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Development Watchers: General IBB Book- “A JOURNEY IN SERVICE” and the Realities
General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, known as IBB, has just launched his autobiography, “A JOURNEY IN SERVICE.” From 1985 to 1993, he was Head of State and Military President of Nigeria.
In the words of the English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, “History is a gallery of pictures in which there are few originals and many copies.
We have read various accounts of Nigeria’s history between 1966 to this day.
Yes, these accounts promote reflective engagements and pruning of writings that shape the understanding of our history. Yet, Nigeria’s history seems to have suffered insidious manipulations following the withdrawal of the study of history from the nation’s education curriculum at our college levels.
The truth here is that the fear of knowledge cannot reposition truth and existence. by nature, we are not makers of history; we are, instead, made by history, as expressed in the thought of Martin Luther King Jr.
Two important revelations from this book come out with bleeding escapades, with nothing to contribute to right the wrongs, other than regrets.
The first touches on the premise of the Nigerian civil war, the Biafran war. The setting for that war drew nerves from the 1966 coup considered and tagged Igbo coup. That tag widened the scope of hatred for Igbos across the spread of their settlements nationwide, and the massacres that trailed the perceived revenge triggered the 30-month war and human tragedy across the Southeast.
Now, 59 years after the coup and the subsequent civil war, General Ibrahim Babangida is revealing that “It was a terrible time for the Nigerian military. As I have said elsewhere, as a young officer who saw all of this from a distance, probably, ethnic sentiments did not drive the original objective of the coup plotters.”
Right, from the account of this book, the original objective of the coup plotters was to release Chief Obafemi Awolowo from prison and make him President; that was not designed to benefit any Igbo person.
Stressing further on page 39 of the book, the General stated that it was an Igbo officer, Major John Obienu, that helped in crushing the coup.
Looking at these revelations and the hatred for the Igbos that had floated across the seas of our national waters before now following the misinformation concerning the 1966 coup, one may ask, are these revelations coming late? Will they help to erase the characterized vector of marinization that seemed logged against Ndigbo and foamed by prejudice?
Moving these revelations into our national consciousness, will they help to resolve our troubling agitations?
General Yakubu Gowon may be the last man standing in our expectations as we wait to read his account. We all know the reason.
The second throw-out from this book is the confession by General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida that Chief M. K. O. Abiola won the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election. The people knew the truth, but the establishment maintained the contrary until now.
General Babangida, who was the Head of state and Military President when the election took place, writes in his book, “That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my expression of regret.” And yet, this cannot be reversed.
After 32 years since June 12, 1993, General Babangida fits into the character of the words of William Halsey, a notable American Navy Admiral, “There are no extraordinary men, just extraordinary circumstances that ordinary men are forced to deal with.”
This bold confession may be loaded with aspersions for those not living to return the punches, but his assumption of responsibility has removed any scare of objection; he was in charge and owned up to any failure.
At 83, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida is repositioning his life and soul, strengthening his relationship with his creator, and creating a moral portfolio he wants to attract forgiveness from Nigeria and Nigerians. The confession concerning his childhood friend, General Mamman Vasta, and his death is pertinent.
Confession is a deep-seated moral cleanser, and not many are willing to go through the gestation. Those with irreconcilable issues will be scared to step forward.
True confession evolves truth, and truth heals.
Hon Engr Chief Julius O. Dike, JP
