How Abacha’s Regime Launched Today’s Southeastern Politicians

I dare say that almost every prominent Ibo politician and self-made billionaire today owes their rise to General Abacha’s military junta. Many of those who emerged in 1999 were his courtiers and contractors. Look at Arthur Nzeribe, who once urged General Babangida to delay the transition just so the South-West wouldn’t win. Or Daniel Kanu’s “Youth Earnestly Ask for Abacha” movement, where every well-known SE politician was filmed praising Abacha—only for him to die days later. It’s no surprise that figures like Giringori, who secured appointments through those networks, still sing Abacha’s praises. Their wealth and influence were built on his regime’s patronage.

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