Nigeria and 5 out of the 36 as President, C-in-C where he answered the call of Almighty Allah on June 8, 1998 in Abuja. For his Education and Training please check his biography. My late husband has lived a fruitful and successful life worthy of emulation. Exactly 25 years ago my beloved husband, the late President, C-In-C Federal Republic of Nigeria, Late General Sani Abacha, GCFR had a glorious exit from this world. May his and my late sons – Ibrahim Abacha and Abdullahi Abacha gentle souls continue to rest in peace.
Ameen.
I believe that this is neither the time nor indeed the forum, for me to make excuses for my husband’s alleged shortcomings.
This is not the time to talk about the several political instabilities, social violence and national uncertainties which led to his emergence. But it must be remembered that government is a collective responsibility, and certainly, General Abacha did not function alone.
It is therefore sad that some of those who worked with him have now become the cheerleaders of the new anti-Abacha song.
We have no grudge against anybody who accused us of the alleged wrongdoing attributed to us. We hope that the same gesture would also be extended to us.
No matter what may be said about my husband, I know for a fact that General Abacha really loved this Country. In dying, he has paid the supreme sacrifice as a true patriot. What more can anyone ask of him?
When I was in office, I was also deeply concerned about our country. I initiated and sustained various programmes all of which were motivated by the basic underlying principles of economic empowerment of the family unit, advancement of women’s development and children’s welfare. Indeed, my modest activities are all too visible for all to see. My family and I will continue to be interested in the welfare of the Nigerian people. I will continue to pursue activities that will be beneficial, especially to the ordinary people.
I appeal to the Nigerian people to remain steadfast in the pursuit of peace. They should support the government, especially the present effort of democratization. They should eschew bitterness, hatred and violence and enter the new millennium with love, peace and harmony. They should overlook the past and look into the future with hope and courage. As far as lam concerned, I rest my case in the firm and just hands of the Almighty God who is the best of all judges.
Surely, time and honesty will justify it.
Let me use this opportunity to congratulate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and Vice President Sen.Kashim Shettima, GCON. I pray that God will grant them the wisdom to provide our people with purposeful leadership.
My family and i remain indebted to all those who have shown us such immense support through various means at this trying time.
May Almighty Allah bless you all.
Ithank you all. Ilove you all.
Stay blessed in Peace.
Signed:
Mrs. (Dr.) Maryam Sani Abacha
June 8th, 2023.
