Renowned human rights lawyer and former chairman of the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has strongly criticised former Nigerian military ruler General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) (retd.) for filling his autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” with what he describes as falsehoods and baseless allegations against individuals who are no longer alive to challenge his claims.
Babangida, Nigeria’s military ruler from 1985 to 1993, is one of the country’s most controversial leaders. His tenure was marked by significant political and economic policies, as well as human rights violations.
One of the darkest moments of his regime was the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s fairest election, which was won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.
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In his newly launched autobiography, Babangida finally admitted that Abiola won the election. However, he shifted the blame for the annulment onto the late General Sani Abacha, claiming that Abacha had taken unilateral action to nullify the election without his approval.
Odinkalu: Babangida Is the ‘Grand Commander of Cowardice’
Reacting to Babangida’s claims, Odinkalu accused the former military dictator of fabricating history by making unsubstantiated allegations against deceased individuals, knowing that they could no longer refute him. He described Babangida as the “Grand Commander of the Order of Cowardice”, condemning him for attempting to rewrite history in his favour.
In a series of posts on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Odinkalu wrote:
“Ibrahim Babangida’s book is filled with allegations against dead men and women. He waited until they were all dead and none of them could controvert him, and he portrays himself as a victim of all these dead men and women.”
Odinkalu further criticised Babangida’s credibility, stating:
“This damns him even more than he already was as lacking in character.”
Babangida’s Controversial Legacy
Babangida’s military regime is widely criticised for its anti-democratic actions, political repression, and human rights abuses. Some of the major controversies associated with his rule include:
- The annulment of the June 12, 1993, election, denied MKO Abiola his democratic mandate.
- The 1986 parcel bomb assassination of journalist Dele Giwa, an outspoken critic of the military government.
- Alleged coup plots and political purges within the military, resulted in imprisonments and executions.
- Widespread corruption and economic mismanagement, leading to the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) that devastated Nigeria’s economy.
Odinkalu questioned how Babangida was able to rise through the military ranks despite lacking character and integrity, stating:
“The only question that must be pursued by those interested must be how a man so devoid of character and values was allowed to travel so far in the military to the point where, for a generation, he could routinely pick and choose at his whim which soldier could or should rule Nigeria.”
Lack of Evidence to Support His Claims
Odinkalu also pointed out that Babangida, known for his meticulous record-keeping during his time in power, failed to provide any credible evidence to support his claims in the book. He stated:
“Conveniently, Babangida, a committed record-keeper, could not produce any contemporaneous records, minutes, notes, or other evidence to corroborate any of the serious claims and allegations he makes about these dead men and women.”
He concluded his criticism by sarcastically acknowledging Babangida’s ability to manipulate narratives to suit his agenda, branding him the “Grand Commander of the Order of Cowardice.”
Public Reactions and Ongoing Controversy
Babangida’s autobiography has sparked heated debates, with many Nigerians questioning his attempts to absolve himself of responsibility for the annulment of the June 12 election and other atrocities committed during his regime.
Human rights activists like Omoyele Sowore and democracy advocates have called for justice and accountability rather than historical revisionism.
Despite the Nigerian government’s posthumous recognition of MKO Abiola and the declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day, many believe Babangida and other key figures involved in the election annulment should face legal consequences for their actions.
Final Thoughts
Babangida’s legacy remains deeply divisive. While some regard him as a strategic leader, others see him as a self-serving dictator responsible for derailing Nigeria’s democracy. Odinkalu’s sharp criticism reflects the sentiments of many Nigerians who believe that history should not be rewritten to protect those who failed the nation.
As debates over Babangida’s book continue, one thing remains clear: the wounds of his regime have not fully healed, and Nigerians have not forgotten the consequences of his actions.
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