Former Heads of State, Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha are two men Nigerians love to hate but a man who served under both men described them as “among the greatest Nigerians ever”.
Former Director of the Faculty of Joint Studies in the Command and Staff College, Jaji, Retired Maj.-Gen. Lawrence Onoja said this while speaking on his relationship with and perception of late Abacha, under whose regime he served as General Staff Officer but was later arrested on suspicion of coup plotting.
“Wonderful head of state! He (Abacha) was a wonderful head of state, I am telling you. I served under Babangida and I also served under Abacha. They are among the greatest Nigerians ever. You specifically asked about General Abacha. Among others, don’t forget that the National Hospital which serves countless Nigerians today was built by Abacha.
“In October 1994 when General Sani Abacha withdrew the fuel subsidy and increased petrol price from N3.25k to N11, he gave N5 on every litre to the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) and got General Buhari to head the PTF.
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“During that time, most hospitals across this country had drugs for patients. Most schools had books. The National Stadium that was renamed as MKO Abiola Stadium was built by Abacha.
“The National Stadium in Lagos was built by Gowon, and that shows you that many of the infrastructures that we have in this country today were brought about by military administrations.
“I will discuss that and argue with anybody on such issues! Abacha was a wonderful Head of State and he did his best,” Onoja told The Nation.
Meanwhile, the 74-year-old retired Army general advised the government of President Bola Tinubu against the use of force in Niger Republic.
According to him, the collateral damage that could arise from any war in Niger could trump any benefits.
“I do not support having Nigeria use military force in Niger. I believe that we should vigorously pursue the use of diplomatic pressure on the junta for them to on their own give the West African sub-region and the Chairman of ECOWAS, President Bola Tinubu, who has started very well, a timetable to conduct election for a new President to peacefully emerge and for them to voluntarily relinquish power.
“The use of force in Niger? I don’t think it should ever get to that. I don’t think so. This is because between Niger Republic and substantial parts of Nigeria, there is hardly any difference. I was governor of Katsina State from 1988 to 1990, and as part of the governance of Katsina, I saw a great need to travel to Zinder, Maradi and other parts of Niger Republic, holding meetings with their governors and other officials. And I feel that there is no real difference between us and them whether in terms of religion, culture or whatever.
“In terms of trade, they are always with us in Katsina to buy food, toiletries and everything that you need to survive as a person, and they take these from Nigeria. Do not forget too that there are countless Nigerians who are business men and women there too. So, if you attack them or use military option to try restore the government, the collateral damage may be so much that it would affect not only the people there but also the Nigerians who are living within the border as well as those living within Niger. That is why I do not support the use of force.”