Babangida’s Autobiography: A Misguided Narrative of Nigeria’s Dark Chapter

General Obasanjo’s failure to retire military coup plotters paved the way for figures like Babangida to dominate Nigeria’s political landscape. Babangida’s autobiography, while revealing aspects of his rule, is highly flawed and misleading, failing to account for the extensive suffering inflicted upon civilians and the significant resistance mounted against his regime. The need for accurate retellings of this history and acknowledgment of the victims’ experiences is essential in shaping Nigeria’s present narrative.

If General Olusegun Obasanjo had chosen to retire all the military coup plotters before transferring power to Alhaji Shehu Shagari on October 1, 1979, figures like Generals Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, Sani Abacha, Abdulsalam Abubakar, and Muhammed Gusau might have faded into oblivion within Nigeria’s military history. Yet, Obasanjo’s decision not to do so reflected an ingrained military perspective that viewed itself as superior to civilians, alongside a profound distrust of civilian political entities and a lack of genuine commitment to the establishment of a civilian government.

Shagari’s reluctance to retire these military officers, even amid pressure from influential politicians such as Alhaji Umaru Dikko, can be attributed to various ethnic, religious, and geopolitical factors that shaped the political landscape at that time. Babangida’s significant role in Nigerian history would likely have been minimized to a mere footnote had he not participated in coup-making that ultimately positioned him as a Head of State. His autobiography, “A Journey in Service”, warrants scrutiny as it captures pivotal moments in Nigeria’s sociopolitical history.

This extensive 420-page autobiography is structured into five parts and twelve chapters, including a prologue and an epilogue. The work confirms many widely known issues from Babangida’s eight years of misrule and highlights the colonial mindset that ‘militicians’ held towards the civilian populace and showcases their nature of oppression and subjugation. The narrative vividly reflects the suffering inflicted by military regimes, providing crucial insight into the crises facing present-day Nigeria, such as the erosion of federalism, democracy, and national development.

Despite its importance, the autobiography is riddled with flaws; for instance, the title, “A Journey in Service…”, conveys a misleading essence. Nigerians did not elect Babangida; his ascent to power was marked by the termination of the Second Republic and subsequent imposition of military rule. His reign was characterized by self-serving policies, aligning more with the interests of foreign entities like the IMF rather than serving national interests.

Babangida’s administration faced widespread protests from various groups during the late 1980s and early 1990s, reflecting the populace’s demand for an end to military dominance and the imposition of policies like the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP). The civil resistance, fueled by the efforts of workers, students, legal practitioners, and activists, significantly weakened military cohesion and demonstrates the populace’s persistent push against Babangida’s regime.

The memoir does not present anything groundbreaking, as numerous Nigerian news publications from that period provided detailed accounts of Babangida’s tenure, capturing the daily struggles faced by citizens. Furthermore, the book’s account of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential elections is portrayed inaccurately, contrasting sharply with the verifiable evidence of its transparency and credibility reported by national and international observers.

Moreover, Babangida neglects to address the severe and lasting impacts of his regime, such as the rampant corruption, ethnic division, and deterioration of public services initiated during his time in office. His autobiography appears more as a revisionist narrative, attempting to downplay the negative consequences of his rule while shifting blame onto others for the failures experienced.

The motivation behind writing this autobiography seems to be an appeal for public sympathy and an endeavor to reframe a significant era of Nigerian history. To counter Babangida’s narrative, it is crucial for victims of his regime to share their testimonies and for scholars to compile relevant historical materials. Organizing conferences to critically analyze this period will be essential in reaffirming the historical truth and preventing future authoritarianism under the guise of autobiographical accounts.

In conclusion, Babangida’s autobiography serves as both a retrospective on his controversial regime and a misleading representation of Nigeria’s military history. While it confirms many known aspects of his rule, it fails to acknowledge the collective suffering and resistance experienced by the Nigerian populace. To rectify the historical narrative, efforts must be made to document the realities of Babangida’s era and to ensure that the authentic voices of those who endured his misrule are heard and recognized.

Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com