Read 5 Things Abacha Did Right in Nigeria

By Esther Odili
General Sani Abacha was a Nigerian soldier who came to power through a coup and ruled as the de facto president of Nigeria from November 17^th, 1993 to June 8^th, 1998.

Abacha's family has been dogged by controversies 

The 7th Military Head of State’s regime was one of the most controversial in Nigeria‘s history. Although many described him as a dictator who struck terror in the hearts of many Nigerians, yet his achievement is being recognized and laudable by others.

Amidst condemnation from critics, he won a post-humors centenary award by the government of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in 2014.

June 8, 2016, marks the 18th Anniversary of General Sani Abacha’s death in 1998. What matters most is not how long a leader lived or how long he served his country but his achievement and remarkable contribution towards the development of his country.

Abacha was a dictator as concluded by many, who says his regime was characterized by massive corruption, state-sponsored murder, and assassination, random imprisonments of persons. Despite his perceived dictatorship, his records still outshine those of his successors.

In this regard, there are some things he did wrong and others he did right. Below are 5 things Abacha did right that is remarkable and remembered by Nigerians:

1.       Establishment of the Rule of Law

One of the greatest achievements of Late General Sanni Abacha’s regime was the establishment of the rule of Law. According to him, no one is above the law of the land and the law is not a respecter of any person’s base on strength or weakness, wealth or lack of it.

2.       Vision 2010

The vision 2010 was described as the most comprehensive and realistic blueprint for Nigeria’s development.   

The major crux of Abacha’s Vision for Nigeria is contained in the Vision 2010 report. It is the most detailed and comprehensive policy formulation projection document Nigeria ever had.

The program according to Abacha seeks to move people away from short-sightedness and the daily struggle for short-term gains which do not seem to get us anywhere.

To conceptualize a better future towards which we can channel our individual and collective energies with hope and enthusiasm.

“Ours is an attempt to finally define where we want to go as a people. It should then be easier to know when we deviate from the desired course. If Nigerians ever had any faith in themselves and their future as a nation. “This is the time to demonstrate what needs to be done to set the country along the path of positive growth, and development will be done.”

However, the above report clearly shows a Vision that can be achieved through strategic and initiative measures.

3.       Economic Developments

The former leader and Nigerian soldiers’ regime recorded Unprecedented economic development in the history of Nigeria of which includes: 

i.             The stabilization of the value of the Naira and its stoppage from further devaluation, $1 = 22 Naira throughout his era.

ii.            Increase in the country’s foreign exchange reserve from $494million in 1993 to 9.6 billion by the middle of 1997.

iii.           Oil price was as low as $9 per barrel.

iv.          Reduced external debt of Nigeria from $36billion in 1993 to $27billion in 1997.

v.            Reached an inflation rate of 54 percent inherited from the Ibrahim Babangida’s administration to 8.5 percent between 1993 and 1998.

4.       Policies

During his regime, his policies had more impact on the basic issues affecting ordinary Nigerians.

He initiated the current railways modernization and rehabilitation projects.

Railway system as one of the oldest and cheapest means of transportation is the ordinary man’s means of transportation. It is for this reason Abacha gave priority to Railway project.

Petroleum Subsidy

Abacha petroleum subsidy was more credible in the eyes of Nigerians than similar policies under administrations after him. The price of petrol was N20 per litre then. He moved forward in establishing the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) to manage the proceeds of the subsidy withdrawal.

General Muhammadu Buhari was appointed as the Chairman of the fund – His appointment demonstrated clearly that Abacha placed higher national interest above mere considerations.

With the PTF, Nigeria experienced a great improvement in infrastructure and social services. Hospitals were accessible and affordable, public roads and schools were rehabilitated.

Credible Nigerians independently managed the PTF. Meanwhile, other subsidy withdrawal policies that came after his administration ended up enriching few members of the elite.

5.       Creation of Additional Six States

On the occasion of the 36th independence anniversary on October 1st, 1996, General Sani Abacha announced the creation of six new states to ensure fair spread and balancing. The states are;
Bayelsa state; created out of rivers state with 8 local government areas.
Ebonyi state; created out of Abia and Enugu state with 13 local government areas.
Ekiti State; created out of Ondo state with 16 local government areas.
Gombe State; created out of Bauchi state with 11 local government areas.
Nassarawa State; created out of plateau state with 13 local government areas.
Zamfara state; created out of Sokoto state with 13 local government areas.
Moreso, Abacha approved the creation of an additional 183 local
government areas.

Meanwhile, the circumstances of Abacha’s death have been surrounded by mystery with a popular story suggesting that he ate a poisoned apple given to him by a prostitute.

The former dictator has continued to make headlines annually due to the recovery of large sums of money stolen and stashed abroad by his family.

However, the number of years or months a leader served will not stop him from making a mark in government.