Former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar recounts General Sani Abacha's 1993 coup and his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff
via Punch Nigeria7 min read
Former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar retd. has revealed details surrounding the November 1993 coup led by General Sani Abacha, as documented in his autobiography 'Call of Duty'. Abubakar initially rejected Abacha's offer to appoint him as Chief of Army Staff twice, expressing his reluctance to be used by civilians. He recounts being posted to the National War College when political tensions escalated after the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election. Abubakar received early warnings of a potential coup from Rear Admiral Suleiman Saidu and later from retired Major-General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua. Following the resignation of Chief Ernest Shonekan, Abacha moved to claim power. Abubakar initially refused to attend a meeting of senior military officers, leading to pressure and an embarrassing incident where he was denied entry to the Flag Staff House. He later received a summons from an officer and then a direct call from Abacha, who again offered him the position of Chief of Army Staff. Abubakar accepted on the conditions that he would be politely informed if his services were no longer needed and that their relationship would allow him to always speak the truth. Despite this, he was not invited to join the ongoing meeting. The next day, he was informed he was on a list of 15 officers to be retired, but instead, a female journalist revealed to him that he had been named Chief of Defence Staff. Abubakar's book also details his long-standing personal history with Abacha,
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadFormer Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, in his autobiography 'Call of Duty,' disclosed that some politicians who publicly supported Chief MKO Abiola during the June 12 crisis were secretly working with the government. He also revealed that other politicians collected money from both Abiola and his opponent, Bashir Tofa, during the 1993 presidential election. Abubakar recounted Tofa's personal story of politicians requesting money for mobilization, assuring votes, and then being seen with Abiola's party chairman. Abubakar also shared a personal experience from the 1980s, witnessing politicians from warring factions of the Peoples Redemption Party privately socializing despite public animosity. He noted that this encounter, along with observations from the First Republic where politicians from different parties visited Premier Sir Ahmadu Bello, hardened his view of Nigeria's political class. He applied these lessons to the June 12 impasse, stating that ordinary Nigerians were unaware of the behind-the-scenes activities. Abubakar, who was Chief of Policy and Plans at Army Headquarters during the annulment of the June 12 elections, emphasized that Nigerians should not allow politicians to create divisions along ethnic and religious lines, as politicians often socialize privately despite public disagreements. He concluded that the masses are often pawns in the hands of politicians.
Must ReadThe Prayer and Support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and Other Security Agencies PASNAFOSA has expressed profound sorrow over the death of Major General Rabe Abubakar retd, former Director of Defence Information. He reportedly died in kidnappers' custody in Katsina State, suffering from diabetes and hypertension complications after being abducted with his wife in Matazu Local Government Area. PASNAFOSA condemned the circumstances of his death, highlighting the tragedy of a dedicated officer falling victim to the insecurity he fought to combat. The group described him as a patriot who served Nigeria with honor and professionalism, stating his death is a significant loss to his family, Katsina State, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and the nation. PASNAFOSA urged the federal government and security agencies to intensify efforts against kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism, demanding that those responsible for Abubakar's abduction and death be brought to justice. Furthermore, the organization reiterated its opposition to granting amnesty to repentant terrorists without accountability, expressing concern over the reintegration of former Boko Haram members. They emphasized that justice, accountability, and the security of innocent Nigerians must be paramount, and the sacrifices of military personnel should not be undermined. PASNAFOSA extended condolences to Major General Abubakar's family, the government and people of Katsina State, and the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Must ReadFormer Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar retd., in his autobiography 'Call of Duty,' disclosed that some politicians publicly supporting Chief MKO Abiola during the June 12 crisis were secretly collaborating with the government. He also revealed that others accepted funds from both Abiola's campaign and his opponent, the late Bashir Tofa, during the 1993 presidential election. Abubakar described Nigerian politicians as a distinct group who publicly fuel ethnic and religious divisions while privately socializing. He recounted an anecdote from Tofa, who shared how politicians requested money for mobilization, promising votes, only for Tofa to later find the same individuals with Abiola's party chairman. Abubakar also shared a personal experience from the 1980s, witnessing politicians from warring factions of the Peoples Redemption Party PRP privately interacting despite public animosity. He noted that this duplicity was systematic, observing a similar dynamic during the June 12 crisis where some perceived Abiola supporters were actually aligned with the government. Abdulsalami, who was Chief of Policy and Plans at Army Headquarters during the annulment, emphasized that Nigerians should not allow politicians to create divisions, as politicians often reconcile privately despite public disagreements.