JIMOH Habibullahi (Community Builder)
Well, I’m not here to give another historical lesson, since I wasn’t even born when the June 12 annulment election took place.
However, through my readings and documentaries over the years, I have gained valuable insights into Nigeria’s complex past, especially during the military era.
However from my recent online findings, I’ve come to realize that many Gen Z Nigerians don’t know much about the “evil genius,” General Ibrahim Babangida, except for a few passionate individuals who are interested in understanding the country’s history.
Why did he overthrow Gen Buhari? Why did he fail to give power to MKO Abiola? Why didn’t he honor the junior cadre agreement? And many more..
During the military era, I learned that journalism wasn’t always free to report on sensitive topics, especially those that might embarrass government officials.
This era of censorship and limited freedom of expression had a profound impact on Nigeria’s development.
Sometimes I jokingly wonder if General Muhammadu Buhari has forgiven General Ibrahim Babangida for the 1985 coup. Putting myself in Gen Buhari’s shoes, I ask: would I forgive the same officer who was part of my team and later overthrew my government? Well, it’s not for me to decide.
However, history repeated itself in the case of Gen Sani Abacha years later.
What’s clear, however, is that history wasn’t kind enough to heroes like Chief MKO Abiola, General Musa Yar’adua, and many others.
On the other hand, General Ibrahim Babangida’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. While his regime was marked by controversy, including the annulment of the June 12 election, he also played a crucial role in stabilizing Nigeria’s private sector and licensing.
As noted by General Ibrahim Gbadamosi, Nigeria’s foreign policy during Babangida’s era was characterized by inconsistency and incoherence. Despite these challenges, Babangida’s policies helped Nigeria’s private sector grow, surpassing the rest of Africa in terms of private sector development. This, in turn, boosted the country’s GDP.
Figures like Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mrs. Folorunsho Alakija, and others have testified that Babangida’s efforts helped create a more favorable business environment for them and other Nigerians.
It’s also worth noting that coups in Nigeria didn’t occur because of tribal loyalty or love for one’s people. Rather, they were often driven by the interests of senior officers seeking to promote their own agendas or protect their privileges. This cycle of self-interest and power struggles continues to affect Nigeria’s development to this day.
Ultimately, it’s clear that Chief MKO Abiola is the father of Nigeria’s democracy, having paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom and democracy we enjoy today. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity, even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice.