“My Husband Didn’t Loot Nigeria; the Money He Kept for the Country Vanished in a Few Months” – Maryam Abacha

Maryam Abacha, widow of the late military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, has dismissed long-standing allegations that her husband looted public funds during his rule. Speaking in an interview on TVC’s *Politics on Sunday*, hosted by Femi Akande, Mrs. Abacha described the accusations as unfounded and rooted in misinformation.

She challenged the narrative that billions of dollars were stolen and hidden abroad, questioning the absence of direct evidence. “Who is the witness of the monies that were being stashed? Did you see the signature or evidence of any money stashed abroad?” she asked. “The money that my husband kept for Nigeria, in a few months, it vanished. Why are you blaming somebody?”

Addressing the political history surrounding her husband’s regime, Mrs. Abacha also denied that he was responsible for the annulment of the 1993 presidential election. “The annulment was not done by my husband. And if it was him, then that means he was more powerful than the President at the time. That means Abacha was the greatest,” she said. “But I’m not here to talk about Babangida or anybody. All I know is that my husband didn’t do it.”

The former First Lady expressed concern about the country’s deepening divisions along ethnic and religious lines, urging Nigerians to rise above prejudice. “Why are we so bad towards each other? Because someone is a Northerner or Southerner? A Muslim or a Christian? It’s not fair,” she said.

Turning to national security, Mrs. Abacha questioned why Nigeria continues to struggle with insurgency despite its military capabilities. “I don’t know why insurgents have lingered this long. Other smaller nations have tackled theirs. We are bigger, richer, and more experienced,” she noted. She emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the government and military. “I believe in our military. I know they have what it takes to tackle the insurgents. If ECOMOG could bring peace to other countries, why can’t we have peace here?”

Reflecting on her time as First Lady, she criticized the lack of continuity in government programs, stressing that progress is hindered when each administration starts from scratch. She highlighted the Africa First Ladies Peace Mission as a lasting initiative and urged the current government to build on past achievements.

Defending the legacy of military rule, Mrs. Abacha maintained that such regimes possessed discipline and structure. “No government can fail. Military governance is different, they have the will and the power. Maybe the civilians are not that strong. But the solution lies in cooperation.”

Concluding the interview, she made a passionate call for patriotism and responsible journalism. “Let’s pray for our country. Let’s be good to our leaders and say good things. The press should be truthful and help build the nation, not destroy people’s reputations,” she said.