The family of late Chief Moshood Abiola has responded cautiously to recent calls for the Federal Government to pay an alleged ₦45 billion debt reportedly owed to the late businessman and democratic hero.
The demand for payment resurfaced after former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, urged President Bola Tinubu to settle the supposed debt as a symbolic gesture toward justice and reconciliation. Lamido claimed that Abiola’s telecom firm carried out large-scale projects for the military regime in the 1970s, which were never fully compensated.
But the family says they’re in the dark about the specifics.
“There’s no clarity yet on what the money was for,” Jamiu Abiola said, speaking on behalf of the family. “Until we have details, there’s nothing to act on.”
Lamido, while launching his new memoir in Abuja, had suggested that repaying the debt would not only honour Abiola’s contributions to democracy but also restore a long-denied justice. However, his comments appear to have reignited old debates more than they’ve offered resolution.
Some critics, including a senior Presidential source who requested anonymity, questioned Lamido’s role in the matter, suggesting that the family, not outsiders, should lead any compensation effort.
“If there’s a legitimate claim, let the family present it with evidence,” the source said.
Elsewhere, cultural leader Gani Adams added his voice, stressing that honouring Abiola goes beyond token gestures.
“It’s not just about giving appointments to his children. That debt, if real, must be paid. It’s a matter of national honour,” he said.
