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Babangida’s Book is filled with distorted facts, collection of lies, says Dele Farotimi
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Dele Farotimi, a human rights lawyer, has launched a heavy attack on former dictator Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), describing his reign as “ruinous”.
Farotimi, who lived through Babangida’s rule, recounted his experiences as a participant in the fight against the former leader’s “evil actions and inactions
Farotimi’s comments come after Babangida’s recent admission that Chief M.K.O. Abiola won the 1993 presidential election, which Babangida annulled.
The human rights lawyer expressed his disappointment, but not surprise, at the “mixed bag of lies, half-truths, urban legends, and obfuscations” in Babangida’s recent statements.
Farotimi’s criticism is not isolated, as many Nigerians have questioned Babangida’s legacy and the lack of consequences for his actions. The annulment of the 1993 election led to widespread protests and a prolonged struggle for democracy in Nigeria.
In a statement, Farotimi concluded, “No hagiographic allocutus can redeem the Evil Genius of Minna”.
The statement was shared on X while he was reacting to a comment made by Adnan Abdullahi Adam, which stated that “it’s better to read every side of exposition before forming your own judgement”.
With the cover picture of the IBB’s memoir “A Journey In Service” @realadnantweet wrote:
“I think IBB’s memoir: “A Journey in Service” exposes a fresh perspective on everything.
“It’s better to read every side of exposition before forming your own judgement.
“Everyone should try reading the book as jury to the plea of the accused.”
Responding Farotimi wrote: “I lived through his ruinous reign. I wasn’t a passive victim of his evil actions and inactions, I was a participant in the fight to be freed of him.
“I am painfully aware of the extent of his evil capabilities, and I have not been disappointed by the mixed bag of lies, half truths, urban legends, and obfuscations contained in the excerpts already in the public domain. No hagiographic allocutus can redeem the Evil Genius of Minna.”
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, former Nigerian military ruler General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) released his long-anticipated autobiography, “A Journey in Service.”
The memoir has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with critics accusing Babangida of distorting historical events and maligning deceased individuals who cannot defend themselves.
This development has reopened debates about his tenure and its lasting impact on Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.
Babangida’s tenure from 1985 to 1993 was marked by the implementation of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), among others. In “A Journey in Service,” he provides an insider’s perspective on the adoption of SAP, aiming to offer context for the controversial policy that aimed to liberalize Nigeria’s economy.
While intended to address economic challenges, SAP led to widespread protests and debates due to its harsh austerity measures and the social hardships it imposed.
Critics, however, contend that Babangida’s memoir serves as a self-exoneration tool, selectively presenting events to absolve himself of blame.
Human rights lawyer and former Chairman of the Nigerian Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, described the book as a “pack of lies,” accusing Babangida of making allegations against deceased individuals who cannot contest his claims.
Odinkalu further criticized Babangida for portraying himself as a victim of circumstances orchestrated by those who are no longer alive to defend themselves.
The memoir has also rekindled discussions about Babangida’s annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s freest and fairest elections. In the book, Babangida attempts to justify the annulment, a move that plunged the nation into political turmoil and prolonged military rule. Many Nigerians view this action as a significant setback to the country’s democratic progress.
The lawmaker representing Kaura Namoda South Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji, has died.
It was gathered that the lawmaker passed on in his sleep during the early hours of Wednesday.
Aminu Ibrahim Kasuwar-Daji’s sudden death came as a shock to many in the state, especially his colleagues and political associates.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara, the party under which he was elected, expressed deep sorrow over his passage.
Members of the party, including the State Working Committee and other supporters, described his death as a great loss.
They said he was known for his dedication and honesty in serving his people.
His family, community members in Kaura Namoda South, and fellow lawmakers have been thrown into mourning as preparations for his burial began.
According to Islamic rites, he was buried today at 3:00 pm in his hometown of Kasuwar-Daji, located in the Kaura Namoda Local Government Area.
Many in the state have continued to express grief as they remember the role he played in representing the people and contributing to the work of the state assembly.
Mr. Sam Olumekun has taken over at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as Acting Chairman.
Olumekun is INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education.
He performed his first duties today, receiving a high-level delegation of the Labour Party (LP) at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja with other National Commissioners in attendance.
The delegation was led by Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti, who visited the Commission to discuss key developments within the Labour Party.
It was gathered that both parties engaged in discussions centered on enhancing collaboration and reinforcing democratic values.
During the visit, Governor Otti formally presented a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the party’s leadership.
He noted that the meeting was aimed at fostering clarity, mutual understanding, and institutional alignment regarding the Labour Party’s current structure.
Mr. Olumekun, the Acting INEC Chairman, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, transparency, and the rule of law in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
Recall that a viral WhatsApp message had indicated that Prof. Mahmood was sacked by President Bola Tinubu and replaced with one Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan.
“INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu has been replaced with Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan by President Tinubu,” the message, which had no attribution, read. However, both INEC and the Presidency debunked the widespread report.
Yakubu, who is rounding off his second tenure in office, is expected to exit the system towards the end of this year.
The process of appointing an INEC chairman is the President nominating a candidate and forwarding his particulars to the Department of State Services (DSS) for profiling.
After such screening, the President, thereafter, takes the name to the National Council of State for its advisory review.
Based on the outcome, the President sends the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Crude oil prices have dropped below $57, following a previous rate of $59.78.
This decline coincides with the imposition of tariffs on several countries by US President Donald Trump.
A report from West Texas Intermediate attributes this price slump to consistent 6% reductions observed last week.
JPMorgan Chase & Co has warned that these tariffs could likely push both the US and global economies into a recession this year.
The financial institution explained that the tariffs, set to take effect this week, are expected to have widespread economic repercussions.
Market analysts and the business community have expressed concerns about the negative implications of these measures, predicting a slowdown in economic activities and a subsequent decline in oil demand.
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