Thirty years after as the nation prepares for the celebration of Democracy Day on Thursday, June 12, 2025, eight military officers, convicted of plotting to overthrow the maximum dictator, General Sani Abacha, in 1995, have sent a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu to implement the recommendations of the Justice Chukwudifu Oputa Truth and Reconciliation Commission, popularly known as Oputa Panel.
The General Sani Abacha’s regime had, in 1995, announced that it had uncovered a plot involving over 40 military officers and civilians.
The list included former Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo, his Deputy while in office, Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (who later died in prison), Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya, then Chief of General Staff (and Abacha’s second-in-command to Abacha), and Major General Abdulkarim Adisa, then Works and Housing Minister.
The oppressive regime claimed that the Generals and 36 others, had planned to invade the Aso Rock Presidential Palace and sweep the dictator and his gang off power.
Compensation for their suffering
Restoration of their ranks and benefits
Promotion to the ranks they would have attained
Comprehensive rehabilitation
Mr President, the time has come to right the wrongs of the past, to heal the wounds that have festered for far too long.
By implementing the recommendations of the Oputa panel, you have the power to bring closure to our long-suffering souls, restore our faith in justice, and reaffirm your administration’s commitment to the rule of law.
Thank you for your attention to our plea.
Yours Sincerely,
Col Lawan Gwadabe,
Col Emmanuel Ndubueze
Col Gabriel Ajayi (late)
Col Roland Emokpae,
Col Edwin Jando,
Col Babatunde Bello-Fadile
*Col Olusegun Oloruntoba
Cdr Dennis Omesa