Reality TV star Terseer Kiddwaya has sparked fresh debate with revelations about his father’s role in Nigeria’s political history. The businessman claimed his father, Terry Waya, played a key part in ending military rule.
According to Kiddwaya, when General Sani Abacha died in 1998, his father’s close friend—who was second in command—assumed power. The new leader visited their home seeking guidance.
Kiddwaya said his father, Terry Waya, advised handing over to a democratic system where citizens could vote. “Give it to democracy,” he reportedly told the successor. Nigeria transitioned under General Abdulsalami Abubakar, leading to the 1999 elections.
The BBNaija alum described his father as modest, rarely boasting about such influence. He only learned these details recently, including claims that Terry Waya discovered Banana Island in Lagos.
Terry Waya, a Benue-born entrepreneur with extensive UK ties, built a reputation as a flamboyant socialite during the military era. His wealth has long drawn scrutiny.
Critics on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to push back. Some linked the family’s fortune to the Abacha regime, alleging involvement in money laundering schemes. Past reports mention Terry Waya’s 2005 arrest in London on suspicion of financial crimes.
One user recalled old claims that Waya benefited from the military government that suppressed democracy. Others dismissed the story as self-aggrandizement by a privileged scion.
Kiddwaya has not provided documentary evidence for the private advice. Historians credit Abdulsalami Abubakar’s administration with the swift democratic handover amid public pressure.
The claims highlight ongoing questions about elite influence in Nigeria’s transition from dictatorship. While Kiddwaya celebrates his father’s behind-the-scenes input, skeptics view it through the lens of accumulated military-era wealth and unverified narratives.
This episode adds another layer to discussions around legacy, accountability, and how power truly shifted in late 1990s Nigeria
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!