Obasanjo speaks as IBB reveals top regret, 32 years after

In a shocking revelation some 32 years after the epoch-making event, former Military President Ibrahim Babangida admitted Bashorun MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) met all constitutional requirements, including securing the majority of votes and the necessary geographical spread in the historic June 12, 1993 general elections, to be declared president.

Babangida, who was in power for about eight years, said the annulment of that poll was the most difficult decision of his life.

The administration cited security concerns as reason for the annulment of the exercise, which till date, is still described as the freest and most credible election in the nation’s history.

The former military leader spoke in his autobiography, ‘A Journey in Service,’ unveiled Thursday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

At the event were President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, former Heads of State Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, among others, while President Muhammadu Buhari was represented by Mu’azu Jaji Sambo, a former transport minister.

…My regret – IBB

“There was no doubt in my mind; MKO Abiola won the election. He satisfied all the requirements,” the book reviewer, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo quoted IBB as saying this in the memoir.

Osinbajo highlighted key themes from the book that addressed critical historical events during Babangida’s junta, saying Babangida’s experiences provided valuable lessons for current and future leaders.

While noting that the annulment remained a defining moment in his career, the ex-military leader, however, said he took solace in the fact that former President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously honoured Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) title, a recognition reserved for Nigerian presidents.

Apart from providing some insights into key moments in the nation’s history, the book also dwells on other national controversies such as, the 1976 coup attempt that led to the assassination of then Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, as well as the 1986 letter bomb that killed the celebrated investigative journalist, Dele Giwa.

Sharing his thoughts on the June 12 election often widely described as the most credible in the history of Nigeria,  IBB said  if given another chance, he would have done things differently.

“Undoubtedly credible, free and fair elections were held in June, on June 12, 1993.

“However, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near-perfect electoral system and conducted those near-perfect elections could not complete the process.

“That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret.

“As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch,” the ex-military leader wrote.

Continuing, Babangida further said: “And June 12 happened under my watch, mistakes, oversights and missteps happened in quick succession, but I say in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.”

…Expect criticism, OBJ tells IBB

Declaring the event open, ex-President Obasanjo told Babangida to expect what he called ‘a reaction galore’ to the book.

He said the former military leader, had, by the book, not only contributed to history-making, but also documenting history.

“You have not only contributed to history, you have contributed documenting to history.

“It is an important part of our nation-building to keep accurate records. Please don’t be unduly worried about critics and put-him-down syndrome,” he said.

Obasanjo, also a former military Head of State, added:  “The book will be reviewed, read, quoted, praised and lambasted, and some will agree with you in part, and some will disagree with you in part, some may even wholly disagree with you.

“Why should you write the book? It is self-glorification. They will say. Controversy may even develop. It’s all good for you and good for the book and our nation-building process, the more praised and condemned the book is, the better because it means that it is being read.

 “Please don’t be unduly worried about critics and put-him-down syndrome. It may even be an indication of success but take note of objective criticism. You should expect a reaction galore. The reaction will be good, bad and ugly.”

…Tinubu’s call to African leaders

Speaking at the occasion, President Tinubu stressed the need for unity among African leaders to address the continent’s challenges.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s current socio-political state, Tinubu urged leaders to learn from global events.

“What is happening in America and Europe is a wake-up call. It is time to put our house in order and make Africa a better place,” he said.

The president called for collective action among leaders to address pressing issues such as economic instability, security challenges, and social inequality.

He reaffirmed his commitment to steering Nigeria towards progress: “As your president, I promise to do my best to make decisions that are in the interests of this country. Together, we can build a brighter future.”

The president expressed gratitude for being part of the momentous occasion that commemorated Babangida’s legacy, 32 years after he left office.

“The joy of being alive today, 32 years after giving us an account of stewardship in service, is immense,” he said.

President Tinubu also praised the immediate past President of Ghana, Mr Nana Akufo-Addo, for his insightful keynote address, and highlighted his contributions to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in promoting African sovereignty.

“Your commitment to the cause of our continent is commendable, and we are grateful for your leadership,” he said.

Tinubu  also commended prominent figures in attendance, including former President Goodluck Jonathan and former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (retired).

Tinubu expressed appreciation for Gowon’s lifelong dedication to nation-building:

“Thank you for who you are and for coming around; your commitment to nation-building has been invaluable,” he said.

The president also acknowledged Jonathan’s ongoing dialogues about Nigeria’s future, saying “we always interact sometimes and discuss about the future of this country.”

In his keynote address, former Ghanaian President Akufo-Addo harped on the need for multi-party democracy in Africa’s development, even as he expressed worry at the spate of military takeovers in some parts of West Africa.

…Eulogies for IBB

Also speaking, former Head of State, General Gowon, traced the career trajectory of Babangida whom he described as a “boss of bosses.” from being an aide-de-camp (ADC) to head of state.

“I had a very rough time in government; I was even charged with treason. Later, President Shagari rescinded that order, and you (IBB) eventually restored my rank and honour. You did quite a lot for the country,” he said.

In his remarks, another former military president, General Abubakar, who, like Babangida, hails from Niger state, spoke on his long-standing relationship with Babangida, which, he said, spanned well over 80 years.

In reminiscence, Abubakar recalled a childhood prophecy which foretold Babangida’s rise to power, saying “your memoir will enrich the country.”

“My relationship with Ibrahim has lasted over 80 years. Ibrahim, I want to thank you again for your friendship and brotherhood. We often reminisce about our past adventures, which always bring smiles to our faces. May these smiles continue in our twilight years,” the ex-military leader said.

In a similar tribute, former President Jonathan hailed the military leader whom he described as one of Nigeria’s most charismatic leaders.

He said: “IBB brought us here today to celebrate his book and library. His home has become somewhat of a pilgrimage site.”

“If you contribute to documenting history, it strengthens and makes it more relevant. So today, you are helping us,” Jonathan further stated.

Also in a message to the gathering, former President Muhammadu Buhari, expressed hope that Babangida would continue offering valuable counsel to Nigeria’s leadership.