“Sani Abacha is the most misunderstood president of all time” — Journalist David Hundeyin

Nigerian journalist David Hundeyin has described former military Head of State Sani Abacha as “the most misunderstood president of all time,” arguing that his administration’s achievements have been overshadowed by its human-rights record.

Speaking in a recent interview, Hundeyin said he considered Abacha the closest Nigeria had come to having an “ambitious nationalist” whose time in power was long enough for his vision to potentially become reality.

He said Abacha’s government made two major mistakes, the first being its failure to effectively communicate its achievements to Nigerians and the international community.

Hundeyin, who was born in 1990 and grew up during Abacha’s rule, said that as a child, the main thing he heard about the former leader was that he was a “m¥rderous d!ctator.”

He acknowledged that his personal experience may have been influenced by having wealthy parents who shielded him from some of the realities of the period, but argued that economic figures should also be considered when assessing Abacha’s government.

“He brought inflation down from 75% to single digits in just under two years,” Hundeyin claimed, adding that Abacha’s government also funded nuclear research.

Hundeyin argued that discussions about Abacha have largely focused on the repression and corruption associated with his government, while, in his view, less attention has been given to the administration’s economic and strategic policies.