President Bola Tinubu has lauded what he called former military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida’s “unusual courage and patriotism” by admitting that the late Chief MKO Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential poll about 32 years ago.
Tinubu, who was the Special Guest at the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, ” A Journey in Service,” and the fundraising for the IBB Presidential Library Project in Abuja on Thursday, applauded the former leader’s contribution to the country’s history and development.
Babangida, fondly called evil genius, spoke for the first time in 32 years that Chief Abiola, his erstwhile friend, won the historic election based on collated results but that regrettably, it was annulled by the late Gen. Sani Abacha.
Persecondnews recalls that the annulment of the election adjudged as free and fair was a watershed in Nigeria’s democratic history that precipitated a political crisis in the country.
Amid the debacle, Babangida was forced to step aside from power after serving as Nigeria’s leader from August 1985 to August 1993.
According to Tinubu, Babangida’s admission about Abiola’s victory will help to set the records properly.
He said: “I am glad about the revelation of June 12. My General, we will not forget to pray for you. I listened to you carefully. I am not here to read a speech. I am here to pay homage. Let me say thank you for everything, for who you are, what you are, and how you have contributed to the history of this great country.”
Tinubu said he would continue to do his best for the country by making tough decisions to reposition the economy.
He called on Nigerians to refocus their time, energy, and resources on building the country that remains their home and be more mindful of changes in global migration laws that could impede their dreams of a better life.
“I am glad about what is happening in America and Europe, the contradiction you have seen now. What is it telling us? It is telling us to wake up and make Africa a better place, particularly this country, Nigeria.
“I have seen the need to make some decisions on behalf of this country. I want to thank all of you for your mandate, patience, and perseverance. Whatever might have happened, we have heard the truth from our dear leader, father, and uncle, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida,’’ Persecondnews quotes Tinubu as saying.
While thanking Babangida for his foresight in ensuring the private sector’s growth in Nigeria, Tinubu also remarked:
“Without you, people like me will not be in politics. I thank you for your progressive revolution. You said you wanted young, brilliant people in politics. We met you in Dodan Barracks.
“You inspired some of us. And when you look at the programme today, the names of bankers and many of us here today for this library project are all because they believe in the visionary Babangida. Thank you for what you are.”
Tinubu thanked the leaders who graced the occasion, adding that the sacrifice was worth it.
“Let me start from the celebrant; I listened to your remarks, your recollection of history. The dream, progressive ideas, the joy of being alive today, 32 years after, to give us an account of stewardship and service.
“Your Excellency, it is challenging to find the people present here if not because of your personality, character, and impact.”
Thirty-two years after annulling the election, Babangida publicly acknowledged that Moshood Abiola, the late philanthropist and democracy hero, won the election, describing the annulment as his “most regrettable” decision.
Reviewing the book, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), said the “evil genius” and “Maradona” as Babangida was nicknamed answered the question as to whether Abiola won the June 12 election or not in his book.
Osinbajo quoted Abiola as saying: “Although I am on record to have stated after the election that Abiola may not have won the election, upon further reflection, and a closer examination of all available facts, particularly the detailed election results which are published as an appendix to this book, there was no doubt that MKO Abiola won the June 12 elections.
“Upon closer examination of the original collated figure from the 110 polling booths nationwide, it was clear that he satisfied the two main requirements for winning the presidential election, mainly majority votes and geographical spread having obtained 8,128,720 against Tofa’s 5,848,247 votes and securing the mandatory of one-third of the votes cast in 28 states of the Federation including Abuja.”
Babangida, famously known as IBB, told the gathering that the annulment of the poll was in “extreme national interest”
He said: “Undoubtedly credible, free and fair elections were held in June, 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. As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch.
“And June 12 happened under my watch, mistakes, oversights and missteps happened in quick succession, but I say in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.
“Our nation’s march to democracy was interrupted, a fact that I deeply regret. But Nigeria and democracy is still alive, a testament to commitment.”
Former Nigerian Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, praised Babangida’s remarkable ascent from aide-de-camp to head of state, affectionately labeling him a “boss of bosses.”
Gowon expressed his gratitude to Babangida for restoring his rank of General which he was stripped of after the 1976 coup.
He said: “Thank you for restoring my rank,” reflecting on how Babangida’s leadership impacted his life.
Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo described Babangida as very effective and strong leader, adding that he should not bother much about criticism and what he called the pull-him-down syndrome.
Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, a former military president, shared heartfelt anecdotes about his enduring friendship with Babangida, which remarkably spans over 80 years, tracing back to their childhood days in Minna.
In his remarks, former President Goodluck Jonathan described Babangida as one of Nigeria’s most charismatic leaders and called for the creation of presidential libraries to preserve the country’s political history.
Immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by ex-Minister of Transportation Jaji Sambo, delivered a congratulatory message, expressing hope that Gen. Babangida would continue to offer valuable guidance to Nigeria’s leadership.
At the book launch, prominent businessmen Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, and Abdulsamad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group, donated N8 billion and N5 billion respectively toward the presidential library project.
Dangote pledged to donate N2 billion annually for four years, towards the construction of the IBB Presidential Library.
Sen. Sani Musa donated N250m, Fidelity Bank’s leadership contributed N150m, and Businessman Arthur Eze gave N500m towards the launch of General Ibrahim Babangida’s memoir.
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