President Bola Tinubu has applauded the former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida for showing unusual courage and patriotism by admitting that late Moshood Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential election which he (Babangida) who served as Nigeria’s leader from August 1985 to August 1993, annulled.
The president stated this at the launch of Babangida’s autobiography, ‘A Journey in Service’ and the fundraising for the IBB Presidential Library Project held in Abuja on Thursday.
However, the president who was the special guest of honour at the launch said Babangida had the opportunity to make history but failed.
Babangida confirmed for the first time in 32 years that Abiola won the historic June 12 election based on collated results.
Tinubu said the former leader’s admission about Abiola’s victory will help to set the records properly.
“I am glad about the revelation of June 12. My General, we will not forget to pray for you. I listened to you carefully. I am not here to read a speech. I am here to pay homage.
“Let me say thank you for everything, for who you are, what you are, and how you have contributed to the history of this great country,’’ he said.
Continuing, Tinubu said: “One thing that I cannot forget when you were in office. You recall that we were elected lawmakers, and you kept postponing our inauguration. You summoned us to Abuja. And when we became rancorous, you summoned us to the International Conference Centre.
“I was not expecting to say anything. I was sitting down, thinking whether you would not inaugurate us again. But when Dr Patrick Dele Cole summoned me to remark, I confronted you, saying that you had an opportunity to make history that day, and you failed to do it. Why not inaugurate us? Why are you calling us back and postponing the inauguration?
“They all thought I would end up in jail, but you came out at the end of the remark and shook my hands. I can’t forget that day. You are courageous. That’s an inspiration that was so impactful in our own lives.
“But when we returned to the hotel, the doors were locked, and there were no keys.”
Tinubu thanked Babangida for his efforts to set the pace for democratic elections in the country.
He also expressed his appreciation to the military president for giving people like him the opportunity to cut teeth in politics.
“Without you, people like me will not be in politics. I thank you for your progressive revolution. You said you wanted young, brilliant people in politics. We met you in Dodan Barracks. You inspired some of us.
He further thanked Babangida for his foresight in ensuring the private sector’s growth in Nigeria, particularly approving operational licenses for banks and deregulation of the economy which heralded the wave of new-generation banks.
“And when you look at the programme today, the names of bankers and many of us here today for this library project are all because they believe in the visionary Babangida. Thank you for what you are,” he added.
“So many of the bankers when we came to you, I was with Mobil, and we were discussing, with I think, late Abubakar Alhaji, who was permanent secretary of ministry of finance.
“Nigeria has never been the same since then. You have made your marks,’’ he said.
Addressing Babangida and the personalities who turned up for the event, Tinubu said: “I listened to your remarks, your recollection of history, the dream, progressive ideas, the joy of being alive today, 32 years after, to give us an account of stewardship and service.
“Your Excellency, it is challenging to find the people present here if not because of your personality, character, and impact.
“Former President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, thank you for the keynote remarks and your contributions to ECOWAS and commitment to Africa’s sovereignty.
“To our brother, Ernest Bai Koroma, former President of Sierra Leone: I met you before I became president and interacted with you. Fate has brought us together again.
“To our father, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, I am glad about the restoration of your rank and everything. We learn history from you. Thank you for who you are and your commitment to nation-building.
“To former President Goodluck Jonathan, we sometimes interact, argue and discuss the future of this country.”
In his remarks, Babangida thanked the president and all guests for attending the unveiling of his autobiography.
He admitted that annulling the June 12 elections was the most challenging decision of his life.
Given another chance, he said he would have handled the situation differently.
“Undoubtedly, credible, free and fair elections were held on June 12, 1993. However, the tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near-perfect electoral system and conducted those near-perfect elections could not complete the process.
“That accident of history is most regrettable. The nation is entitled to expect my expression of regret. As a leader of the military administration, I accept full responsibility for all decisions taken under my watch,” the former leader said.
“June 12 happened under my watch; mistakes, oversights, and missteps happened in quick succession, but I say in my book, in all matters, we acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.”
He expressed relief that former President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged Abiola’s victory in the June 12 elections and posthumously awarded him the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), Nigeria’s highest honour reserved for presidents.
