Babangida has contributed to documenting history, says Obasanjo

The Nigeria’s Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that the former Military Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida(rtd) has contributed to preserving history with the launch of his book titled, “A Journey in Service’.

Penpushing reports that Obasanjo stated this at the unveiling of book and the launch of Babangida’s Presidential library, held in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), adding that the former military leader should expect a mix of positive, negative, and critical reactions to the book from the public.

“You have not only contributed to history; you have contributed to documenting history. It is an important part of our nation-building to keep accurate records. Please don’t be unduly worried about critics and put him down syndrome’, Obasanjo.

“It may even be an indication of success but take note of objective criticism. A chronic critic of mine, late Tunji Braithwhite, may his soul rest in perfect peace, condemned my book. And when asked if he had read it, he answered in the negative. He said he had not read it, saying once the writer is Obasanjo it must be condemned’, he recalled.

Penpushing further reports that the event was attended by former presidents, including Generals Yakubu Godwin(rtd), Abdulsalami Abubakar(rtd), Goodluck Jonathan, President Bola Tinubu, Bank Executives, Traditional rulers, Military Chiefs and members of the Diplomatic Corps.

The author in his book, which was reviewed by, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, however, admitted for the first time that late Chief Moshood Abiola won the annulled 12 June 1993 Presidential election, 32 years ago.

Penpushing also reports that Babangida added that the late Abiola, who contested the election under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), secured the majority of votes cast, affirming that he achieved the required geographical spread to be declared president.

The Former Military President described the 12 June presidential election annulment as the most challenging aspect of his life, emphasizing that there was no doubt in his mind that Abiola won the election having satisfied all the requirements.

Penpushing reports that Babangida, however, said that he was happy that President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged that Abiola won the election and honoured him with the greatest national title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), reserved only for presidents.

The author of “A Journey in Service’, said he was in Katsina State when the annulment of the election was announced by the press secretary of his second-in-command without his knowledge or permission.

Penpushing further reports that he revealed that he later discovered that the opposition to the 12 June election was led by General Sani Abacha(rtd), who was then his chief of defence staff, who later became the military Head of State.

The former military dictator amid the ensuing crisis, stepped down as President in August 1993 and installed an Interim National Government led by Ernest Shonekan, whom Abacha ousted in November 1993.

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