A Critical look at IBB and his treatment of friends

Aug

2006

In the unfolding political drama, no presidential candidate’s ambition has generated more noise and criticism than Babangida’s. This is obviously because he has remained the main issue in Nigeria power game (civilian or military) for more than three decades. It is on record that since the exit of General Gowon from power, IBB as he is fondly called has been involved in the change of baton from one leader to another.

His involvement in the process of change of baton either by ballot or by bullets has exposed him to the public more than any aspiring presidential candidate today. His predicaments are not helped with the fact that he was in power before and he had made very grave mistakes that nearly balkanized the country. The ghosts of these mistakes are now currently pursuing his Presidential ambition and hopefully his ambition will be sealed by them. Looking at IBB’s antecedent, it is better to befriend a devil than to call him a friend. I wonder if people like Chief Alex Akinyele, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, Alh Abu Fari and Prof Omo Omoruyi have taken time to assess the type of treatments Babangida dashed out to his close friends before they start hob nobbing and campaigning for him.

Bukar Sukar Dimka (BSD) the leader of the senseless coup that ended the life of Gen Murtala Muhammed in 1976 was regarded in military circle as a bosom friend of IBB. While Dinka regarded him as a friend he can trust with all his life (even a venture as dangerous as coup planning and execution), Babangida sweet talked him at FRCN, assessed the strength of his force and led a stronger federal troop to dislodge him from completing the coup. Although, this could be considered a patriotic act, but Babangida could not have done that without betraying a friend. BSD paid the supreme price for having IBB as a friend.

Buhari/Idiagbon. In August 27, 1985, Babangida demystified the holy day of Idel Kabir celebration to betray two friends and colleagues, General Tunde Idiagbon and General Muhammadu Buhari by planning what was regarded as a palace coup in a government where he was number three. The government he ousted is about the best the country has ever had. The coup was without any resistance because the tougher of the two Generals, Idiagbon was on holy pilgrimage to Mecca. Had there been any resistance, Babangida would have sacrificed the two friends for his greedy ambition. Both Generals were kept in detention for months.

Mahman Vatsa until his death, General Vatsa was regarded as the closest friend to IBB. It is on record that they were classmates all through having attended the same elementary school, the same high school and got enlisted in the military the same day. Both officers got promoted to the same rank at the same time. As a matter of fact, it was stated that IBB was the best man during General Vatsa’s marriage ceremony. Vatsa was rope up in a fathom coup and without being given enough time to appeal to higher military tribunal, without listening to the plea from eminent people all over the world, Babangida executed his closest friend. Meanwhile it was possible for IBB to commute the sentence to life imprisonment in the spirit of friendship.

Dele Giwa: Among Nigeria journalists of 80s, late Dele Giwa was considered to be the closest to the former military president who is now dreaming of returning to power. They were so closed that the last statement the man was reported to have said when he unknowing received the well packed “parcel bomb” that ended his life was “this must be from the President”

Gen (s) Obasanjo/ Yaradua and Diya. Throughout the reign of terror of Abacha era, Babangida was one of the eminent Nigerians who did not talk or appeal to him for the release of any of the nationalists arrested and incarcerated in the two coups fabricated by Abacha. Both Obasanjo and Yaradua were Babangida’s senior in the military and he was reported to be very close to them. As a matter of fact rumor had it that Obasanjo saved him form compulsory retirement shortly before he planned a coup against Buhari/Idiagbon regime. Babangida kept quiet and remained silent while Yaradua was killed and Obasanjo and Diya nearly lost their lives in jail.

Bashorun MKO Abiola, an international businessman of repute sought the consent of his close friend, IBB before declaring his interest in Nigeria Presidency. After getting his node, he went ahead to campaign all over the country and garnered enough votes to be the next occupant of aso rock. But having a friend like IBB is not an asset for achieving one’s life ambition. IBB showed MKO and the whole world the stuff he is made of by annulling the victory of his close friend. In the stalemate that followed, the courageous Are Ona kakanfo of Yorubaland a paid the supreme price.

Babangida’s ability to betray friends cut across all sections of Nigeria. It does not matter to him if you are from North or South, East of West, a military, ex-military or civilian. He does not care whether you were his senior or junior in the army; he cares not if you are a Christian or Muslim. He would not bother if you were his classmate, best man or party member. He, who does not like his friends and his countrymen, can not pretend to like his country.

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Robot

# 1 | 31.08.2006 22:22

	In the unfolding political drama, no presidential candidateâ€™s ambition has generated more noise an...Read the full article.

techsista techsista is offline

# 2 | 31.08.2006 23:08

	Thanks for this critical look at IBB. Fjord asked me a while back to look up some excerpts on Babangida from Karl Maier's "This House Has Fallen." I haven't had a chance to until now. My favorite quotes/excerpts: Coups seemed to run in his blood. p.44 M.D. Yusufu: "Babangida went all out to corrupt society...this corruption remains, and it is very corrosive to society." Maier: In this legacy, Babangida remains the dominant political character of his generation. p. 45 Babangida: "... He (Katsina) said, 'Coups succeed coups. We will never be at peace again.' ...how prophetic. It's kept on and on ..." Maier: Babangida said this without batting an eye, seeming not to recognize that he was one of the main contributors to this state of affairs. p. 52 (Shagari era) Babangida's own words betrayed his motives: "We in the military waited for an opportunity. There was the media frenzy about how bad the election was...Nigerians always welcome military intervention because we have not yet developed mentally the values and virtues of democracy." Maier: "You admit you were waiting for an opportunity?" Babangida: "We are very smart people...We wait until there is frustration in the society....Anytime there is frustration, we step in. And then there is a demonstration welcoming the redeemers." At that the evil genius broke into a deep self-mocking chuckle at the notion of the military as redeemers. p.59 Babangida:"...The media is satisfied that they waged a war against a bad govt., ...pulled it down. The elite who participate want recognition, maybe patronage..." Maier: Everyone wanted the quick fix, a strongman to put everything right without considering the long-term consequences. p. 60 (Buhari era) Maier: But what about Babangida's friendship with Buhari... Babangida: "To be able to stage a coup you have to be close to somebody." ..."I was a very good friend of Buhari, there's no doubt about it." p. 61 Maier: When I asked what happened to Dele Giwa, Babangida stumbled for an answer. Babangida:"...We carried out investigations...The report, they are not interested." Haruna interrupted to ask about the existence of a report on the murder, which he, ...had never heard of. Again, Babangida seemed lost. p.64 ...Babangida decided he would not make a good civilian leader. Babangida: "I would be operating under a different environment. I give a command it's carried out. Then I would have to go and lobby, to go and plead." Submitting himself to democratic scrutiny was not an attractive prospect. p. 64 (Has he now acquired skills in lobbying and pleading that we are not aware of?) (Babangida) banned former politicians as corrupt "old breeds" and vowed famously that "we have not chosen, and we have not sought to choose, those who will succeed us. We have only decided on those who would not." p. 65 (Chei, to think OBJ is only paraphrasing Babangida when he makes this statement today!) Karl asked Babangida if he would return to public office one day. Babangida said as an elder stateman, but not as a politician. (p.74 Clearly he's forgotten the interview). Okay I don tire, I will stop here. There is no doubt in my mind that the man is fiercely intelligent, cunning, diabolical and has nothing positive to offer Nigeria.

unregister unregister is online

# 3 | 01.09.2006 00:07

	"Both Generals were kept in detention for months" No, Muhammadu Buhari in fact spent 36 Months in Ibrahim Babangida's gulag.

Fjord

# 4 | 01.09.2006 02:32

	techsista: excellent! ...Babangida decided he would not make a good civilian leader. Babangida: "I would be operating under a different environment. I give a command it's carried out. Then I would have to go and lobby, to go and plead." Submitting himself to democratic scrutiny was not an attractive prospect. p. 64 Q: (Has he now acquired skills in lobbying and pleading that we are not aware of?) A: He definitely hasn't; indeed he isn't qualified. I'll go through my copy to find if Maier ever asked Babangida about the stolen Gulf War oil sales windfall; expect the regular ramblings of a kleptomaniac experienced in covering his thieving tracks. .

WaleAkin WaleAkin is offline

# 5 | 01.09.2006 04:24

	IBB has this funny ambience that is larger than life, Yorubas call it *MADARIKAN, no matter how tough a situation may be, he will always wriggle out of it. Now does that has something to do with our lackerdaisical attitudes to call him to order or is he that strong we cant really bring him to book? We can name a few: Dele Giwa's death Mamman Vatsa death Gideon Orkar's Coup June 12 Annulment Oputa Panel Arrest of his son by EFCC Taking a critical look at these events most especially Gideon Orkars coup plot, one would see a perceived spiritual dextertiy in play, Lt Col.S.K. Bello (Aide-Camp) was brutally killed, where was IBB? I dont believe in such nonsense but the time has come now to start really thinking if truly IBRAHIM BADAMASI BABANGIDA is not a GHOST, Yorubas call it AKUDAYA* Cheers, WaleAkin NB, He once called himself an EVIL GENIUS, a name that has stuck to him like Ezcema

Oghre

# 6 | 01.09.2006 05:18

	He who lives by the gun dies by the gun... IBB may well meet his demise from a friend like OBJ when he is disgraced in 2007, I can also bet that if IBB doesn't get back in power next year he will be even more exposed to a probe and possible sentenced to life jail or firing squad. What goes up most come down.

Lemmuel Odjay Lemmuel Odjay is offline

# 7 | 01.09.2006 08:37

	If he makes it in 2007, which I very much doubt, then the end. I don't know by what means, but even all the legions in the spiritual realm cannot rescue him. If I was IBB, I would quietly retire and be thankful to God that I reside in a country where ultra criminals enjoy such liberties unknown in other climes. I would gracefully slip away into retirement, to nurture my grandchildren. But the die is cast, unfortunately. He must abide by his destiny. And so, like a sheep to the slaughter, this man walks. Every step is a prediction. Destiny! Pity?

DaBishop DaBishop is offline

# 8 | 01.09.2006 09:34

	Mahman Vatsa until his death, General Vatsa was regarded as the closest friend to IBB. It is on record that they were classmates all through having attended the same elementary school, the same high school and got enlisted in the military the same day. Both officers got promoted to the same rank at the same time. As a matter of fact, it was stated that IBB was the best man during General Vatsaâ€™s marriage ceremony. Vatsa was rope up in a fathom coup and without being given enough time to appeal to higher military tribunal, without listening to the plea from eminent people all over the world, Babangida executed his closest friend. Meanwhile it was possible for IBB to commute the sentence to life imprisonment in the spirit of friendship. __________________________ What really stands out to me from the above is: 1. Vatsa was IBB's family friend 2. There were pleas for mercy from far and near 3. Soyinka reports that IBB had promised to do his best to 'save' Vatsa. a) My question then is; why rush to execute Vatsa secretly without exhausting the legal remedies of appeal provided by law (while lying to the world you would do your best? Was the C-in-C powerless to order an appeal session?) b) Even if one argues that Vatsa declined to appeal, why not wait a decent time for the time required for an appeal to lapse before carrying out the so-called military law of execution as a consequence of 'coup plotting'? These are questions inquiring minds would ask IBB.

VOR

# 9 | 01.09.2006 10:33

	Babangida’s ability to betray friends cut across all sections of Nigeria. It does not matter to him if you are from North or South, East of West, a military, ex-military or civilian. He does not care whether you were his senior or junior in the army; he cares not if you are a Christian or Muslim. He would not bother if you were his classmate, best man or party member. He, who does not like his friends and his countrymen, can not pretend to like his country Amazing, this can be said of Obj as well!!! What manner of men has the Nigerian military produced? These two are a disgrace to our military. IBB is surrounded by sycophants who tell him what he wants to hear – so is Obj. If you are no longer considered useful or a threat to his agenda you are gotten rid off – either through murder or dismissal. The former being the case with most of their “friends/supporters” . Obj behaves the same way, Its all about personal ambition, not about Nigeria or Nigerians. I personally believe that IBB does not wish to contest the presidency, if he does he is more foolish than I thought. I believe he wants to remain relevant in Nigerian politics, be a kingmaker to buy him protection he knows he needs. They are all the same, and the sooner they destroy each other the better for Nigeria.

Blameless Blameless is online

# 10 | 01.09.2006 10:54

	People seem to forget that Danjuma wondered allowed how Dimka escaped. Both Dimka and Babangide planned the coup as stated by Vasta's wife. Babangida double crossed Dimka when there was no other way out to show hisloyalty to others.

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