The recent launch of Ibrahim Babangida’s autobiography, “A Journey in Service”, and the accompanying fundraising for his Presidential Library, is a grotesque spectacle that underscores the moral bankruptcy of Nigeria’s ruling elite. It is a gathering of the very individuals who have, through their actions and inactions, contributed to the systemic decay and chronic underdevelopment of Nigeria. The event, attended by former and current rulers, business moguls, and traditional rulers, was not a celebration of service or legacy but a parade of villains rewriting history to absolve themselves of their crimes against the Nigerian people.
Babangida, a former military dictator whose eight-year rule was marked by corruption, political repression, and economic mismanagement, has the audacity to express regret over the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election—a decision that set Nigeria on a path of prolonged political instability and suffering. While he now admits that the election was “credible, free, and fair,” his belated acknowledgment is nothing more than a feeble attempt to whitewash his legacy. The annulment of that election, which was won by Moshood Abiola, was not just a political misstep; it was a deliberate act of betrayal against the Nigerian people, whose hopes for democracy were crushed under the weight of military tyranny.
Babangida’s claim that the annulment was orchestrated by Sani Abacha and other military officers without his permission is laughable. As the head of state, he was ultimately responsible for the decisions made under his watch. His attempt to shift blame to the late General Abacha, who was his chief of defence staff at the time, is a cowardly evasion of accountability. The truth is that Babangida’s regime was characterized by a culture of impunity, where the rule of law was subverted, and the will of the people was disregarded. His so-called regret is too little, too late, and does nothing to undo the damage inflicted on Nigeria’s democratic aspirations.
What is even more appalling is the obscene display of wealth at the book launch, where Nigerian business elites pledged billions of Naira for the IBB Presidential Library. These donations, coming from individuals who amassed their fortunes through questionable means during Babangida’s regime, are a slap in the face of ordinary Nigerians who continue to suffer the consequences of his misrule. The billions donated for the library could have been used to address the pressing needs of the Nigerian people—education, healthcare, infrastructure, and poverty alleviation. Instead, they are being squandered on a vanity project aimed at glorifying a man whose legacy is one of failure and betrayal.
The event was a stark reminder of the collusion between Nigeria’s political and business elites, who have consistently prioritized their personal interests over the common good. It is a testament to the culture of impunity that has allowed those who plundered the nation’s resources to not only escape justice but to be celebrated as heroes. The IBB Presidential Library, described as a “national institution,” is nothing more than a monument to the hypocrisy and moral decay of Nigeria’s ruling class. It is an attempt to rewrite history, to sanitize the crimes of the past, and to perpetuate the lie that those who have ruined Nigeria are its saviors.
But there is hope. The ordinary Nigerians who have borne the brunt of the misrule and malfeasance of their rulers are awakening to the reality that they cannot rely on the same elites who have failed them time and again. The resilience and determination of the Nigerian people, who continue to strive for a better future despite the odds, are a source of inspiration. The day will come when the oppressed and abused masses of Nigeria will rise up and take charge of their country and destiny. They will document the true history of Nigeria—a history that will expose the villains for who they are and celebrate the genuine heroes who fought for justice, democracy, and the common good.
The launch of Babangida’s autobiography and the fundraising for his Presidential Library may be a celebration of villainy, but it is also a reminder of the urgent need for accountability and justice in Nigeria. The Nigerian people deserve leaders who are truly committed to their welfare, not self-serving individuals who rewrite history to suit their narratives. The elite may rewrite their story in gilded pages, but the people hold the true narrative in their hearts and their scars. One day, they will rise to reclaim their country and their destiny, tearing down the edifices of lies erected by these villains.
The future of Nigeria lies in the hands of its people, and it is they who will ultimately determine the course of their nation’s history. The villains may revel in their moment, but the people’s time is coming, and with it, a reckoning long overdue.
