Tinubu Says ‘I remain focused on reforms despite criticisms’
***Lamido asks Federal Govt to pay N45 billion owed Abiola
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday said despite strident criticisms, he would remain focused on his reform programmes, which are already yielding fruits.
He spoke in Abuja during the public presentation of the autobiography of Mallam Sule Lamido.
The 500-page book is entitled: “Being true to myself.”
Dignitaries such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar and Namadi Sambo, among others, graced the occasion.
It was chaired by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Lamido was the Foreign Affairs Minister during Obasanjo’s first term.
He later served as Governor of Jigawa State for two terms.
In the aborted Third Republic, he was the National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the platform on which the late Chief MKO Abiola contested and won the 1993 presidential election, which was annulled by former military president Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
The author called on President Tinubu to pay the Abiola family N45 billion owed to the late business mogul, to bring closure to the June 12 matter.
Minister for Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who represented Tinubu, said: “The President welcomes constructive criticism at all times in the spirit of freedom of speech and democratic engagement, but he will also never allow himself to be distracted from doing what is right for Nigeria.
“Are we saying that we are where we need to be and that there isn’t room for more work to be done? Certainly not.
“What we are saying is simple: that President Tinubu has demonstrated uncommon audacity and vision to set Nigeria on the path of true growth and development.
“After a somewhat rocky start, owing to the toughness of the inevitable reforms, we are now entering an era of intended beneficial outcomes, underlined by macroeconomic stability.”
On national security, Idris assured that President Tinubu is leaving no stone unturned in his efforts to protect Nigerians and the nation’s territorial integrity from terrorist elements.
He also applauded the military and other security agencies involved in the anti-terror war for not disappointing the country.
Idris said the Tax Bills, initiated by the President, are aimed at growing revenues for governments at all levels to foster national development, while also not imposing additional burdens on taxpayers.
The President congratulated Lamido, saying that the book is an important contribution to Nigeria’s political literature and democratic discourse.
He said the book presented Lamido’s reputation as a principled and blunt politician and a statesman.
“This is not merely the unveiling of a book. It is the celebration of a life defined by courage, consistency, and commitment to democratic ideals.
“Sule Lamido, though a staunch member of the political opposition and often a critic of the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), remains one of the strong pillars of Nigeria’s political evolution,” he stressed.
The President recommended the book to students, scholars, journalists, and politicians, saying that they would “find it instructive for many years”.
‘Pay Abiola family N45b’
Lamido urged the Federal Government to pay the N45 billion debt owed to Abiola, saying it would close the June 12 chapter in national history.
He said: “I want to appeal to President Tinubu to finally close the chapter of June 12.
“When (General) Murtala (Muhammed) died, Abiola came in with a claim that he was owed, I think, about N45billion for contracts executed by International Telephone and Telecommunication (ITT) – a company owned by Abiola, for the Ministry of Communications.
“The military high command at that time said no.
“He went round the Emirs in the North to lobby, and the Emirs asked that they (military) should please pay the money.
“They (military) said they cancelled the June 12 elections because if they made him President, he would take his money and the country would become bankrupt.
“Those who were close to Abacha should know this, because Abacha was then one of the big shots; they were all aware.
“In his book, General Ibrahim Babangida acknowledged that Abiola won the election. When I visited him, he also confirmed that Abiola is owed N45 billion.
“He (Abiola) was doubly punished: first, denied the presidency; second, denied what is owed to him.”
Lamido urged Idris to deliver the message.
He said: “Please, tell the President to pay the Abiola family the N45 billion. Once this is done, the June 12 chapter will be closed. It is very important.”
Gen. Abubakar described the book as “another valuable addition” to the growing list of books written by key players and actors in politics and governance.
Abubakar, who was represented by Attaihru Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), said Lamido tried to record his life account “forthrightly and passionately”.
“As good autobiographies are expected to do, he has given us, the readers, a rich personal account of his life, offering us a unique perspective on his background, experiences, challenges, triumphs, and post-factual reflections and analysis,” he said.
Noting that the book was full of insights and wisdom, Abubakar said the author navigated his childhood memories, career path, life trajectory, and personal lessons from his private and public relations.
“Alhaji Sule Lamido deserves commendation for this contribution.
“He made a courageous effort to put pen to paper in the tedious process of producing a book worthy of the name.”
Obasanjo, who wrote the foreword to the book, recalled how he picked Lamido as minister during his first tenure as president.
He said he appointed him as a minister despite not knowing him personally, adding that the former governor has an “admirable character”.
Obasanjo said Lamido did a magnificent job when he was minister.
He stressed: “Such a magnificent job, that within the three years of our coming to government, the Queen of Britain and the Queen of the Commonwealth actually came to Nigeria to participate in the CHOGM.
“And that was actually the greatest indication that we had been accepted—no matter what the past was.
“We had been accepted by the international community, in Africa, in the Commonwealth, in the United Nations, and everywhere.”
Hashim hails Lamido, calls for value-based politics
Former presidential candidate and long-time political associate of Lamido, Gbenga Olawepo Hashim, described the author as “a man of deep convictions, integrity, and a true patriot whose life reflects the ideals Nigeria desperately needs today.”
Hashim emphasised that while wealth and status may fade, character remains the lasting hallmark of leadership.
“Money will fade away, but character and integrity will remain. Sule Lamido embodies these enduring values. He has remained true to his principles and to the nation,” he said.
Recalling their decade-long relationship, Hashim offered rare insight into their shared political history.
He said: “President Obasanjo said he met Lamido in 1999, but I have known him for over 30 years. We stood side by side during the struggle against military rule.
“On the day the PDP was founded, we drove together to Minna in his car, driven not by ambition, but by a shared vision for Nigeria.
“Nigeria needs this kind of example—leaders who are consistent, tested, and rooted in service. This is how we can chart a new and credible path forward.”
Other dignitaries at the ceremony were former National Security Adviser, Gen. Aliyu Gusau; Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi; former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi; former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Anyim Pius Anyim; former Vice President Namadi Sambo, Chairman of Northern Governors Forum, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, and Vice Chancellor, Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State, Prof. Umar Pate.
