Family of late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha (rtd) has cautioned former Military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida against tarnishing the image of the former military leader.

A statement on Sunday by Mohammed Abacha, the Abacha family noted that Gen. Babangida had in his recent book titled, “A Journey in Service” alleged that the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election “was the responsibility of the late General Sani Abacha.”

Abacha’s family said the claim sparked widespread controversy and necessitate a clear response in the interest of historical accuracy and justice.

The statement which described the allegation as false, said, “Any attempt to shift this blame onto General Sani Abacha, who was a very senior military officer within the regime, is a deliberate distortion of historical facts. For years, various actors have attempted to rewrite the history of that critical period in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.”

The family in the statement argued that Gen. Abacha was neither the Head of State nor the Commander-in-Chief at the time the June 12 election was annulled, saying, “The decision to annul the election was made under the administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, who, as the then Head of State, held absolute executive powers and was solely responsible for the actions of his government.”

Abacha’s family also urged Nigerians to be “wary of revisionist narratives that seek to manipulate public perception for personal or political reasons”, stressing that “The memory of our late father and leader, General Sani Abacha, must not be tarnished by baseless accusations meant to absolve those who were truly responsible.”

On how Gen. Abacha saved Gen. Babangida, Abacha’s family said, “We also find it necessary to state that at the time General Babangida’s life was under threat, it was General Abacha who came to his rescue, ensuring his safety.”

“We regret that ‘A Journey in Service’ missed the opportunity and failed to make history as a truthful and objective account of past events. As one public commentator aptly put it, honesty, sincerity, and integrity are virtues not commonly associated with the author.”

Daily Trust

The Chairman of Operation Safe Corridor Ahmad Muhammad Nana has raised alarms over an emerging threat posed by phone snatchers who intend to exploit the traditional Tashe celebrations to wreak havoc in Kano. This cautionary note was sounded during a visit to Kano State Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya by conglomeration of Operation safe corridor at his office.

The Chairman revealed that some unscrupulous individuals plan to use the traditional Tashe, celebrated towards the end of the first ten days of Ramadan, as a cover for their nefarious activities, including phone snatching. He urged these individuals to desist from such actions and called on their parents to warn them against engaging in criminal activities.

“The Kano state government is fully committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens during this holy month,” he stated. “We are calling on their parents to warn them. The government is doing its best to ensure the safety of its citizens.”

In solidarity with the Chairman’s message, other representatives, including Kamilu Baban Boy, echoed strong warnings to the youth against using the Tashe to create mayhem. They emphasized that the traditional play is intended to bring joy and should not be exploited for criminal purposes.

Abubakar Miji, the PRO of Operation Safe Corridor, reinforced the commitment of the operation’s members, who hail from Kano, to maintaining peace in the state. “We are from Kano; our origin is Kano, and we will not allow the disruption of peace in the state using Tashe,” he asserted. “We know who are behind these moves.”

Therefore, he called on the people of Kano to ensure peaceful coexistence and contribute to a harmonious environment for everyone.

Tashe is a beloved traditional play performed by children and adults alike at the end of the first ten days of Ramadan. It serves as an important cultural event, symbolizing the communal spirit and joyous festivities of the season.

As the Tashe celebrations draw near, on the 9th and 10th of Ramadan, citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

The concerted efforts of the government, Operation Safe Corridor, and the community aim to preserve the peace and ensure a safe and joyous celebration for all.

Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has flagged off the rehabilitation of 17 dilapidated roads in Kano metropolitan area.

Flagging the reconstruction of the urban renewal network with the popular Club road in Nassarawa local government, Governor Yusuf said the initiative was part of his administration’s agenda targeted to transform Kano into mega city.

Governor Yusuf’s statement was contained in a press release issued by his spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa and made available on Saturday.

The statement quoted Governor Yusuf reaffirming that “I feel highly delighted, I feel happy and I feel fulfilled, as your governor who made promise during our NNPP electioneering Campaign, especially in the metropolis, we made a promise when elected, by the Grace of Almighty Allah we are going to make Kano in terms of infrastructural development as one of the best cities in Nigeria.

“Today, we are flagging off one of the gigantic projects for the rehabilitation of dilapidated metropolitan roads which were deliberated and approved by the State Executive Council,” the governor hinted.

Governor Yusuf disclosed that the amount approved for the 17 projects are being reserved in the treasury to ensure timely payment as well as quality job.

Governor Yusuf assured people of the state that any project under his administration must meet global standards before handing over.

He then expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being executed by the contractor and appealed to him to maintain the standard.

The governor said contractors should expect his unschedule visit to the site anytime to ensure accountability.

Responding, Managing Director, Metropolitan Construction Company who handles the project, assured to do an excellent job and promised to complete the project within the specified time frame.

On his part, Commissioner of Works and Infrastructural Development, Engr. Marwan Ahmad said the Urban Renewal Programme For Kano Metropolis was initiated by Governor Yusuf and approved by cabinet members.

He said this particular project commenced from Club Road to Ashton Road to Airport Road to Murtala Muhammad Road.