The recent celebration of Ibrahim Babangida’s legacy by his political and business associates is a stark reminder of the unending cycle of impunity that has plagued Nigeria’s political landscape for so long. Babangida, the former military dictator who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, is notorious for his role in annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest in Nigerian history.
Babangida’s actions, which were probably driven by a desire to maintain power and protect his own interests, had far-reaching consequences for Nigeria. The annulment of the election led to widespread protests, violence, and instability, which ultimately resulted in the death of hundreds of innocent Nigerians who are still being killed over and over again through an unending circle of bad leadership.
Despite the gravity of his crimes, Babangida in the same page with other past corrupt rulers, has never been held accountable for his actions. Instead, he has been allowed to live a life of luxury, surrounded by sycophants who are either ignorant of his past or complicit in his crimes. IBB’s claims against the dead, being his reason for annulling MKO’s June 12 victory in my view are tissues of lies, for the dead has no opportunity to defend himself. Imagine a military general, the highest ranking military officer of that era literally saying that he was afraid to die for his country. Yet, he risked the same life to seize a presidential seat where he gained the wealth he is enjoying today.
The fact that Babangida was celebrated by his peers is a testament to the entrenched corruption and impunity that pervades Nigeria’s political elite. It is a stark reminder that, in Nigeria, those who steal, kill and destroy are often rewarded with accolades and riches, while the innocent suffer.
I challenge the Nigerian authorities this day to enact a draconian penalty that would prescribe death penalty for corrupt public office holders, and for any court judge to face same fate if found guilty of judicial manipulation. And if there be any reason to sacrifice a life to make the law an irreversible law, with everything that exists in me, I offer mine.
They donated Billions of naira to the wealthy IBB but can only offer peanuts to the poor and hungry Nigerians under an image magnifying publicity camera of pretence. In the midst of the present economic depression, billions of naira were being rolled out for one of the people behind Nigeria’s economy woes while his victims are tying their stomachs to reduce hunger pains in order to survive till the next day. Until we hold our leaders accountable for their actions, we shall continue to suffer under the yoke of corrupt leadership.
Nigerians must wake up and demand justice for the crimes of the past. It is the only way to scare off criminals from the corridors of powers, for it is the fear of future penalty that scares many away from committing today’s crime. It is time for us to reject the bad culture that has held our country hostage for so long. Only then can we build a better future for ourselves and for generations to come, for we have been forcefully and openly made victims of political “EZUOZUO”.
– Ambassador Ezewele Cyril Abionanojie is the author of the book ‘The Enemy Called Corruption’ an award winner of Best Columnist of the year 2020, Giant in Security Support, Statesmanship Integrity & Productivity Award Among others. He is the President of Peace Ambassadors Global.
