By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has called for urgent reforms to foster economic fairness, global peace, and security at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Commending South Africa for assuming the G20 Presidency, Tuggar assured the group of Nigeria’s full support for its agenda, which includes disaster resilience, debt management, energy transition, and the responsible use of critical minerals to drive inclusive development.

On global conflicts and humanitarian challenges, he urged the G20 to enhance strategies for conflict resolution, humanitarian aid, and African-led peace efforts; this is as he stressed the importance of tackling terrorism comprehensively—combining security measures with socio-economic solutions such as investment in education, healthcare, and job creation.

The Minister further reiterated Nigeria’s push for reforms in international institutions, and argued that the current system does not reflect the realities of developing nations.

He highlighted tax justice as a pressing issue, and called on the G20 to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s initiatives to curb capital flight and tax evasion by multinational corporations.

Nigeria also raised concerns about illicit financial flows (IFFs), which siphon billions from Africa through corruption and illegal trade practices, and Tuggar advocated for stricter financial transparency, tighter regulations on tax havens, and stronger global cooperation to recover stolen assets.

He emphasised that global policies must prioritize solidarity, fairness, and sustainability, urging world leaders to foster a more inclusive international system; and  reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with global partners to ensure equitable development for all nations.

By Dr Gabriel Nwambu

**Abstract**

The launch of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” on February 20, 2025, at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja, marks a critical juncture in Nigeria’s political narrative.

While the book offers insights into Babangida’s life, his controversial past raises urgent questions about accountability, justice, and the prospects for Nigeria’s future.

As Nigeria seeks to grapple with its historical challenges, the call for Babangida to face consequences for his actions has never been more pertinent. This paper examines the need for accountability as crucial not only for justice but also for the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic foundation.

**Introduction**

Ibrahim Babangida’s persona as a leader encapsulates a troubling chapter in Nigeria’s history. Celebrated by some as a political strategist, his tenure as military head of state is also marked by egregious violations of civil rights and democratic principles. This analysis interrogates the implications of Babangida’s actions throughout his rule, particularly regarding deep-seated issues such as betrayal, the nullification of free elections, and the need for restorative justice in Nigeria.

**The Dark Legacy of Betrayal: The Execution of General Mamman Vasta**

A significant chapter in Babangida’s narrative is the betrayal of General Mamman Vasta, a man he once considered a closest friend. Their relationship, characterized by intimate gestures such as exchanging clothing, was shattered when Babangida accused Vasta of plotting a coup and ordered his execution. The pleas from respected figures in Nigerian society failed to dissuade Babangida from this decision, reflecting a chilling disregard for human life and friendship. The implications of this act extend beyond personal betrayal; they symbolize the treachery embedded within the political fabric of leadership in Nigeria, raising critical questions about loyalty and morality among those in power.

Babangida’s precarious ascent to leadership came through a coup d’état, overthrowing General Muhammadu Buhari, and establishing a regime characterized by manipulation and coercion. Despite ruling with an iron fist, he demanded respect as a democratically elected president, a title that contradicted the reality of his rise to power and governance. The duality of Babangida’s nature as both a strategist and a tyrant complicates the narrative, leading to a legacy fraught with contradictions and injustices.

**The Cynical Nullification of the 1993 Democratic Elections**

One of the most grievous acts of Babangida’s presidency was the denial of the results of the June 12, 1993, elections, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigerian history, won by Chief Moshood Abiola. Nigeria had, for the first time, expressed its democratic will, and yet Babangida nullified the election, leading to a national crisis and significant unrest. The repercussions of this decision continue to resonate across generations, undermining trust in democratic processes and institutions. The tragic outcomes included the untimely deaths of pro-democracy activists, such as Kudirat Abiola, and an atmosphere of political hostility that set Nigeria on the brink of civil strife.

The key players and contributors to this crisis, including Babangida himself, are now deceased, including figures like Professor Humphrey Nwosu and General Sani Abacha. As Babangida now seeks to narrate his perspective from a wheelchair, the timing of the revelations seems more an exercise in self-justification rather than a sincere pursuit of truth and reconciliation.

**The Need for Accountability: A Call to Action**

As Civil Rights Organizations advocate, “A New Nigeria is Possible.” This ideal hinges upon confronting the past and demanding accountability.

Babangida’s actions warrant scrutiny not for the purpose of vengeance but as a vital component of a healing process that Nigerian society so desperately needs. It is essential that those who wielded power and exercised it with impunity face the full weight of the law. Only then can Nigeria embark on a path to genuine democracy, lifting the embers of a fractured past toward a cohesive future.

Moreover, the staggering sum of ₦17 billion raised during the launch of Babangida’s autobiography in a country struggling financially highlights a disconnection between wealth and accountability. This disparity poses a fundamental question about the values that the Nigerian elite perpetuate and the societal implications of such actions.

**Conclusion**

Babangida’s autobiography opens a window into a complex saga of Nigeria’s history, intertwining personal narrative with profound political consequences. However, it does not absolve the former leader from the weight of his legacy, marked by betrayal and the systematic dismantling of democracy. As Nigeria looks to reforge its identity and re-establish its governance structures, it stands as an imperative for the nation to confront its past injustices head-on. To pave the way for a better future, Ibrahim Babangida must face the law, not merely as a pursuit of justice but as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s commitment to democracy, accountability, and human rights for all. Until that day arrives, the specter of an unaddressed past will continue to haunt Nigeria’s political landscape.

Nwambu Gabriel, Ph.D.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Gumsu Abacha, daughter of the late military head of state Sani Abacha, shared a cryptic message on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter), which appeared to respond to claims made by former military president Ibrahim Babangida about her father’s involvement in the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

On Friday, Gumsu posted a single word: “Weakling.”
Her message came amid discussions surrounding Babangida’s autobiography, A Journey in Service, which was launched in Abuja on Thursday. In the book, Babangida addressed the controversial annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was won by the late MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), has denied allegations linking him to the death of veteran journalist Dele Giwa. Giwa, who was the Editor-in-Chief of ‘Newswatch’ and a known critic of Babangida’s military government, was assassinated by a parcel bomb in his Lagos home on October 19, 1986. Two days before the incident, a … Continue reading

The former military leader explained that he was in Katsina when the press secretary of his second-in-command announced the cancellation of the election without his consent. He claimed he was unaware of the decision at the time.

Babangida further stated that he later realized that those who opposed the election were led by Abacha, his then chief of defence staff, who later became head of state.

Some critics have accused Babangida of shifting the blame to Abacha while portraying himself in a better light. They believe he is trying to alter the historical narrative to absolve himself of responsibility.

Gumsu’s post, along with her reposting of similar views, suggests she sees Babangida’s claims as an attempt to rewrite history. With Abacha no longer alive to defend himself, she appears to believe he is being unfairly blamed.