On Thursday, February 20, the crème de la crème of Nigeria’s business and political elite gathered at the Transcorp Hotel in Abuja for the launch of former military President Ibrahim Babangida’s autobiography, “A Journey In Service”. The event was a masterclass in opulence, with billions and multi-millions of Naira being donated to the Ibrahim Babangida Presidential Library project.
IBB’s book launch was quite the event! Many prominent figures attended, including President Bola Tinubu, former presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and former Military Heads of State Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar.
However, one notable absence was former President Muhammadu Buhari, who instead sent a message of goodwill. This wasn’t entirely surprising, given the history between Buhari and IBB. As you might recall, IBB led the military coup that overthrew Buhari in 1985, leading to Buhari’s detention.
IBB’s book, “A Journey in Service,” has generated significant interest and discussion. While some have praised the book, others have criticized it for not revealing enough about IBB’s time in power.
Who is IBB?
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, fondly known as IBB, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993. His presidency was marked by significant economic reforms, including the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP). However, his legacy is also marred by controversy, particularly the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
The June 12 Elections: IBB’s Perspective
Although IBB’s book launch was a celebration of his life and legacy, the elephant in the room was undoubtedly the June 12 elections. In his book, IBB provides his perspective on the events that led to the annulment of the election.
IBB expressed regret over annulling the June 12, 1993 presidential election. In his autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” he acknowledged that Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola won the historic election, securing both the majority of votes and the required geographical spread to become president.
IBB accepted full responsibility for the annulment, describing it as a “most regrettable incident” in Nigeria’s history. He also admitted that his administration’s actions disrupted the nation’s transition to civilian rule, which he deeply regrets.
Interestingly, IBB revealed that former military leader General Sani Abacha was behind the annulment of the June 12 election. Abacha’s actions ultimately led to his seizure of power in November 1993.
The 1966 Igbo Coup: A New Narrative?
In a surprising twist, some commentators have begun referring to the 1966 Igbo coup as the “Awolowo coup.” This narrative shift has sparked intense debate, with some arguing that it is an attempt to rewrite history.
The 1966 coup in Nigeria was a pivotal event that changed the country’s trajectory. On January 15, 1966, a group of young military officers, mostly of Igbo descent, staged a coup that overthrew the government of Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The coup leaders, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, assassinated several high-ranking politicians, including the Prime Minister, the Premier of the Northern Region, Ahmadu Bello, and the Finance Minister, Festus Okotie-Eboh.
The coup was sparked by a combination of factors, including corruption, regionalism, and economic inequality. The coup leaders claimed they wanted to eliminate corruption and hold new elections, but their actions ultimately led to a chain of events that plunged Nigeria into a period of instability and violence.
In the aftermath of the coup, General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, an Igbo and a non-participant in the original conspiracy became the Head of State. However, his regime was short-lived, and he was overthrown in a counter-coup on July 29, 1966, led by officers of northern extraction. This counter-coup marked the beginning of a period of military rule in Nigeria that lasted for over three decades.
The 1966 coup had far-reaching consequences for Nigeria, including the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, which lasted from 1967 to 1970 The war resulted in the loss of millions of lives and had a profound impact on the country’s economy, politics, and social fabric.
Now in IBB’s book, he states that Major Kaduna Nzeogwu, the leader of the coup plotters, was born and raised in Kaduna, with immigrant parents from Okpanam in today’s Delta state. He tries to show that Kaduna was “as Hausa as any Hausa person”. Nzeogwu’s ability to speak fluent Hausa and his cultural connections to the North challenge the notion that ethnic sentiments drove the original objective of the coup plotters.
He also states that some senior Igbo officers, like Lt-Col. Arthur Chinyelu Unegbe, were victims of the January coup, and non-Igbo officers, such as Major Adewale Ademoyega, participated in the failed coup to show that the coup was not at all about ethnicity. However, commentators have started to claim that the original objective of the coup was not ethnic-driven, but rather aimed at releasing Chief Obafemi Awolowo from prison. This is why they have started to call it the Awolowo Coup.
As the dust settles on IBB’s book launch, one thing is clear: the former president’s autobiography has ignited a firestorm of controversy and debate. With its revelations and insights into Nigeria’s complex history, “A Journey In Service” is sure to be a talking point for years to come. But will it provide the closure and clarity that many Nigerians are seeking? Only time will tell.
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