Former Minister of Culture and Tourism and Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, has defended former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, following the release of his autobiography.
Fani-Kayode asserted that Babangida showed humility and remorse while taking “full responsibility” for the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey In Service: An Autobiography, has sparked widespread debate.
However, in his book, “A Book That Stirred A Nation”, Fani-Kayode stated that Babangida should be commended, not condemned, for shedding light on the darkest chapters of Nigeria’s history.
He noted that Babangida’s acknowledgment of the pressures that led to his decision, particularly from General Sani Abacha, which played a significant role in the annulment of June 12 election.
While Fani-Kayode welcomes the discourse for encouraging intellectual debate and enriching historical understanding, he objected to the harsh criticisms targeting Babangida.
He explained that Babangida’s public reflection on the event was not an attempt to make excuses, but rather an effort to provide context for historical accuracy and clarify the individuals and circumstances behind the controversial decision.
He said “By bringing these facts to public glare and establishing this narrative Babangida was not, as some have argued, “making excuses” for his actions but rather he was attempting to put them in context and, for historical purposes and the record, enlighten the Nigerian people about precisely which personalities and circumstances caused him to make the decision that he eventually made.”
He maintained that Nigerians have a right to understand the true causes behind the trauma of the annulment and the subsequent years of suffering, division, and loss of life.
“I say this because I believe that the Nigerian people have a right to know about the real causes of the terrible trauma they were put through as a consequence of the annulment with its attendant loss of liberty and life and the six long years of suffering, strife, division and misery that it brought our people”, he stated.
He said some critics have labeled Babangida a “coward” and “weakling” for revealing the role of General Abacha in the annulment, contending that this criticism is misplaced.
He stated that Babangida’s decision to bring these facts to light was not an attempt to make excuses, but to offer historical context.
Fani-Kayode wrote. “By sharing these details, he has provided the Nigerian people with a clearer understanding of the events that led to the annulment, allowing them to grasp the full scope of the political pressures at play.”
Fani-Kayode stressed that the Nigerian public has a right to know the true causes of the political crisis that followed the June 12 election.
Although Fani-Kayode opposed the annulment at the time, he emphasized that Babangida was caught between a difficult decision and chose to preserve the fragile unity of the country.
“By taking the path he did, Babangida saved lives and avoided a much darker chapter in Nigeria’s history. The true culprits behind the crisis were Abacha and his power-hungry cohorts”, Fani-Kayode writes
Fani-Kayode expressed his belief that Babangida’s account in his book is credible and should be respected.
He also invited those from the Abacha camp who disagree to share their perspective, stressing that until they provide evidence to dispute Babangida’s account, many would be inclined to accept his narrative.
Fani-Kayode emphasized that many of those who are publicly attacking Babangida were not alive to witness the events of the time, adding that the real reign of terror in Nigeria began only after Babangida left office, when Abacha seized power and instigated widespread state-sponsored terror and murder.
Fani-Kayode emphasised that silence might be the wisest course for those attempting to diminish Babangida’s role in Nigerian history, suggesting that opening up further debates could lead to even more painful revelations.
