Poll cancellation done by Abacha forces without my authorisation
The atmosphere was as if a meeting of the nation’s highest advisory body – the Council of State – was about to be held.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all living but one of the former presidents or heads of state were present.
All three former vice presidents were also in attendance.
The venue was not the State House Council Chamber inside Aso Villa, but the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in the heart of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The occasion was the twin event of a public presentation of the autobiography of former military President Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) titled “A Journey in Service” and the inauguration of his proposed Presidential Library to be located in his hometown Minna, Niger State.
Gen. Babangida led the military government between August 27, 1985 and August 27, 1993.
That government initiated the transition to civil rule programme which culminated in the June 12, 1993, presidential election won by the late business mogul Moshood Abiola.
On June 23, the election was annulled, leading to a chain of events, including the setting up of an interim government headed by the late Chief Ernest Shonekan which collapsed within 91 days, followed by Gen. Sani Abacha’s military government.
Yesterday, Gen. Babangida admitted for the first time in 32 years that Abiola won the election.
He praised former President Muhammadu Buhari for declaring Abiola president based on the results.
He explained also for the first time how the election was cancelled by forces led by Gen. Abacha who was then the Chief of Army Staff, without his authorisation.
But he accepted responsibility for the actions taken by his government.
In attendance along with the cream of the country’s political and business leaders were former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan and former Heads of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Three living former vice presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo and Yemi Osinbajo, who reviewed the book, graced the event.
IBB takes responsibility for June 12 annulment
Gen. Babangida described the annulment as a “most regrettable” incident in Nigeria’s history.
He said: “I have had to contend with this question all the time – when will you tell your side of the story?
“Understandably, our period of service has evoked many questions and stories among the public.
“This book, which chronicles my experiences, decisions and challenges, tries to answer some of these questions from my modest perspective.”
Gen. Babangida highlighted the sweeping reforms and significant challenges his government faced, particularly in the economy, foreign affairs, defence and national security.
He noted that despite the sacrifices and inconveniences endured by Nigerians during his tenure, his administration was committed to leaving the country better than it was.
The former leader acknowledged the historic significance of the June 12, 1993, election widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest at the time.
However, he expressed deep regret that his administration, which had designed the electoral system that produced such a credible process, ultimately failed to complete it.
“Undoubtedly, credible, free, and fair elections were held 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,” he said.
Not shying away from accepting personal accountability for the decision that led to the annulment, Gen. Babangida said: “As the leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch, and June 12 happened under my watch.
“Mistakes, oversight, and missteps happened in quick succession, but as I state in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Gen. Babangida acknowledged that his administration’s actions disrupted the nation’s transition to civilian rule but emphasised that the country ultimately overcame the setback.
“Our nation’s march to democracy was interrupted, a fact that I deeply regret.
“But Nigeria survived, and democracy is still alive, a testament to our regime and commitment to progress.”
‘Abacha forces annulled poll’
Gen. Babangida said he was away in Katsina on a condolence visit to the Yar’adu family when some forces led by the late Gen. Abacha annulled the election without his knowledge.
In a portion of the book, he sheds more light on the intrigues culminating in the cancellation of the election.
The former leader noted in the book that he was away in Katsina to commiserate with the Yar’Adua family over the death of Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua, only for him to be informed that the June 12 election had been annulled.
In the book, Gen. Babangida admitted that the annulment of the election was contained in “a terse, poorly worded statement from a scrap of paper, which bore neither the presidential seal nor the official letterhead of the government”.
Exonerating himself, Gen. Babangida on page 275 of his book admitted that the annulment was only a component of a series of other options.
He said: “But to suddenly have an announcement made without my authority was, to put it mildly, alarming. I remember saying: ‘These nefarious inside forces opposed to the elections have outflanked me!’
“I would later find out that the ‘forces’, led by Gen. Sani Abacha (late) annulled the elections. There and then, I knew I was caught up between ‘the devil and the deep blue sea’! From then on, the June 12 elections took on a painful twist for which, as I will show later, I regrettably take responsibility.”
Gen. Babangida also regretted in the book how the fallout of the annulment of June 12 divided the military hierarchy in 1993.
On page 276 of the book, Gen. Babangida writes: “Within the military leadership, there was palpable outrage. The best of us, like Lt. General Salihu Ibrahim and Maj.-Gen. Ishola Williams were alarmed and Col. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar threatened to resign.
“Even Admiral Augustus Aikhomu (late), whose press secretary, Nduka Irabor, had announced the annulment, was horrified. The public vilified me.
“Instigated, among other things, by elements within the armed forces, the Nigerian press called me all kinds of names and described me as a power-drunk dictator who desperately wanted to cling on to power.”
The former military leader described Tinubu as Asiwaju of the universe and Jagaban of Niger State.
Book reviewer Prof. Yemi Osinbajo said Gen. Babangida wrote that Abiola secured a majority of votes and achieved the constitutionally required spread of 25 per cent in two-thirds of states.
IBB inspired me into politics
Recounting how his political journey was inspired by Gen. Babangida, President Tinubu said without his leadership and reforms, people like him would not have ventured into politics.
He described the former leader as a visionary, who championed the inclusion of young, brilliant minds in governance.
He said: “Without you, people like me wouldn’t be in politics. Your progressive revolution encouraged young, brilliant people to participate in politics. We were with you in Dodan Barracks, and you inspired some of us.”
The president reminisced about Gen. Babangida’s leadership and the impact of his policies, particularly in economic and political development.
He praised Gen. Babangida’s role in fostering a new generation of bankers and politicians, noting that the launch of his presidential library was a testament to his legacy.
Tinubu said: “When you look at the programme, some of the bankers and many of us here today, we saw the happiness of a missionary in Babangida. Thank you for what you are.”
Reflecting on his early political career, President Tinubu recounted a tense encounter with Gen. Babangida over the delayed inauguration of elected officials.
He recalled how he challenged the former military ruler on the repeated postponement of the swearing-in of National Assembly members in 1990 despite widespread anticipation.
He said: “One thing I cannot forget: You were in office, and you’ll recall we were elected. You kept on postponing the inauguration. You summoned us to Abuja, and when we became rancorous, you moved us to the International Conference Center.
“I was not expecting to make any comment, I was just listening in my own radical manner, thinking, ‘This man will not inaugurate us again.’ But before we returned to the hotel, the hotel was locked – no keys.”
He recalled how, despite fears that his bold confrontation would land him in jail, Gen. Babangida displayed statesmanship by giving him a handshake afterwards.
President Tinubu said: “I confronted you, telling you that you had an opportunity to make history that day. Why not inaugurate us?
“Why were you calling us back and postponing the inauguration? They thought I would end up in jail. But you came out at the end, shook my hand, and I can never forget that moment. You are courageous.”
Reaffirming Gen. Babangida’s impact on his personal and political life, the president described the Minna-born General as a leader deserving recognition.
He said: “That inspiration has been so impactful in my life. You deserve this day, and we celebrate you for what you are and what you have contributed to the history of this great country.”
Reflecting on Gen. Babangida’s economic policies, President Tinubu praised his role in transforming Nigeria’s banking sector by granting licenses to new-generation banks.
According to him, this decision changed the country’s financial landscape forever.
On the controversial annulment, President Tinubu said he was pleased to hear Gen. Babangida’s reflections on the matter, emphasising the importance of learning from history.
In a firm commitment to governance, the President vowed to make tough but necessary decisions in Nigeria’s best interest, no matter the challenges.
“All I can promise as the President is to strive to do the best, put the best forward, take decisions – no matter how difficult they are – in the interest of the country. You have done so, you have laid the example. Thank you very much.”
President Tinubu cited recent global shifts as a wake-up call for Africa to become more self-reliant and competitive, noting that unfolding events in the United States (U.S.) and Europe highlight the need for the continent to rise to the challenge of nation-building.
The President said: “I’m glad about what is happening in America and in Europe, the contradiction that we are seeing now all over.
“What is it telling us? It’s telling us to wake up, to make Africa a better place, particularly this country, Nigeria.”
The President acknowledged the sacrifices required to advance Nigeria and expressed appreciation for the patience and perseverance of the people.
What they said
Immediate past Ghanaian President Nana Akufor-Ado challenged Nigeria to provide ‘’aggressive’’ leadership for Africa.
He said the call was necessitated by the nature of developments in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Delivering the keynote address, the former President said Nigeria and Nigerians have vital roles to play in uniting African nations and their economies.
He said: “I cannot forgo the chance of this prestigious platform to mount an important hobby horse of mine, and that is the appeal I’ve made before in this great country, to the political and economic elite of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to take aggressively the leadership of West Africa, and Africa’s efforts to unite our nations and economies.
“Developments in the world indicate the nature of the concentrations that are emerging in Europe, Asia and the Americas, to fortify and expand the possibilities of power and wealth available to them.
“We in Africa cannot afford to be left out of such a process and for our prospects of effective integration to materialise, the Federal Republic of Nigeria has to assume our historic responsibilities and lead our development towards an integrated democratic West Africa and Africa.”
He also advised African nations to desist from reliance on foreign aid, arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic made some nations to be independent.
I recruited Babangida, Abdulsalami into Army
Gen. Gowon recalled how he drafted Gen. Babangida, Gen. Abdulsalami and eight other young “boys’’ who he did not name to join the military in 1962.
He particularly commended the resilience, dedication and courage of Gen. Babangida.
Going down memory lane, Gen. Gowon remembered how Gen. Babangida restored his military ranks and honours after being stripped of them all in 1976 for his alleged involvement in the failed Bukar Suka Dimka coup.
Obasanjo tells author to expect criticisms
Gen. Obasanjo advised the former military President to expect criticisms that would trail his book.
Gen. Obasanjo, who chaired the occasion, commended Gen. Babangida for writing the book, stressing that he (Babangida) has not only contributed to history-making, he has documented history.
He said: “You have not only contributed to history, you have contributed to documenting 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.
“The book will be reviewed, read, quoted, praised and lambasted.
“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?
‘’They will say it is self-glorification. Controversy may even develop. It’s all good for you and good for the book and our nation-building.
“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 criticisms. You should expect a reaction galore. The reaction will be good, bad and ugly.”
IBB product of prophesy, says Abdulsalami
Gen. Babangida’s childhood friend and Nigeria’s last head of state, Gen. Abdulsalami, said the author was a product of prophecy.
He recalled how a soothsayer in Minna predicted in 1952 that Gen. Babangida would lead the country.
Abdulsalami said: “Mr President, with your permission, I will go back to memory lane.
“When we were growing up on the street of Minna (Niger State capital), that was about 80 years ago, it might interest all the distinguished guests here that as far back as 1952, a soothsayer told us that Ibrahim was going to be the Head of State of this country.
“Ibrahim and I joined the military, courtesy of the then Captain Gowon, a young dashing and very smart officer.
“Captain Gowon came to lecture us to join the military. When we joined the Army, all we were hoping for was to get to the rank of captain and then retire.
“But God in His mercy propelled us to become generals, and by His grace, both of us became heads state of this country.’’
Gen. Abdulsalami thanked Gen. Babangida for their friendship and brotherhood, saying: “No moment goes by when we remember our escapades without bringing smiles to our faces.”
He prayed for the smile to “continue during our twilight as we continue our service to this nation.”
Jonathan: Author still relevant
Dr. Jonathan said the author remains relevant in the country’s contemporary political development after over three decades of leaving office.
He said the fact that his wisdom was still being sought by many who troop to his Minna Hilltop home for consultation was a testament to his relevance.
Dr. Jonathan said: “Ibrahim Bagandiga as we all know, is one of the most charismatic leaders in this country. He is up-to-date.
“People go as if they are on a pilgrimage to consult him. We thank God for giving him that grace and the wisdom to continue to mentor people.”
Turning to Gen. Babangida, the former President said: “In terms of leadership, Nigerians know you have contributed significantly in terms of the infrastructure development of this country and social mobilisation.
“We cannot write the history of Nigeria without dedicating a reasonable part to your service. You’ve done well.”
Dr. Jonathan called on the Federal Government to take over the administration of the proposed Library and that of former President Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He said: “When I left office the first six months, I visited most of the presidential libraries in the United States. The presidential libraries there are taken as federal government assets.
“So, Mr. President should set up a department in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) office.”
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by ex-Transportation Minister Jaji Sambo, expressed hope that Gen. Babangida would continue to offer valuable counsel to Nigeria’s current leaders.
Naira rain
Leading pack of fundraisers for the proposed IBB Presidential Library was business magnate, Abdulsamad Rabiu, who donated N5 billion.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma donated N3 billion and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, pledged an annual donation of N2 billion for four years.
Others included Oranto Oil boss, Arthur Eze, N500 million, Pastor Folorunso Alakija and Senator Sani Musa, who did not make their donations public.
Abuja stands still for Babangida
There was traffic gridlock on roads leading to Transcorp Hilton Hotel venue of the event as early as 8:30am.
Many dignitaries and guests struggled to gain access to the venue.
As early as 7am, security presence was visible within and around the hotel as armed policemen, plain-clothed detectives and security personnel stood strategically to direct human and vehicular traffic.
From the Unity Fountain to Aguyi Ironsi Street and Adetokunbo Ademola Cresent, many invitees hopped out of their cars and walked down to the Congress Hall.
Access into the hall was not without thorough screening by the security operatives stationed at the three checkpoints created on the approach to the hall.
Notwithstanding Gen. Babangida’s membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in attendance at the three-hour event were politicians from across different political divides.
They freely mingled and threw banters at the gathering that reflected the former military leader’s political influence in the West African sub-region.
Former Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Bio Koroma and his Ghanaian counterpart Akufor-Ado were among the international guests.
Dangote, Rabiu and Alakija were among the representatives of the business community.
Also in attendance were serving and former governors, members of the National Assembly, and traditional and religious leaders.
Dangote hails architect of private sector IBB
Dangote yesterday praised Gen. Babangida for implementing policies that liberated the private sector in during his regime.
He commended Babangida for his transformative policies that encouraged local investors to play prominent roles in the economy.
Dangote highlighted the abolition of import licences, which helped stimulate domestic industries.
These reforms, among others, ensured that Nigeria now has more private-sector involvement than any other country in Africa, he said.
This shift, according to Dangote, led to a contribution of 85 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from the private sector, while the government contributes just 15 per cent.
He said: “Your Excellency, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for all you have done for Nigeria. Many may not realise that you were the architect of the private sector in Nigeria.
“Anyone in the private sector who has achieved prominence today owes it to you, as you provided us with the necessary licences. In the past, we used to struggle to obtain licences through intermediaries, including Indians.”
Dangote recalled how Babangida’s policies facilitated the growth of Nigerian businesses, enabling them to thrive.
He said: “Your Excellency, in 1986, you abolished the requirements for import licences, and it was because of that decision that we were able to reach the highest levels of growth.
“I recall a day when you granted almost 30 of us banking licences. You also instructed five Nigerians to pay N1 million each for oil blocs.
“Your Excellency, I could continue to list all the reforms you introduced that liberated the private sector, which is why Nigeria has more private sector involvement than any other country in Africa.
“It is only in Nigeria where government contribution to GDP is a mere 15 per cent, with the remainder being driven by the private sector.”
Expressing hope that future leaders will adopt similar policies for the betterment of the country, he said: “I want to thank you once again, and I am confident that future leaders will continue to follow your example, working closely with the private sector.”
On his contribution to the IBB Presidential Library project, Dangote said: “Your Excellency, based on what I have observed, I believe this project will require at least four years to complete.
“I would like to contribute N2 billion each year for the next four years, amounting to N8 billion in total. Should the project extend beyond four years, I will continue to contribute N2 billion annually.”
