General Sani Abacha (20 September 1943 – 8 June 1998) was a Nigerian military dictator and politician. He was the de facto President of Nigeria from 1993 to 1998.

His regime was tied to human rights violations and allegations of corruption.

Military Career

Abacha was commissionedin 1963, after he had attended the Mons Defence Officers cadet Training College in
Aldershot, England. Before then, he had attended the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna. He took part in the countercoup of July 1967, from the conceptual stage, and may have been a participant in the Lagos or Abeokuta phases of the January 1966 coup. He was also a prominent figure in three coup d'etats of later decades, the first two of which brought and removed General Muhammadu Buhari from power in 1983.

When General Ibrahim Babangida was named President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic ofNigeriain 1985, Abacha was named Chief of Army Staff. He was later appointedMinister of Defence in 1990.

Abacha took over power from the interim government of Chief Ernest Shonekan, who was put into place by General Ibrahim Babangida after his annulment of the 12 June 1993 elections (won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola), this caused a massive popular uproar, which in turn caused untold hardship for some of Nigerians.

Today June 8th marks the 15th Anniversary of the death of the maximum ruler Gen Sani Abacha.

So house do you remember how you felt that day and can you say the Nigeria economy would have fared better had he succeded in translating to a civilian President?

he was a real leader, rip to one of the best nigeria's leader

Katier00 :
he was a real leader, rip to one of the best nigeria's leader

did u say best? Hmmmmmmmmm I'm not so sure o

Katier00 :
he was a real leader, rip to one of the best nigeria's leader

Going by the experience of the average Nigerian since advent of the 4th republic and 14 years of uninterrupted democratic experiment, I may want to agree with you.

Katier00 :
he was a real leader, rip to one of the best nigeria's leader

Because he didnt kill ur father like he did to Saro Wiwa.. A good leader who wanted to be a sit tight leader. Just to mention a few.

He was a useless leader.

Sadly, 15 after, and 14 years of unfettered democratic rule, not much has changed.

Below is the speech he read to Nigerians on the eve of his hostile take over of government from Chief Ernest Shonekan:

Fellow Nigerians, sequel to the resignation of the former Head of the Interim National Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Chief Ernest Shonekan and my subsequent appointment as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief, I have had extensive consultations within the armed forces hierarchy and other well meaning Nigerians in a bid to find solutions to the various political, economic and social problems which have engulfed our beloved country, and which have made life most difficult to the ordinary citizen of this nation.

Chief Ernest Shonekan took over as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces at a most trying time in the history of the country. Politically, economically, and socially, there were lots of uncertainties. Things
appeared bleak and the atmosphere was heavy with uncertainties. However, driven by a belief in himself, his countrymen,
and love for his country, he accepted to face the challenges of our time. I will, therefore, like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to him for his selfless service to the nation. He showed great courage at taking on the daunting task of heading the Interim National Government and even greater courage to know when to leave. Many have expressed fears about the apparent return of the military.

Many have talked about the concern of the international community. However, under the present circumstances the survival of our beloved country is far above any other consideration. Nigeria is the only country we have. We must, therefore, solve our problems ourselves. We must lay a very solid foundation for the growth of democracy. We should avoid any ad hoc or temporary solutions. The problems must be addressed firmly, objectively, decisively and with all sincerity of purpose. Consequently, the following decisions come into immediate effect:

The Interim National Government is hereby dissolved.
The National and State Assemblies
are also dissolved.
The State Executive Councils are
dissolved.

The Brigade Commanders are to take over from the Governors in their States until Administrators are appointed. Where there are no Brigade Commanders, the Commissioners of Police in the State are to take over.
All Local Governments stand dissolved. The Directors of Personnel are to take over the administration of the Local
Governments until Administrators are appointed.

All former Secretaries to Federal Ministries are to hand over to their
Directors-General until Ministers are appointed.

The two political parties are hereby dissolved.
All processions, political meetings and associations of any type in any part of the country are hereby banned.
Any consultative committee by whatever name called is hereby proscribed.
Decree 61 of 1993 is hereby abrogated.

A Provisional Ruling Council (PRC), is hereby established. It will comprise:

The Head of State, Commander-in-
Chief of the Armed Forces of the federal Republic of Nigeria as Chairman.
The Chief of General Staff as Vice-Chairman
The Honourable Minister of Defence
The Chief of Defence Staff
The Service Chiefs
The Inspector General of Police
The Attorney General and Minister
of Justice
The Internal Affairs Minister
The Foreign Affairs Minister

Also, a Federal Executive Council will be put in place.

Our security system will be enhanced to ensure that lives of citizens, property of individuals are protected and preserved. Drug trafficking and other economic crimes such as 419 must be tackled and eliminated. On the current
strike throughout the nation following the increase in the price of fuel, I appeal to all the trade unions to return to work immediately. We cannot afford further dislocation and destruction of our economy. On the closed
media houses, government is hereby lifting the order of proscription with immediate effect.

We, however, appeal to the media houses that in this spirit of national reconciliation, we should show more restraint and build a united and peaceful Nigeria.

Fellow Nigerians, the events of the past months, starting from the annulment of the June 12
presidential election, culminating in the appointment of the former Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan, who unfortunately resigned yesterday, are well known to you.

The economic downturn has undoubtedly been aggravated by the ongoing political crisis. We require well thought-out and
permanent solutions to these problems if we are to emerge stronger for them. Consequently, a constitutional conference with full constituent powers will be established soon to determine the future constitutional structure of
Nigeria. The constitutional conference will also recommend the method of forming parties,
which will lead to the ultimate recognition of political parties formed by the people. While the conference is on, the re-organisation and reform of the following major institutions will be carried out:

The Military
The Police
The Customs
The Judiciary
NITEL
NNPC
NEPA
The Banking Industry
Higher Educational Institutions

This regime will be firm, humane, and decisive. We will not condone nor tolerate any act of indiscipline.
Any attempt to test our will be decisively dealt with.

For the International Community, we ask that you suspend judgment while we grapple with the onerous task
of nation building, reconciliation and repairs. This government is a child of necessity with a strong determination to restore peace and stability to our country and on these foundations, enthrone a lasting and true democracy. Give
us the chance to solve our problems in our own ways.

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

General Sani Abacha
GCFR
President Federal Republic Of Nigeria

Bigcake: Because he didnt kill ur father like he did to Saro Wiwa.. A good leader who wanted to be a sit tight leader. Just to mention a few.

And what about GEJ under whose administration thousands of people's fathers, mothers, uncles, Aunties, children et al have been killed through bomb blasts and general insecurity because of cluelessness and lack of ball, guts and will power birthed by weak leadeship?

I hope he gets a special anniversary beating in hell

apoti: I hope he gets a special anniversary beating in hell

Loll.. Dis got me all Cracked up!!!



@OP,Wah do u expect us to remember him for ... He Is So dead and gone rotting in HEll maybe

Can't believe Nigeria missed the nations cup (1996) because of this bas:tard.

RIP Saro Wiwa!

Los Nigerianos son feliz que está muerto!

Making my father rich!

4 what?why remember him?

some apple dat are posting rubbish were not even born den.
@op pls compare his administration n jona's own. to see diff.

Rest in peace brother. We were wrong

hurricaneChris: Can't believe Nigeria missed the nations cup (1996) because of this bas:tard.

RIP Saro Wiwa!

Los Nigerianos son feliz que está muerto!

So Nation's Cup is your own problem

Looking at the deteriorating condition of this country since 1999,all I can say is I MISS ABACHA .

Rest in Peace. I am not gonna judge if you belong to hell or heaven only God can do that.

juman: He was a useless leader.

for useless people

He was a MAN unlike GEJ n co

Soso990240: 4 what?why remember him?

coz he is a good leader may his soul rest in perfect peace

bt atleast durin hiz regime naira had value nt nw

I rather talk about fela instead

Everyone of us will be judged based on how we lived our lives. General sir, may your work follow you to defend or accuse you. RIP!

Katier00 :
he was a real leader, rip to one of the best nigeria's leader

apoti: I hope he gets a special anniversary beating in hell

mmmustapha: He was a MAN unlike GEJ n co

I tell u! during d bakasi saga I bet he will Neva give dat land to Cameroon. if it was abacha dat is in power.

Snow white ate the poisoned apple and got ressurected by a love kiss,Abacha ate his and never woke up because even his wife hated him

[size=20pt]rot in hell[/size]

juman: He was a useless leader.

Simple analysis..compare the nigerian economy, security and stability in the government sects in his time to your present day administration....enough evidences...sit and think....don't blind lift.

juman: He was a useless leader.

how old r u kid?

find.it.ng:

Simple analysis..compare the nigerian economy, security and stability in the government sects in his time to your present day administration....enough evidences...sit and think....don't blind lift.

all these disinfo agents