Nigerians who suffered injustice under General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime have called for his prosecution, following the release of his autobiography, ‘A Journey of Service’.
In the book, Babangida gave a personal account of his regime, which began on August 27, 1985, and lasted till August 26, 1993.
The survivors and family members of some victims recounted their ordeals during Babangida’s administration and called for his trial in court. The President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Debo Adeniran, said Babangida should be punished for his crimes.
“I was detained during the early days of the June 12 protests alongside Chima Ubani, Ebun Adegoruwa, and other comrades by Babangida,” Adeniran said. “We were protesting in Ikeja when they arrested us and took us to Area F. We were remanded in prison by the Magistrate’s Court, Flower Garden, in Ebute Meta, Lagos.”
Adeniran described the June 12 annulment as “a coup d’état” and accused Babangida of rebelling against the state and committing crimes against humanity. He also demanded that Babangida be prosecuted for his role in the annulment.
Femi Aborisade, a pro-democracy activist, also called for Babangida’s prosecution, saying the former head of state was not sincere in his regrets. Aborisade described Babangida as a “tyrannical villain” who should be tried for annulling the democratic electoral choice of the Nigerian people.
Morayo Brown, the daughter of the late Alao-Aka-Bashorun, a prominent lawyer and human rights activist who was detained by Babangida’s regime, also condemned the former head of state. Brown questioned President Bola Tinubu’s attendance at Babangida’s book launch, asking why the president would celebrate with a man who tormented her father.
Omoyele Sowore, a former student leader during the June 12 struggle, also called for Babangida’s prosecution and imprisonment. Sowore described Babangida as a “conman” who killed students, journalists, and army officers.
The calls for Babangida’s prosecution come as Nigerians continue to grapple with the legacy of his regime. The June 12 annulment remains a contentious issue in Nigerian politics, with many calling for accountability and justice for those who suffered under Babangida’s rule.
In his autobiography, Babangida claimed that the 1966 coup was not driven by ethnic objectives, sparking controversy among Nigerians. While some supported his claims, others vehemently disagreed, citing what they insist is a revision of history.
The controversy surrounding Babangida’s autobiography highlights the ongoing debate about Nigeria’s past and the need for accountability and justice.
As Nigerians continue to demand answers and accountability from their leaders, the calls for Babangida’s prosecution serve as a reminder of the need for truth and reconciliation in the country.