In a fiery critique that has ignited a storm of discussion, prominent Nigerian human rights lawyer and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Professor Chidi Odinkalu, has condemned the newly released autobiography of former military leader, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. In the book titled A Journey in Service, Babangida’s controversial assertions about the country’s past and the figures who shaped it have not only rekindled old political tensions but also triggered accusations of cowardice and dishonesty.
Odinkalu, a vocal critic of Nigeria’s military regimes, particularly the era of Babangida, did not hold back in his assessment. On social media, he tore into Babangida’s memoir, accusing the former head of state of using the dead as scapegoats in a desperate attempt to rewrite history and absolve himself of culpability for the actions taken during his time in power.
“A Journey in Cowardice”
Describing Babangida as the “Grand Commander of the Order of Cowardice,” Odinkalu suggested that Babangida’s autobiography was a calculated attempt to portray himself as a victim of long-dead figures who could no longer defend themselves. Babangida, who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, filled his memoir with serious allegations against several high-profile individuals from the past, all of whom have since passed away.
“He waited until they were all dead,” Odinkalu wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), “and none of them could controvert him. He portrays himself as a victim of these dead men and women.”
Odinkalu’s words were laced with scorn, accusing Babangida of taking cheap shots at those who could not offer a rebuttal. The human rights advocate suggested that Babangida’s decision to target deceased individuals in his book was not only morally questionable but also an indication of the former leader’s lack of integrity.
“The book is filled with allegations against dead men and women, and that makes him even more despicable,” Odinkalu declared. “It speaks volumes about his character. A man with no values would never have made it so far in the military, yet Babangida had the power to decide who should lead Nigeria.”
Babangida’s Account of June 12 and Abiola’s Legacy
One of the most talked-about moments in Babangida’s autobiography is his long-awaited admission that Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, a businessman and politician, won the infamous June 12, 1993 presidential election. The election, which was widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, was annulled by Babangida, sparking political unrest and a lasting divide in the country’s political landscape.
In his memoir, Babangida confirms that Abiola was the legitimate winner, but he places the blame for the annulment squarely on the shoulders of another former military leader, General Sani Abacha. Babangida claims that Abacha announced the annulment without his approval, a statement that has raised eyebrows and prompted questions about the veracity of his account.
The June 12 election remains a significant chapter in Nigeria’s democratic journey, and Babangida’s retrospective comments on the event have reignited debates on the true motivations behind the annulment and the long-lasting impact it had on Nigerian politics.
“Babangida, now trying to rewrite history, claims that it was Abacha who unilaterally annulled the election,” Odinkalu remarked. “But the reality is, Babangida’s own role in the annulment and his subsequent actions left a permanent scar on Nigeria’s democratic progress.”
The Legacy of Babangida’s Military Regime
Babangida’s time in power was marked by a number of controversial policies and decisions, including the handling of the economy and the suppression of dissent. His regime was notorious for its human rights violations, particularly the assassination of investigative journalist Dele Giwa in 1986, who was killed by a parcel bomb after publishing exposés on the regime’s corruption.
The former military dictator also faced allegations of involvement in multiple coup attempts, which led to the execution and imprisonment of several officers. Yet Babangida has long maintained that his actions were in the best interests of Nigeria, and in his memoir, he defends his decisions on these matters, offering explanations for the political turbulence of the time.
However, Odinkalu’s critique focuses less on the specifics of Babangida’s actions and more on the broader moral implications of his conduct. “This book is not just an attempt to revise history; it’s an indictment of a man who made choices that deeply affected the lives of Nigerians,” Odinkalu emphasized.
The human rights lawyer has been consistent in his opposition to Nigeria’s military rulers, particularly Babangida, who remains a divisive figure in the country’s political history. For Odinkalu, the latest move by Babangida to publish his autobiography only deepens the tarnish on the former leader’s legacy.
No Evidence to Support Claims
One of Odinkalu’s most damning criticisms of the autobiography is Babangida’s failure to provide evidence for many of the claims he makes about the people he accuses in the book. Babangida’s critics have long accused him of opportunism, and Odinkalu’s sharp analysis highlights a significant flaw in Babangida’s narrative.
“Babangida is a committed record-keeper, yet in his book, he presents no contemporaneous records, minutes, notes, or any other corroborative evidence to support the serious allegations he makes,” Odinkalu pointed out. “This raises questions about the credibility of the entire memoir.”
In an era where historical documents and firsthand accounts are crucial to understanding the past, Babangida’s failure to provide solid evidence for his assertions has left many skeptical about the authenticity of his claims. Critics argue that without verifiable proof, Babangida’s narrative becomes little more than an attempt to shift blame and tarnish the reputations of people who can no longer defend themselves.
A Final Blow to Babangida’s Reputation?
Chidi Odinkalu’s stinging assessment of A Journey in Service has added fuel to the ongoing fire of criticism against Babangida. While the book may be seen as an attempt by the former military leader to clear his name or justify his actions, it has failed to convince many that his legacy deserves to be rehabilitated.
“Babangida’s autobiography has backfired,” Odinkalu concluded, “because, rather than providing clarity or insight, it has shown him to be a man willing to smear the dead for personal gain. This is the legacy of a man who made it to the highest office in the land, only to tarnish it with cowardice and dishonesty.”
As Nigerians continue to reflect on Babangida’s reign and his recent book, the debate about the true nature of his rule—and his place in the country’s history—shows no signs of fading away.
