IBB Book Launch: A Celebration of History or a Reminder of Imperfection?



Perfectly imperfect; Quite oxymoronic for the former Military Head of State of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida GCFR to inform.... 

Former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), GCFR, stirred national conversations once again during his recent book launch and presidential library inauguration, where he justified the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election as an effort to protect Nigeria’s democracy. This statement, laden with irony, has left many Nigerians questioning the narrative surrounding one of the most controversial decisions in the country’s political history.

The event, which raked in billions of naira, witnessed a gathering of political figures, some of whom were once adversaries. However, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, noted with characteristic bluntness that the launch would inevitably attract both commendation and criticism. True to his words, reactions from Nigerians have been diverse, with many expressing disbelief at the justification offered for the annulment.

Prof. Jehu Onyekwere Nnaji, reflecting on the event from afar, observed that the absence of two key figures Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the rightful winner of the June 12 election, and Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the legendary electoral umpire—cast a shadow over the celebration. According to him, Nwosu, a Professor of Political Science, played a pivotal role in what remains the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history, earning him the nickname ‘Actor’ for his dramatic role in the democratic process.


Prof Jehu Nnaji wrote;


Perfectly imperfect. 

Quite oxymoronic for the former Military Head of State of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida GCFR to inform Nigerians that annulling the June 12,1993 election was to save Nigeria's democracy when it was actually the annulment that truncated it. A book launch and Presidential library raked in billions of Naira and former foes and political adversaries sat down and relished the splendour of the occasion. But the ever down to earth General Matthew Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo GCFR was apt in saying that the book launch and resplendence that came with it will receive the good, the bad and the ugly reactions from Nigerians. Incidentally, I watched the event from a different hemisphere. I am not being

iconoclastic but a lot did not go down well yesterday as many Nigerians watched with their mouths agape with incredulity. The unanswered questions are indeed more glaring. The Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land and Bashorun of Ibadan,Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola who was the winner of June 12.1993 Presidential election and the legendary Professor Humphrey Nwobu (Actor) Nwosu who oversaw the 1993 Presidential election- the freest election ever in Nigeria were the real heroes yesterday. Professor Nwosu was not just a Professor of Political Science but a man who to me was like the Chief protagonist in a film hence I magnanimously awarded him the cognomen 'Actor'. Thankfully, God is so Gracious for giving Nigerians the opportunity yesterday of hearing from the 'Maradona' AKA 'the evil genius' himself while accepting he could have done things differently if given a second chance. While I praised the courage of IBB for taking this lead, I hope General Yakubu Gowon GCFR can take a cue from IBB (who is himself a protégé of the former) and address the pains of 1967-1970.

One of the most striking moments of the event was IBB’s admission that, given a second chance, he would have done things differently. While this acknowledgment was met with mixed reactions, it has reignited discussions on past leadership decisions and their far-reaching consequences.

Prof. Onyekwere further challenged another former leader, General Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, to take a cue from IBB and confront the lingering pains of Nigeria’s civil war (1967–1970), a conflict that continues to shape the nation’s socio-political landscape.

While Nigerians dissect the implications of IBB’s remarks, the book launch has become more than just a literary event; it is a reflection of the country’s complex history one where the lines between heroism and imperfection are often blurred.


Comments

  1. Onyeka Jesus23 February 2025 at 05:35

    Prof jehu, We Umuedum Amurri support you, we're behind in your back.

    GOD WILL CONTINUE PROTECT AND GUIDE YOU.

    CHUKWU GODWIN ONYEKA Write from Enugu.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Happening Now!! Enugu PDP Women Leader’s Group Allegedly Attack Female Commissioner at Niger Gas Commissioning

Image
  BREAKING: Enugu PDP Women Leader’s Group Allegedly Attack Female Commissioner at Niger Gas Commissioning Tension broke out on Thursday, August 28, 2025, during the official commissioning of the revitalized Niger Gas Limited in Emene, Enugu, as the Enugu State Local Government Commissioner, Member IV, Amb. Mrs. Amaka Nweke , was allegedly attacked by a group of women identified as members of the Enugu PDP Women’s wing. Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the event, which had gathered top government officials, political leaders, and stakeholders to celebrate Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s achievement in reviving the 62-year-old Niger Gas Limited, when a group of women dressed in PDP women’s attire allegedly descended on the Commissioner. Reports indicate that the Commissioner is currently in critical condition and undergoing medical attention at an undisclosed hospital in Enugu. The Enugu State Police Command has not yet issued an official statement on the incident, while ...
Read more

Enugu: Finally, Suspected Killers of Ogbete Market Chairman Arrested

Image
Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested two suspects linked to the killing of Mr. Stephen Aniagu, Chairman of the Ogbete Main Market Traders’ Association (OMMATA). The tragic incident occurred on September 14, 2024, when Mr. Aniagu was shot at Moses Ogbodo Junction near Topland Market in Amaechi, Enugu South Local Government Area.   Parading the suspects at the command headquarters on Friday, the Spokesperson of the Enugu State Police Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed that the arrests were the result of diligent intelligence work and coordinated efforts between detectives from the Anti-Robbery Section (D9) of the State CID and operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad.   The suspects were identified as Chukwudi Aboshi, a 28-year-old native of Anike in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, and Ani Innocent Ebuka, also known as “Excellent,” a driver and native of Isigwe-Ugbawka in Nkanu East Local Government Area. Both were apprehend...
Read more

[VIDEO] Suspected Fulani Herdsmen Invade Enugu Community, Attack Residents

Image
   Residents of  Ikedinkpa Affa , a community in  Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State , have raised alarm over an alleged invasion by suspected  Fulani herdsmen , leading to attacks and heightened tension in the area. In a disturbing video shared online by  Mr. Emeka Amadi , an indigene of the community, he decried the growing insecurity, stating that armed assailants had taken over parts of the community. "Our people are under threat from the Fulani terrorists… These men of the underworld are scavenging the lives of our people. Happening now at Ikedinkpa Affa, Udi LGA, Enugu State,"  Amadi wrote, warning that the situation could escalate further. According to him, earlier warnings about potential attacks had been ignored, and now, the crisis is deepening with reports of suspected herdsmen  occupying village houses  in  Obinagu Amozalla Affa . "I made a complaint earlier that these people will start kidnapping us in our homes… We ne...
Read more