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Tag: Abdulsalami

  • Abiola’s death: Abdulsalami should tell Nigeria more –Ex-Army chief Bamaiyi

    Abiola’s death: Abdulsalami should tell Nigeria more –Ex-Army chief Bamaiyi

    •Says MKO couldn’t have died of natural causes
    •Insists Obasanjo took part in coup against Abacha

    A former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, has said that the winner of the 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, could not have died of natural causes.

    Abiola whose election was annulled by the Ibrahim Babangida-led military administration in July 1993 was arrested by the late Gen. Sani Abacha-led junta in 1994 when he declared himself the winner of the election and his resolve to reclaim his mandate.

    The business mogul turned politician later died in detention in controversial circumstances on July 7, 1998.

    But Bamaiyi, the Chief of Army Staff under the Abacha regime, has insisted in a book that was launched in Abuja on Thursday that former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar owes the nation more explanation on the death of the late politician.

    “I believe only Gen. Abubakar and those he used to handle Abiola’s death can tell Nigerians how Chief M.K.O Abiola died. Abiola could not have died the way he reportedly died,” Bamaiyi declared in the book titled Vindication of a General.

    Recalling the circumstances in which he learnt about Abiola’s death in the said book, Bamaiyi, who was also the Chief of Army Staff in the brief period Abdulsalami held sway as head of state, said: “One evening, the Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar called while I was in Lagos to tell me we had a problem.

    “I asked him what was wrong and he told me Chief Abiola was dead.

    “I was shocked and asked him what we were going to do about it. He told me he was handling the situation.

    “I was disturbed because I expected problems in Lagos. But nothing happened.

    “I was directed to lead a delegation to Abiola’s house to commiserate with the family and was told Abiola had some visitors, including some Americans.

    “He had taken tea, which raised suspicion about his death.

    Bamaiyi said the late business mogul never relinquished his mandate in spite of the pains of incarceration.

    “At no time did Abiola relinquish his mandate. His death came as a surprise to me because he had been healthy when we met,” he added.

    Bamaiyi recalled that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a former Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters and others were involved in a coup plot against the late Abacha in 1995.

    He also said the botched 1997 coup allegedly led by a former Chief of General Staff, Gen. Oladipo Diya against Abacha was real.

    He said Diya made $60,000 and N2 million cash available for the feeding of soldiers during the coup against Abacha.

    He said the plan was to “blow up” Abacha’s car at a function in Sheraton Hotel, Abuja with an RGP-7.

    Excerpts from the book, whose launch was presided over by a former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon said: “It will forever remain a puzzle to many Nigerians that two former helmsmen, a former head of state and his deputy, were arrested and tried for the coup that sought to remove General Sani Abacha from power in 1995.

    “Interestingly, the 1995 coup, which, either out of ignorance or for political reasons, has been termed ‘phantom’ by the actual players highlights the challenge of lack of honour and integrity among highly-placed officers because of naked pursuit of power.

    “Despite spirited denial by these key officers, some of them will always tell the truth, including Col. Lawal Gwadabe and Col. Bello Fadile, whose recordings cannot be denied.

    “I want to state clearly and without fear of contradiction that the 1995 coup in which Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo was convicted was real.

    “I am glad that Gen. Mujakpero, who investigated the coup, stood his ground in asserting that it really happened.

    “Gen. PN Aziza carried out his duties by trying and convicting Gen. Obasanjo, and has clearly stated that if he retried that case, he would still convict Obasanjo.

    “I know the coup was real and was reported to Gen. AZ Kazir when he was GOC 1 Mechanised DIV, but he did nothing about it until he was appointed COAS.

    “I remember going go Gen. Kazir when I was commander of the Lagos Garrison and telling him there were rumours about the coup. He confirmed that he had heard about it.

    “I asked him what he was going to do about it, and he said he was handling it. He was my boss, so I did not go further.

    “I don’t remember the exact date. But on a Sunday, the COAS, Maj. Gen. Kazir, invited us into his study at his residence.

    “Present at the meeting were Gens. Kazir; Olanrewaju who happened to be in Lagos from Jos; Muktar, the DMI; and Adeleke Kola, the provost marshal, and me, Comd. LGC.

    “Gen. Olanrewaju briefed us on how the coup plan started from his Division and said that he had lot of officers involved.

    “In Lagos, we had two involved officers named Col. Bello Fadile and Col. Gabriel Ajayi- my Col. Administration and Quartering. The decision to arrest these officers was made at the meeting.

    “Based on Gen. Olanrewaju’s briefing, it was clear the officers could strike anytime.

    “It was decided that Gen. Olanrewaju be given an aircraft to take him to Jos. The same aircraft would then proceed to Yola to bring in Col. Gwadabe, who came to Jos and was put in detention.

    “I read some falsehood Colonel Ajayi wrote several times claiming he and I took Holy Communion in the church, but I did not say anything to him.

    “I received instruction to arrest him in the evening. I directed CO 26 Battalion to arrest him, and he was arrested.

    “If I had received this instruction before going to church, I would have ordered his arrest as soon as he left church.

    “I was not involved in the matter again after Ajayi’s arrest.

    “Headquarters Lagos Garrison Command (HQ LGC) has always been the venue for coup trials in Lagos and was used as such in 1995.

    “After the trial and conviction of Gen. Obasanjo and Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, efforts were made by many Nigerians, including some army officers, to get them released.

    “At one point, I went with Gen. PN Azazi to the Head of State and we pleaded with him to pardon the two generals and release them from prison because they were a former head of state and his deputy.

    “He promised to look at it. But I was told later, though I did not confirm it, that some security officials advised him against the release, and nothing was done.

    “I did not go to Abacha because I had doubts about Gen. Obasanjo’s involvement in the coup based on the briefing we received from DMI, Col. Sabo, the SIP report, and the statements of other coupists.”

    Bamaiyi also fingered a former Chief of General Staff, Gen. Oladipo Diya and others in the 1997 Coup plot against Abacha.

    The book says: “Again, within a space of two years, Gen. Oladipo Diya, second in command to Gen. Sani Abacha, was caught in the centre of another coup.

    “It is an issue which Nigerians have extensively debated and commented upon.

    “Unfortunately, the coup plotter, Gen. D. O. Diya, cowardly denied that he masterminded it with the support of officers like Gen. Ibrahim Sabo, who wanted to destroy me.

    “Gen. Diya started planning to overthrow Gen. Abacha as early as 1994 when I was at Lagos Garrison Command (LGC).

    “At that time, it was the responsibility of the service chiefs to receive the Commander-In-Chief anytime he visited Lagos, which during Gen. Abacha’s time, was occasional.

    “The commander LGV would receive the Chief of General Staff (CGS) at the Murtala Muhammed Airport (Presidential Wing) and see him off.

    “I always received Gen. Diya at the airport and escorted him to his private residence at Fajuyi Road in Ikeja or the Vice President’s home at Ikoyi, depending on where he felt like staying.

    “On one such visit, at his Ikeja residence, he mentioned how Gen. Abacha had not been doing well. He made the statement during the next visit and I asked him what the problem was.

    “Gen. Diya mentioned that the Commander-In-Chief did not come to the office early and was not listening to him and other senior people in the government.

    “I told him I believed Gen. Abacha would listen to him because of their special relationship. I knew how many times Gen. Abacha had stopped plans to retire him.

    “On the next visit, Diya said openly that there was a need to remove Gen. Abacha and that he was being blamed for the failure of the government from various quarters. I asked him which quarters he was talking about but he did not mention specifics.

    “Gen. Diya went on to tell me I was one of the officers he trusted and he would rely on me to get Gen. Abacha out of office so the country would move forward under his leadership. I told him I would think it over and get back to him.

    “I informed Gen. Abacha, who said he was going to put Gen. Diya on trial. I suggested there would be no evidence for a conviction and Gen. Diya would not be acting alone, so there was need for patience.

    “I was appointed the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in April 19996 and Gen. P.N. Aziza was appointed to take over LGC. It became Aziza’s responsibility to receive and see off the CGS (Diya) at Murtala Muhammed Airport.

    “After returning to Lagos from a tour of 2 Mech. Div., Gen. Aziza came to me at the COAS official residence. He looked worried, and I said ‘I hope all is well.’

    “He later told me how Gen. Diya had told him of the need to overthrow Gen. Abacha, and he believed Gen. Diya was serious about it.

    “I laughed first, and Gen. Aziza was surprised. He said, ‘Giwa [this is how we addressed each other since we were such old friends], why are you laughing at something so serious? You know this is a matter of life and death.’

    “I told him it was nothing new. Gen. Aziza asked me what I was going to do about it. I assured him I would do something.

    “I knew Gen. Aziza would want me to act, and it was in my best interest to do so because if there was an investigation, I would be held responsible for having known about a coup and hiding it.

    “I went to Abacha the following day and told him what Gen. Aziza had told me. Gen. Abacha said he wanted to hear from Aziza directly. I sent for Gen. Aziza to meet me in Abuja, and the two of us went to see Gen. Abacha.

    “Gen. Aziza told him exactly what he had told me. From Gen. Abacha’s looks, he was not surprised. He directed us to play along with Diya until we knew what he really wanted.

    “I suggested to Gen. Abacha that he should call Gen. Diya for Aziza and me to challenge him and then make him resign or retire.

    “Gen. Abacha disagreed and said we did not know what had been happening. I later found out that Gen. MC Ali as COAS and some service chiefs were retired because of their alleged plan to remove Gen. Abacha.

    “Other meetings took place at a guest house with Gen. Diya, Gen. Olanrewaju, Co 7 Gds Bn, Gen, Diya’s security officer—Major Fadipe and me. Of course, Gen. Abacha was always briefed after the meetings.

    “Other meetings were held between Gen. Diya and me in his office. The issue of international support came up, he told me he was working on it.

    “When the issue of feeding soldiers was brought up, he provided USD $60,000 to be given to GOCs to provide feeding for soldiers if there was the need.

    “The money was taken to Gen. Abacha and I made a joke with him saying: ‘This is your worth at present.’ He only smiled and collected the money and later returned it to me. The money was used as exhibits during the trial.

  • Southern Kaduna killings: Abdulsalami, Sultan, Kukah storm city in search of peace

    Southern Kaduna killings: Abdulsalami, Sultan, Kukah storm city in search of peace

    Former military head of state, General Abubakar Abdulsalami (rtd); the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji  Muhammadu  Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Dr.Matthew Hassan Kukah; and other members of the National Peace Committee  yesterday launched a fresh initiative  to restore peace to Southern Kaduna.

    Hundreds of lives have been lost in repeated attacks on villages in the area by people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, heightening   tension in the state.

    The delegation met with Governor Nasir El-Rufai on the issue.

    General Abdulsalami told reporters at the end of the meeting with the governor that peace could only return, if the people were ready to dialogue and forgive one another.

    He said he and other delegates would go round the affected villages and towns for more consultations with the chiefs and community leaders.

    “Within the week, we are going to meet with other stakeholders, religious leaders,  chiefs in the area and also visit the sites where these problems are and discuss with the people,” he said.

    “We will later sit  down and see what we think should be done.

    “Then, we come back to the governor and if necessary to the federal government.

    “These clashes and killings are not limited to Kaduna State; it is something that is engulfing the country. So we want to make sure that peace reigns in Nigeria, to make sure that people know that we are together. We have to live in peace with each other and we have what it is to give and take.

    “We are reaching a situation in the country where human life doesn’t mean anything to people and this is wrong.

    “There is no religion on earth or anywhere that preaches violence. So this is why we are here today. We thank the governor and his team for receiving us. One of the points that the governor drew our attention to is the way people take the  law into their hands and they go scot-free. And this impunity must be checked. These are some of the issues we discussed.

    “Everybody is aggrieved in one way or the other, so what we beg of people is to be patient; try as much as possible  to forgive and to be each other’s keeper. We must live together; we must find solutions to the problems; we must sit down and talk to ourselves because there is no problem that cannot be solved when you are talking to each other.”

     Bishop Kukah also said: “I think the visit  is more of a solidarity with the people of Kaduna State. We are here to hear for ourselves what exactly is happening and what we can do in  the hope that we can find a way forward based on the situation.

    “We are part of the delegation. I convened the peace committee and what we are doing now is trying to bring about peace.  We are looking at how we can achieve peace and stability.

    “I think what the people of Kaduna State, including the government, should be doing now is to look into how we can achieve peace and development and I think that is the reason we have democracy.

    “So whatever contributions anybody can make, we need to make them. People have expressed their minds.

    “What is going on now is a very sad phase in our history, but I believe that we can get over it and we will get over it and come out stronger and committed to peace”, he said.

  • Ex-President visits IBB, Abdulsalami in Minna 

    Ex-President visits IBB, Abdulsalami in Minna 

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday visited two of his predecessors privately in Minna, the Niger State capital.

    Dr. Jonathan’s visit to former military President Ibrahim Babangida and former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar sparked speculations on the purpose.

    There was no statement on the visit to Minna Hilltop, where the retired generals have their mansions.

    Jonathan spent about one hour at Gen. Babangida’s residence. He held a private discussion with him for close to 45 minutes, it was learnt.

    He proceeded from there to Gen. Abubakar’ s residence.

    Jonathan was accompanied by former Minister of State (Finance) Bashir Yuguda  and his one-time Chief of Staff, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe.

    Jonathan made a terse tweet on the Minna trip on his handle @Gejonathan, writing:

    “As I visit my elder brothers and predecessors today, I am further committed to building bonds of unity for Nigeria!”

     

  • Abdulsalami seeks dialogue to end security challenges

    Abdulsalami seeks dialogue to end security challenges

    ex-Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar has called for dialogue in resolving the nation’s security challenges created by the agitation of militant groups

    Gen. Abubakar spoke with reporters in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Saturday.

    He said there was no need for the threats arising from these agitators – Boko Haram, Niger Delta Avengers and Biafra.

    “All I can say is that there is no need for the insecurity in Nigeria.

    “I am appealing to Nigerians, irrespective of what their grievances are, to come to a roundtable and try to resolve these issues.

    “We have amicable ways of settling these issues because there must be peace before we can progress as a country,” he said.

    Gen. Abubakar admitted that the economy was passing through a difficult time, but urged Nigerians to be patient.

    He hoped the Federal Government would fix the economy.

    The former leader urged the private sector to complement the government’s effort in revamping the economy, just as some industrialists were doing in Nnewi.

    “Unfortunately, Nigeria is not an island; all over the world, there is economic recession and that is what is affecting us.

    “Let us join hands to save this economy; the private sector must come in to help us to resuscitate the economy, just as Nnewi has shown,” he said.

  • Abdulsalami seeks peaceful resolution of crises

    Abdulsalami seeks peaceful resolution of crises

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday met with former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar at the State House, Abuja.

    At the end of the meeting, which lasted for about 30 minutes, Gen. Abdulsalami urged peaceful resolution of all crises bedeviling the nation.

    Gen. Abdulsalami, who is the chairman of the National Peace Committee, said the committee was working to ensure peace in the country.

    On the impact of the peace committee,  he said: “We are still working, although quietly. We are working to make sure there is peace in the country and that all political parties work amicably because each has a role to play.”

    “So, I hope the administration, through the assistance of Nigerians, will give a helping hand to ensure these crises that are unnecessary and uncalled for, we overcome them.”

    Gen. Abdulsalami, who said he was in the Villa to discuss national and international issues with the President, parried questions on corruption, militancy and insurgency.

    On his reaction to Avengers, Boko Haram, and corruption, he said: “I have discussed with the President who I came to see, and I don’t think I need to discuss to the media. I talk to the people I need to talk to.”

  • Buhari, Abdusalami meet in Aso Rock

    Buhari, Abdusalami meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday met behind closed-doors with former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar at the State House, Abuja.

    At the end of the meeting that lasted for about 30 minutes, Abdulsalami called for peaceful resolution of all crises bedeviling the nation.

    Abdulsalami, who is the Chairman of the National Peace Committee, said the committee was working quietly to ensure peace in the country.

    On the impact of the peace committee, Abdulsalami said: “We are still working, although quietly. We are working to make sure that there is peace in the country and all the political parties work amicably because each one has got a role to play.”

    “So, I hope the current administration through the assistance of all Nigerians will give a helping hand to make sure that these crises that are unnecessary and uncalled for, we overcome them.”

    Abdulsalami, who said he was in the Villa to discuss national and international issues with the President, ignored questions on corruption, militancy and insurgency.

    On his reaction to the Niger Delta militancy, Boko Haram, and corruption, he said: “I have discussed with the President whom I came to see and I don’t think I need to discuss that with the media. I talk to the people I need to talk to.”

  • Abdulsalami lauds Alakija on IBB varsity’s N100m lecture theatre

    Abdulsalami lauds Alakija on IBB varsity’s N100m lecture theatre

    Former Nigeria head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has commended a Lagos based businesswoman and philanthropist, Chief Folorunsho Modupe Alakija, for donating N100 million to the completion of a 350-seat capacity lecture theatre in the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State.

    He called for increased public private partnership to improve the standard of education in the country, especially in the era of dwindling resources.

     Education is the passport to the future and a right investment in education is an investment towards ensuring a secure future for the upcoming generations, observed the former leader. He lamented the falling standard of education in the country and called for cooperation to restore the lost glory of education in the country.

    Gen. Abdulsalami (rtd), who is the university Endowment Fund Committee Chairman, said that the edifice which was completed by Chief Folorunsho Modupe Alakija had been abandoned for 10 years due to paucity of funds. He thanked Alakija for coming to the institution’s rescue by donating N100 million for the completion of the building.

    In her remarks, Chief Alakija called on well meaning individuals and corporate organisations in the country to join forces in helping the government make Nigerian education one of the best in the world.

    She noted that a private initiative on education by concerned Nigerians had become imperative to improve the standard of education and help younger generations of Nigerians to access quality education for a better future as “we all as Nigerians who are well to do should rise to the job to ensure that education not only goes back to its former glory, but improves from where it left off so that our children will have a brighter future.”

    Alakija added that the donation by her organisation to education was aimed at improving the standard of education for the benefit of Nigerian youths and contributing its quota to expanding the vision of the institution. “I hope this token will contribute to the overall development of education in the state and the country. I hope it will improve the quality of teaching and learning of future generations,” she said.

    The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Mohammad Nasir Maiturare, welcomed the gesture of the philanthropist and commended her commitment to scholarship and humanity.

  • Abdulsalami, Gusau mourn Shinkafi

    Abdulsalami, Gusau mourn Shinkafi

    • Death a huge blow to Nigeria’s intelligence community
    • Buhari’s wife visits family

    Sympathisers have continued to troop to the residence of the late Marafan Sokoto, Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi who died in a London hospital last Wednesday, to pay their respects and console with his family over his death.

    Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar and wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, were among the dignitaries who visited Sokoto yesterday to pay condolence.

    Also, a former Defence Minister, General Aliyu Gusau (rtd), has described the demise of Marafan Sokoto, as a huge- blow to the Nigerian Intelligence Community.

    According to him, “Nigeria will miss a lot about the late Marafan Sokoto, especially the Nigerian intelligence community which he had been a founding member.”

    Speaking to reporters in Sokoto yesterday the former defence minister said: ”He will also be missed for his strength and good advice to the leaders of the intelligence community. He was a great politician and a brilliant lawyer, as well as an astute traditional ruler and a scholar.”

    According to him,” Some of his legacies include his distinguished style of leadership, dexterity and commitment to Nigeria’s intelligence community”.?

    Speaking when he paid a condolence visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Gen. Abdulsalami described the deceased as a committed Nigerian who gave his all for the unity and stability of the nation.

    He said, “Marafa contributed a lot for this country and I pray to God to reward him for his endeavours.” While urging Nigerians not to despair over the current challenges facing the country, Abdulsalami urged them to be patient and prayerful as according to him, there is silver lining in the horizon.

    He also expressed the condolence of former military President, Ibrahim Babangida, who he said could not travel to Sokoto due to unforeseen issues.

    Responding, the Sultan commended the two former leaders for identifying with the people of Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states in their times of need, and prayed to God to reward them accordingly.

    Speaking with reporters at the airport, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State said Shinkafi treated all Nigerians with dignity and respect, while at the same time setting example in conduct which the younger generation should emulate.

    Other personalities who visited the state include Governors Aminu Masari of Katsina State. Also at the family residence of the deceased were media publisher of THISDAY newspapers, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, and Galadiman Katsina, retired Justice Mamman Nasir, as well as factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi.

     

  • Abdulsalami urges dialogue with Niger Delta Avengers 

    Abdulsalami urges dialogue with Niger Delta Avengers 

    Former Head of StateGen. Abdulsalami Abubakar yesterday urged the Federal Government to dialogue with militant groups in the Niger Delta.

    Abdulsalami gave the advice when he received members of the Niger State House of Assembly who visited him on his 74th birthday in Minna.

    “All we need to do is to sit down on a round table and discuss these problems.

    “Even if you fight a war and win, you must sit down with the people you conquered. The insecurity we are going through now is uncalled for.

    “For the Boko Haram, nobody knows what they want. The Avengers are now out, what are they avenging?’’, he asked.

    Gen. Abdulsalami decried a situation where the people are going through hardship because of the activities of Boko Haram insurgents, Avengers and Biafra agitators.

    The former head of state said there was need for the avengers to understand that they were destroying their land by blowing up of oil pipes, leading to oil spillage.

    He said the action of the avengers had brought crude oil production to the lowest level in decades.

    Abdulsalami advised the avengers against vandalism, saying it would negatively affect the 13 per cent derivation accruing to the region due to sharp decline in oil revenue.

    “I hope they will come back to their senses and let us try to give this country peace. We do not deserve what we are going through.

    “We need peace and I am begging everybody in the spirit of Ramadan. Whatever religion anybody is following, please let us give peace a chance’’, he said

    Alhaji Ahmed Marafa, Speaker of the assembly, expressed gratitude to God for using the former head of state to restore democracy to Nigeria.

    Marafa described Abdulsalami as an illustrious son of the state whose counsel had guided the assembly in legislating for good governance in the interest of the people.

     

  • Gowon, IBB, Abdusalami attend Buhari’s inaugural Council of State meeting

    Gowon, IBB, Abdusalami attend Buhari’s inaugural Council of State meeting

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday presided over his first Council of State meeting since his inauguration on May 29.

    The meeting started at about 11:10am when Buhari arrived at the Council Chamber venue of the meeting.

    The former leaders in attendance are – Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar (rtd) and Chief Ernest Shonekan.

    Former Presidents Shehu Shagari, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan were absent when the meeting started.

    Also absent at the meeting is the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki.

    Some state governors, deputy governors and other top government officials also attended the meeting, which was still in progress at the time of filing this report.