By Engr. Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi, FNSE
An Autobiography by General Ibrahim Babangida titled “A Journey in Service”has ignited intense debates due to the contentious issues it addresses.
Babangida’s leadership tenure from 1985 to 1993 was characterized by a multitude of controversial matters spanning economic, social, political, moral, and ethical domains.
One of the central issues that captivated the Nigerian populace was his protracted and enigmatic transition program, marked by continual shifts in objectives that many perceived as self-serving.
This intricate subject is explored in Chapter 12 of the book titled “Transition to Civil Rule and the June 12 Saga”.
Despite significant investments of time and resources in the transition initiative, it ultimately resulted in the nullification of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history.
The election, hailed as the most transparent in the country’s history, witnessed Chief M. K. O. Abiola emerging as the presumed victor.
The cancellation of this pivotal electoral event incited widespread unrest, pushing Nigeria to the brink of a severe crisis.
The interim government under Chief Earnest Shonekan was short-lived, as General Sani Abacha promptly seized power, introducing his own transition agenda.
Had Abacha not met an untimely demise, the political landscape of Nigeria might have witnessed his unopposed bid for the presidency, further exacerbating the dilemma.
It was only after his death and the rise of General Abdussalami Abubakar that power was relinquished to civilians, with Chief Olusegun Obasanjo being released and thrust into politics, eventually assuming the presidency on May 29, 1999.
The intricacies surrounding Abacha’s ascension to power and the subsequent events have been meticulously chronicled by various authors such as Dangiwa Umar and Humphrey Nwosu.
Babangida’s recent reflections, as depicted in his autobiography, may be perceived as lacking in profundity.
His narrative often portrays him as indecisive, frequently shifting culpability to deceased individuals and insinuating a sense of powerlessness in the face of challenges.
Nevertheless, his memoir stands as a poignant reminder of a fundamental verity – the coexistence of strengths and weaknesses within individuals and the profound influence these attributes can exert on a nation’s trajectory.
This narrative imparts a valuable lesson for aspiring leaders, underscoring the intricate interplay between personal characteristics and a nation’s destiny.
Engr. Bello Gwarzo can be reached via bgabdullahi@gmail.com