“Coward die many times before their death, the valiant never taste dead but once”

Destiny has a way of manifesting itself at time in a rather callous and sordid manner. The cold hands of death struck in the early hours of Monday, 8 June, 1998 and snatched away from us a rising star, a man full of promise in the person of General Muhammad Sani Abacha, former head of state. He died as a result of heart attack at the age 54.

It is exactly a decade since the demise of the late Nigerian military leader. In view of this, I must pay my glowing tribute to him. The late General Sani Abacha was born on September 20, 1943 in Kano. He joined the Nigerian military as a young man and was trained at various Nigerian and British military college.

Abacha became the seventh Nigerian military head of state in 1993 when he took over from Chief Ernest Shonekan, the head of the so-called Interim National Government put in place by General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime.

Nevertheless, Abacha’s style of administration, particularly his foreign policy, led to the suspension of Nigeria from the common-wealth. The country was diplomatically isolated and there was also the threat of possible sanctions by the United State and European Union against his government.

Abacha’s legacy will forever be remembered as one of selfless service to humanity. He was also dedicated to the pursuit of fairness. His legacy will undoubtedly resonate and be nurtured by many especially those whose lives he positively impacted upon.

Abacha will not be forgotten in our political history for setting up the Petroleum Trust Fund. The PTF is one of the remarkable achievements of his five years administration. The PTF programme impacted on all nooks and crannies of this country within a short time. We still see its legacy in our schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, farms, ministries, parastatals and several other sectors. The rampant youth restiveness in the rich oil Niger Delta region was not so pronounced because he successful tackled most of the problems the people are currently facing, in conjunction with with the oil companies. In addition, Nigerians will not forget the remarkable achievements, both in the continent and globally in sports when the Super Eagles won the Africa cup of Nations in Tunisia, 1994. Also, the Under-23 team won the first gold medal in Olympic men’s football for Africa. Chioma Ajunwa also won the long jump evendt during the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, George, United State of America.

Obviously, none of Abacha’s policies and programmes now exists as they have been jettisoned.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo pursued what many described as vendetta on the Abacha’s. The government of Obasanjo accused the deceased General Abacha, and his family of looting Nigeria. But in a curious turn of events, Obasanjo, himself a former military head of state, is today accused of similar and even graver charges of corruption, just like he did Abacha. Most of the players accused of pushing for the Abacha presidency found shelter in Obasanjo’s government until many of them fell apart.

General Sani Abacha died at a time his services and advice were needed towards the smooth running of this country.

Abacha was a gallant ad fearless solider who served his country meritoriously; a man with a vision for the black race. Indeed he is a rare gem.

Though death is an inevitable fate which every living soul must endure, I pray that may the lord Allah (SWA) forgive him his shortcomings and grant him paradise.

Ibrahim Sabo Yunusa

Bauchi

6, Abba Road, Unguwan

Kanawa

Kaduna

E-mail: ibrahimgunners@yahoo.com