I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar - Politics

I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar - Politics - Nairaland

Nairaland Forum › Nairaland General › Politics › I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar (12644 Views)

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I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by nlfpmod(mod): 8:43am On Jun 13

Abdulsalami Abubakar has revealed the dramatic events surrounding the death of Sani Abacha in 1998, following which he became Nigeria’s new head of state.

In his autobiography, ‘Call of Duty’, to be unveiled today in Abuja to mark his 84th birthday, the retired general wrote that he was deceived that Abacha wanted to see him on the morning of June 8, 1998.

But on getting to the Presidential Villa, he was locked up in a room for over one hour without any explanations — until the late Ibrahim Coomassie, then inspector-general of police, came to open the door.

The autobiography, published by Cable Books, an imprint of Cable Media & Publishing Ltd, is distributed nationwide by Rovingheights Bookstores and can also be ordered on Amazon.

‘THEY SAID ABACHA WANTED TO SEE ME’

He wrote: “On Monday, 8 June, I received a call very early in the morning that he (Abacha) wanted to see me. I quietly prayed that he would not send me to Togo where there was going to be an ECOWAS summit. I was tired of going everywhere.

“By this time, Lt-General Diya, his No 2, was in detention (over an alleged coup plot). I was effectively the No 2 man in government and I was always representing him at events. I told my wife I was not happy with the call because I didn’t want to travel to Togo. I told my orderly to pack my travelling bag and other personal effects.

“As I entered the bathroom, there was another call. I was told again that the Head of State wanted to see me. Out of frustration, I asked if I was travelling to Togo and the caller replied that it was on another issue. Because of the urgency, I didn’t wear my uniform. I wore a tracksuit and slippers and proceeded to the Presidential Villa.

“On getting to his residence, I was told he was in the office. I wondered why he would be that early in the office. As I was climbing the stairs, one of the guards informed me that Abacha said I should stay in the waiting room. What struck me was that anytime I went to see him, regardless of who was with him, I would still go in.”

‘IGP BROKE THE NEWS OF ABACHA’S DEATH TO ME’

Abdulsalami was in the waiting room for a while and felt something was not right.

“After waiting for about half an hour, I reasoned that it was odd. Major-General Ishaya Bamaiyi joined me shortly after. We waited for about an hour. I decided to go and see Abacha by any means because I could not understand why I should be kept that long. To my greatest surprise, the door of the waiting room had been locked. I asked Bamaiyi if he was aware that we had been locked inside. Something kept telling me that something was wrong but I could not place a finger on it,” he said.

“After some time, the door was opened and the Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, came in. He said: ‘Let’s go.’ We walked towards the residence and I informed him that I was told Abacha was at the office. It was at this stage that he informed me that Abacha was dead. I was shocked. I asked him what happened and he insisted we proceed first. He did not tell me anything else.

“When we got to the residence, I asked to see Abacha’s body. I was told it was inside. I entered the room and removed the covering. I was in shock at the sudden development. I prayed for him and left the room.”

Abdulsalami did not reveal who ordered the door of the waiting room to be locked but insinuated that some military officers had “other plans” as events unfolded.

Later in the day, Abdulsalami was named Abacha’s successor after a vote by the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC).

He organised a very short transition programmed and went on to hand over to a democratically elected government, led by President Olusegun Obasanjo, in May 1999.

https://www.thecable.ng/i-was-locked-up-in-a-room-after-abacha-died-abdulsalamis-startling-revelation-in-autobiography/

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Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by ruzell86: 8:59am On Jun 13

Abacha the fallen General, but by far better than that living BAT.

Baba OBJ's pics below giving good vibes during sane climes. The APC rogues with fake democracy, finished this kwantiri Kwata-Kwata (in Buhari's voice).

53 Likes 6 Shares

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by Afriifa(m): 9:16am On Jun 13*

You don't know how he died but his death made you number one. You only redeemed yourself for being part of that regime by handling power to democracy. Other than that, you're no different from those ex-dictators. How can you be the number two-three person in a terrible government, and try to excuse yourself from the evil associated with the government. Thank God I am no fool

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Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by Wickedfacts: 9:25am On Jun 13

Afriifa:
You don't know how he died but his death made you number one. Thank God I am no fool

You are worse.

A skeptic and a pessimist.

25 Likes 1 Share

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by bolaayenimo: 9:32am On Jun 13

You can't speak to insecurity and tell Tinubu the truth. Who cares about how Abacha died?

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Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by OgwuEgo: 9:39am On Jun 13

You gave us the democracy we have been enjoying to date but APC came and ruined the country.

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Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by Sheuns(m): 9:40am On Jun 13

Is he aware “Call of Duty” is a registered trademark?

Hope he got the right approval to use that name.

9 Likes 1 Share

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by esnbrutality: 9:43am On Jun 13

This man is 84yrs..but YEKINI claims to be 79yrs..so Abdulsalami Abubakar is OLDER than TINUBU.

Abeg ooo..help me explain this wonderful event

21 Likes

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by FSBoperator: 9:44am On Jun 13

ruzell86:
Abacha the fallen General, but by far better than that living BAT.

Baba OBJ's pics below giving good vibes during sane climes. The APC rogues with fake democracy, finished this kwantiri Kwata-Kwata (in Buhari's voice).

Of course Abacha is the best thing to happen to SE.

It's the same Abacha that made many of your so-called billionaires and politicians today.

25 Likes

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by PheelzAlmighty: 9:44am On Jun 13

Dead men tell no tales..

Believe this at your own peril

5 Likes

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by EmekaBlue(m): 9:44am On Jun 13

Na Obasanjo run am... Then use you to cover until his turn again. So na police open door for a whole General then grin

8 Likes

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by DeltaBachelor(m): 9:45am On Jun 13

Wow ! Really ? Military life is something else o

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Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by MrPresident1: 9:45am On Jun 13*

General Abubakar Abdulsalami

One of Nigeria's military strongmen

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Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by Sirseedorf(m): 9:46am On Jun 13

Anything you say, we can't judge you but it is between you and God, whether you lie or you speak the truth, Everyone will be accounts for their deeds.

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Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by Rayjnr: 9:46am On Jun 13

These yeye leaders that only developed 2 local governments in fct for decades, useless leaders,

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Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by njokuuche77(m): 9:47am On Jun 13

Everyone is publishing memoirs and telling their side of history. When President Tinubu eventually writes his autobiography, what chapter will Nigerians remember most, the hardship, or something else entirely?

6 Likes

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by Lumig: 9:47am On Jun 13

WowWow! 😳
What a great achievement for you and your family. Many Nigerians are looking for such opportunity

6 Likes

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by CodeTemplar: 9:47am On Jun 13

ruzell86:
Abacha the fallen General, but by far better than that living BAT.

Baba OBJ's pics below giving good vibes during sane climes. The APC rogues with fake democracy, finished this kwantiri Kwata-Kwata (in Buhari's voice).

i disagree though. Never.

1 Like

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by Afriifa(m): 9:47am On Jun 13

Wickedfacts:
You are worse.

A skeptic and a pessimist.

Nothing constructive here.

2 Likes

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by ARISHEM: 9:48am On Jun 13

The news that Abacha died sweet everyone.
A country President died and everybody was celebrating as if super eagles won the FIFA world cup. undecided

To me it looks as if he was assassinated

6 Likes

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by iwaeda: 9:49am On Jun 13

This was 28 years ago. We are uncovering falsehood. grin

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by Reference(m): 9:50am On Jun 13

EmekaBlue:
Na Obasanjo run am... Then use you to cover until his turn again. So na police open door for a whole General then

Coomasie was very powerful back then.
I remember.... better not say abeg.

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by LibertyRep: 9:50am On Jun 13

You'll still have the courage to explain how MKO died in your custody

1 Like

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by Reference(m): 9:52am On Jun 13

njokuuche77:
Everyone is publishing memoirs and telling their side of history. When President Tinubu eventually writes his autobiography, what chapter will Nigerians remember most, the hardship, or something else entirely?

It is entirely up to him what Nigerians will remember him for. He has ten months left. So says the Constitution.

3 Likes

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by Samogloby: 9:53am On Jun 13

What happens to Nigeria forex reserves after your tenure as military leader

1 Like

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by Onewazobia(m): 9:58am On Jun 13

None of our past or present leaders deserves eulogising. To me, it is even more wrong to whitewash the legacy of those who tormented us in the past. We should tell the truth as it is, so that the current leaders can learn and choose a better path.

7 Likes

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by EmekaBlue(m): 9:59am On Jun 13

Reference:
Coomasie was very powerful back then.
I remember.... better not say abeg.

May his gentle soul RIP. Amen🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by tiswell(m): 10:01am On Jun 13

Y'all are cartel in the military.
And the cartel still dey run things till date

1 Like

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by Afonja2: 10:03am On Jun 13

esnbrutality:
This man is 84yrs..but YEKINI claims to be 79yrs..so Abdulsalami Abubakar is OLDER than TINUBU.

Abeg ooo..help me explain this wonderful event

He will still 0utlive you.

Remember how many of you have kpaied since 4 years ago when you were singing "Baba wey no well... "?

3 Likes

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by Gotocourt: 10:03am On Jun 13

Who did? Can't be Major Almustapha 🤷🏿.

Re: I Was Locked In A Room After Abacha Died — Abdulsalami Abubakar by Premium95: 10:04am On Jun 13

May God have mercy upon us

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