BOOK LAUNCH: Iyorchia Ayu recalls how Sule Lamido stood up to serving IGP, told military president to his face: “You must resign”

By KEMI KASUMU

Former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Senate President of the botched Third Republic, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, has praised his former National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and former former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, for his courage and strong principles.

He said Lamido is known for defending the poor and underprivileged people with passion and boldness.

Ayu stated that Alhaji Sule Lamido, aldo a former Minister of Foreign Affairs under Obasanjo’s administration, always stands firm against anything or anyone he sees as oppressive or unjust.

Ayu said Lamido once told an Inspector General of Police (IGP) to his face, “who are you?”. He also stated that Lamido had the courage to tell a military Head of State point-blank to resign from office.

Ayu further disclosed that during the time of President Olusegun Obasanjo, Lamido was asked to sign a post-dated resignation letter as a condition for becoming Foreign Affairs Minister.

But, according to the former Senate President, Lamido, a strong ally of Hope ’93 apostle MKO Abiola, refused to sign the letter.

Ayu described Sule Lamido as someone who does not compromise when it comes to standing up for what he believes is right, no matter who is involved.

In Ayu’s words, “Only Sule could tell a powerful Inspection General of Police to his face ‘who are you’. Only Sule could boldly tell a military president to his face ‘sir, you must resign and leave office’. Only Sule would refuse to sign a post-dated letter of resignation, a pre-condition for serving as a foreign minister under Obasanjo,” he recalled.

Ayu said this as a prelude to his assignment as reviewer of Sule Lamido’s autobiography titled, “Being True to Myself”, during the book launch well attended by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, governors of Northern and Southern Nigeria from across the parties in Abuja o Monday May 12, 2025.

He told the very large audience of eminent Nigerians and members of the diplomatic corp that reviewing a book of over 500 pages can be very complex, especially as it relates to an equally complex human being like Sule Lamido, so that whatever he would present would best be an appethiser and also to encourage people to read the book.

“It is a big book but when you start reading, you can hardly drop it. The book, ‘Being True to Myself’, is an autobiography that chronicles the life and time of Sule Lamido,” he added and then moved on.

Also speaking at the event were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, under whom Lamido served as Minister of Foreign Affairs, and former Governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who was Minister of Transportation under Muhammadu Buhari (2015-2023), among others.

It’s up to Sule Lamido to decide whether I was a crazy fool or a clever guy to appoint him as Minister – Obasanjo

According to Leadership News, former president Olusegun Obasanjo has reiterated that the responsibilities of both past and present Nigerian leaders are far from complete, emphasizing the ongoing need for committed efforts in steering the nation toward achieving its full potential.

Speaking in Abuja during the public unveiling of the autobiography of former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, Obasanjo reflected on the importance of continued service to the country, particularly by those who have held positions of power.

His remarks were directed not only at Lamido but also at a broader audience of elder statesmen and political figures still playing active roles in national affairs.

The event served as a platform to reinforce the relevance of experienced leadership in shaping the country’s future amid longstanding social, economic, and political challenges.

The former president’s statements were delivered during a gathering to launch Lamido’s book, which presents a detailed account of his personal and political life.

Obasanjo, who contributed the foreword to the publication titled, “Being True to Myself”, used the occasion to highlight the ongoing responsibilities of veteran politicians in the nation-building process.

He pointed out that while individuals like Lamido have contributed significantly to public service, their role in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and social cohesion remains necessary.

This observation comes at a time when the country is dealing with various structural issues and when the voices of experienced leaders are increasingly viewed as vital in providing direction and balance.

Obasanjo also took time to commend Lamido’s character, specifically recalling moments that reflected the former governor’s principled stance in public office. One notable example was Lamido’s decision to decline the request for an undated resignation letter, a measure meant to ensure accountability among ministers during Obasanjo’s presidency.

This action, according to the former president, exemplified Lamido’s independent thinking and commitment to democratic values. By recounting this, Obasanjo drew attention to the importance of upholding integrity and resisting arbitrary demands in governance.

Such moments, he suggested, reveal the complexities of political leadership and the choices that define one’s legacy in public service.

In further recollection, Obasanjo shared an anecdote involving Lamido and a former British Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook, during which questions were raised about Lamido’s appointment as a minister.

According to the former president, Cook had expressed curiosity about how well Obasanjo knew Lamido prior to giving him the portfolio. Lamido’s clever reply, which reportedly amused both parties, was cited by Obasanjo as an instance of the former governor’s ability to navigate difficult or uncertain diplomatic conversations.

Although light-hearted in delivery, this account served to underscore the necessity of personal judgment and trust in leadership decisions, especially when choosing individuals for strategic positions in government.

He said, Lamido’s witty response, Obasanjo noted, left Cook wondering whether the President was “a crazy fool or a very clever guy.” “Well, it’s up to Sule to decide which one I was.

Sule Lamido took me in a crowd, if they were Boko Haram, they would have killed us – Amaechi

Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Transport of Nigeria, is known for his candid and sometimes controversial remarks, especially when reflecting on his experiences in public service and political engagements.

One such moment came when he recounted an incident involving Sule Lamido, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs and a prominent northern political figure.

Amaechi stated, “Sule Lamido took me in a crowd of over 1,000 persons we were talking. If they were Boko Haram people, they would have killed us.”

This remark underscores both his deep trust in Lamido’s leadership and the volatile security context in parts of Nigeria.

Amaechi’s statement highlights the bravery and political boldness he associates with Lamido, emphasizing that despite the risks, Lamido mingled freely with the people.

The quote implies not only the danger public officials face, especially in unstable regions, but also the kind of grassroots connection and courage that politicians like Lamido exhibit.

Amaechi himself has been a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political scene, having served as Governor of Rivers State before his appointment as Minister of Transport.

CLICK HERE WATCH AMAECHI SPEAKING

Sir, thank God you didn’t become the president, you would have been a president without justice – Sule Lamido

Sule Lamido, former Governor of Jigawa State, has reflected on the events that led to the formation of the G34 coalition, describing it as a determined stand against General Sani Abacha’s efforts to perpetuate military rule.

Lamido recalled that the group, made up of patriotic Nigerians from all walks of life, was united in its fight against autocracy and its push for a return to democratic governance.

In an interview with Vanguard Newspaper, Lamido shared that he and Abubakar Rimi were arrested on the same day the G34 was formally established.

He revealed that the State Security Service (SSS) had secretly been tracking their movements. While they traveled from Kaduna to Abuja, Lamido and Rimi were unaware they were being followed, only to be arrested later at their respective homes.

“We got home at around 10:30 p.m., unaware that SSS agents had followed us the entire day,” Lamido recounted. “From the time we left Kaduna to when we reached Abuja, they had been tailing us. They then moved in to arrest us right after we arrived home.”

Lamido further explained that after his release, he insisted on understanding the reason for his detention. The SSS director avoided providing an answer, instead passing the matter to another senior official. Ultimately, Lamido was informed that the order to arrest him came directly from Isma’ila Gwarzo, the National Security Adviser at the time.

He found out that the SSS had no legitimate grounds for the arrest and was only acting on orders from higher authorities.

Lamido’s account provides insight into the oppressive atmosphere during Abacha’s military regime and honors the courage of the individuals who, despite the risks, challenged authoritarianism and called for a return to democracy.

Lamido’s words to a political opponent were: “Sir, thank God you didn’t win the presidency. We thank God, because under your leadership, there would have been no justice. You could have easily condemned someone based on mere rumors. If someone reported that ‘Mr. A has killed someone,’ you would have immediately ordered his execution without any investigation. Sir, is that the kind of legacy you wish to leave to Barewa?”