Maryam Abacha, the wife of the late former Head of State, General Sani Abacha, has defended her husband’s legacy, challenging the credibility of claims that he looted the country’s treasury. She berated Nigerians for believing the official narrative, saying, “And because Nigerians are fools, they listen to everything.”

Mrs. Abacha argued that the consistent vilification of her late husband was rooted in prejudice and political scape-goating. “Why are you blaming somebody? Is that tribalism or a religious problem or what is the problem with Nigerians?” she asked, adding, “I pray for Nigerians. I pray for all of us. I pray that we should have goodness in our hearts. We should stop telling lies and blaming people.”

She also called on the media to uphold its responsibility to educate and inform the public rather than propagate damaging narratives. “I think the press should try, the press, you, the press, should try to educate the people. You are here to help the country. You are not here to bastardise people,” she said.

Mrs. Abacha addressed the long-debated annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, saying, “All I know is that the annulment was not done by my husband.” She questioned the logic behind the looting narrative, given the country’s economic stability and high foreign reserves during her husband’s regime. “So, where did he steal the money from?” she asked.

The former first lady made a philosophical appeal for national unity and tolerance, saying, “Even the single man on the street is very important. We are all human beings, for goodness’ sake. All these wahala should stop. Babangida cannot make things or unmake things.” She added, “Babangida doesn’t make Nigeria alone. Abacha did not make Nigeria alone. Abiola and everybody, nobody is big enough for Nigeria. We are all very important.”