Maryam Abacha Revealed Why Nigerians Should Stop Blaming Her Husband

Maryam Abacha, the widow of Nigeria’s former military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, has come out strongly to defend her late husband’s legacy, urging Nigerians to stop blaming him for the country’s economic woes and political troubles.

Speaking in a candid interview on Politics on Sunday with Femi Akande on TVC, Mrs. Abacha described the decades-long allegations that her husband looted billions from the Nigerian treasury as “unfair, baseless, and politically motivated.”

“Who saw the money? Who signed it? Where is the evidence?” she asked. “People just talk. My husband kept money for Nigeria, and a few months after he died, it all vanished. Why is nobody asking where it went?”

The former First Lady questioned the credibility of claims that funds allegedly linked to her husband were discovered and repatriated from overseas. She claimed the repeated announcements of “Abacha loot” returns lacked context and transparency, adding that her family has suffered years of public shaming based on speculation.

“My husband was not a thief. He loved Nigeria. All these things they are saying — who is the witness? Show us the proof, not just noise on the streets or foreign news,” she stated passionately.

Mrs. Abacha also addressed another long-standing accusation — that her husband masterminded the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by MKO Abiola. She refuted the claim, saying it was unfair to pin the blame on General Abacha.

“The annulment was not his decision. If it was, that would mean my husband was more powerful than the sitting President at the time. But he wasn’t. He only came in later to fix things,” she said.

On military governance, Maryam Abacha defended the structure and decisiveness of military rule, saying that while it had its flaws, it offered a level of strength and order that civilian governments often lack.

“No government can fail — civilian or military. But military governments have a will to act. Civilians, sometimes, don’t have that strength. That’s why things are the way they are now,” she added.

The widow of the late general also weighed in on Nigeria’s security challenges. Expressing frustration at the country’s long-standing battle with Boko Haram, banditry, and other forms of insecurity, she wondered why a well-equipped nation like Nigeria has struggled where other smaller countries have succeeded.

“We have the resources. We have the experience. Why have we not defeated these people? If ECOMOG could bring peace to other countries, why not in our own backyard?” she asked.

Mrs. Abacha called for greater collaboration between the federal government and the military, saying Nigeria’s armed forces have what it takes to restore peace — if given the right leadership and support.

Beyond the politics, the former First Lady also addressed the state of national unity. She expressed concern over the growing religious and ethnic divisions in Nigeria, urging citizens to look beyond tribe or faith and work together for the country’s future.

“Why are we so divided? Just because someone is from the North or the South, or because they are Muslim or Christian? It’s not fair. We need to change that,” she said.

Concluding the interview, Maryam Abacha called on journalists and the media to be more patriotic in their reporting. She said media narratives play a key role in shaping public perception and urged practitioners to avoid sensationalism and instead focus on building the nation.

“Let’s be good to our leaders. Let’s say good things. The press should help the country grow, not destroy people’s names,” she pleaded.

Though her views may stir fresh debate, Maryam Abacha’s remarks offer a glimpse into how one of Nigeria’s most controversial first families continues to see itself — not as villains, but as misunderstood patriots.

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