Farotimi, who lived through Babangida’s rule, recounted his experiences as a participant in the fight against the former leader’s “evil actions and inactions.” Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer, has launched a scathing attack on former dictator Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), describing his reign as “ruinous”....Read Full Article >>➤
Farotimi, who lived through Babangida’s rule, recounted his experiences as a participant in the fight against the former leader’s “evil actions and inactions.” Farotimi’s comments come after Babangida’s recent admission that Chief M.K.O.
Abiola won the 1993 presidential election, which Babangida annulled. The human rights lawyer expressed his disappointment, but not surprise, at the “mixed bag of lies, half-truths, urban legends, and obfuscations” in Babangida’s recent statements.
Farotimi’s criticism is not isolated, as many Nigerians have questioned Babangida’s legacy and the lack of consequences for his actions. The annulment of the 1993 election led to widespread protests and a prolonged struggle for democracy in Nigeria.
In a statement, Farotimi concluded, “No hagiographic allocutus can redeem the Evil Genius of Minna”.
The statement was shared on X while he was reacting to a comment made by Adnan Abdullahi Adam, which stated that “it’s better to read every side of exposition before forming your own judgement”.
With the cover picture of the IBB’s memoir “A Journey In Service” @realadnantweet wrote:
“I think IBB’s memoir: “A Journey in Service” exposes a fresh perspective on everything.
“It’s better to read every side of exposition before forming your own judgement.
“Everyone should try reading the book as jury to the plea of the accused.”
Responding Farotimi wrote: “I lived through his ruinous reign. I wasn’t a passive victim of his evil actions and inactions, I was a participant in the fight to be freed of him.
“I am painfully aware of the extent of his evil capabilities, and I have not been disappointed by the mixed bag of lies, half truths, urban legends, and obfuscations contained in the excerpts already in the public domain. No hagiographic allocutus can redeem the Evil Genius of Minna.”
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, former Nigerian military ruler General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) released his long-anticipated autobiography, “A Journey in Service.”
The memoir has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with critics accusing Babangida of distorting historical events and maligning deceased individuals who cannot defend themselves.
This development has reopened debates about his tenure and its lasting impact on Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.
Babangida’s tenure from 1985 to 1993 was marked by the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), among others. In “A Journey in Service,” he provides an insider’s perspective on the adoption of SAP, aiming to offer context for the controversial policy that aimed to liberalize Nigeria’s economy.
While intended to address economic challenges, SAP led to widespread protests and debates due to its harsh austerity measures and the social hardships it imposed.
Critics, however, contend that Babangida’s memoir serves as a self-exoneration tool, selectively presenting events to absolve himself of blame.
Human rights lawyer and former Chairman of the Nigerian Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, described the book as a “pack of lies,” accusing Babangida of making allegations against deceased individuals who cannot contest his claims.
Odinkalu further criticized Babangida for portraying himself as a victim of circumstances orchestrated by those who are no longer alive to defend themselves.
The memoir has also rekindled discussions about Babangida’s annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s freest and fairest elections. In the book, Babangida attempts to justify the annulment, a move that plunged the nation into political turmoil and prolonged military rule. Many Nigerians view this action as a significant setback to the country’s democratic progress. ...Read Full Article >>➤
Be the first to comment