In his autobiography, Being True To Myself, presented on May 13, 2025, former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido revealed how he urged the late President Umaru Yar’Adua to avoid a confrontation with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo. On pages 257 and 258, Lamido described two incidents that suggested Yar’Adua was challenging Obasanjo. The first involved a National Assembly debate on the $16 billion National Independent Power Project (NIPP), led by a prominent PDP member from Katsina, Yar’Adua’s home state, implying Obasanjo misappropriated funds. Lamido warned Yar’Adua about the debate’s implications, but the president dismissed it as a matter for an independent arm of government.
The second incident occurred when Yar’Adua’s Chief Security Officer, Tilde, called Lamido in Dutse, insinuating he was in Ota with “his President” (Obasanjo) and mentioning a petition against him that could be suppressed. Offended, Lamido insulted Tilde and flew to the Presidential Villa, where he confronted the security officer publicly, reminding staff that Yar’Adua owed his presidency to Obasanjo. Meeting Yar’Adua, an emotional Lamido pleaded, “In the name of God, do not fight Obasanjo,” citing cultural and religious values against ingratitude. Yar’Adua calmed him, confirming instructions to his ADC, Lt. Col Mustapha, to accommodate Obasanjo’s needs without question. Reassured, Lamido left, satisfied with Yar’Adua’s stance.
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