News
A Journey in service: There was No Igbo Coup as concuted is the main take away, Not, June 12 – By Capt Bishop C. Johnson rtd, US Army.
DDM News
General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida hate him or love him, remains one of the most brilliant and most celebrated military officers in Nigeria’s history.
Any historical account of Nigeria without the mention and documentary records of Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida in very significant details can best be described as a travesty of history – a false, absurd, or distorted representation of facts about Nigeria.
It was Babangida who cemented Nigeria’s relation with the traditional English-speaking world of the United States and the United Kingdom; and initiated and implemented Nigeria’s economic liberalization and the national mass mobilization of Nigerian people to tackle national problems.
Babangida’s rule projected Nigeria as a regional power with diplomatic successes including Abuja Treaty and Nigeria’s military engagement and troops deployment in Liberia and Sierra Leone to end the carnage and human sufferings in those countries and helped to halt the free fall of those two West African countries into abyss and yet another example of Africa and black man’s monumental life failures.
Gen IBB’s account of Nigeria’s civil War and the events that led up to that useless and avoidable bloodshed is therefore hardly an account of a young military officer who looked from a distance, instead it was and remains a vivid and clear-eye account of a very brilliant and young officer who was very close to the center of power, the people who ultimately took decisions.
“Lieutenant Babangida was posted with the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron in Kaduna, and witnessed the events of the bloody coup d’etat of 1966, which resulted in assassination of Sir Ahmadu Bello.
He, Babangida took part in the July counter coup of 1966 led by Murtala Mohammed which ousted from power, Gen Umunnakwe Aguiyi Ironsi, replacing him with General Yakubu Gowon”
During the civil war itself, IBB was front and center.
Historical accounts had it that following the outbreak of the civil war, “Babangida was recalled and posted to the 1st Division under the command of General Mohammed Shuwa.
And In 1968, he, IBB became commander of the 44 Infantry Battalion which was involved in heavy fighting within Biafran territory.
In 1969, during a reconnaissance operation from Enugu to Umuahia, Babangida’s battalion came under heavy enemy fire and Babangida was shot on the right side of his chest and he was then hospitalized in Lagos, and was given the option of removing the bullet shrapnel, which he refused and still carries with him.
Babangida would later return to the war front in December 1969, commanding a battalion, and in January 1970, Babangida was informed by his sectional commander General Theophilus Danjuma of the capitulation of the Biafran Army to the federal military government in Lagos, signaling the end of the war”
Now the question is, why devote this whole energy and time on Babangida and his activities in and around the time of the coup and the subsequent civil war? Well it’s important that Babangida’s activities in and around the time of the coups and the subsequent war that followed afterwards are established.
And from the discussion so far, the man, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida was front and center in the war and had first hand information and account of the events leading up to the war.
Therefore, it must be foolhardy to dismiss an account of such a brilliant officer, whom according to the Igbo adage, “when a child washed his hands clean and he became entitled to dine on same table with his elders, seniors and superiors.
This man, IBB at very young age earned his place to be seated with those who exercised power then.” It is that man who now wrote this highly acclaimed memoir, “The Journey in Service” from a very close distance and vintage position.
Therefore, dismissing such an accurate account of the civil War and the events leading up to the war is tantamount to ignoring mistakes of the past and waiting to be doomed by those same mistakes.
While the former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida rtd made several very important revelations in his book, The Journey in Service, the one that should be of utmost importance to most Nigerians, if not all Nigerians is that there was no such thing as an “Igbo Coup”, and not June 12, 1993, not to diminish the election and its unjustified annulment.
Rather, while June 12 is important, there’s nothing the former head of state wrote about June 12 that we didn’t already know.
There’s nothing there that Prof. Omoruyi who worked for IBB himself didn’t already write in his books about June 12.
Nigerians have long known that MKO Abiola won the June 12 election, and in fact it has officially been acknowledged and recognized by the Nigerian state and its government, which is why our Democracy Day celebration and national holiday was moved from May 29th of every year to June 12 each year.
He, MKO Abiola was posthumously awarded the third highest national honor in the country, the Commander of the Federal Republic, in 1998, and was also in 2018 awarded by the former president, Mohammadu Buhari, the highest national honor in the country, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic or GCFR, an award that’s reserved specially for presidents.
The date of the annulled election, 12 June, was also made Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
So, in essence, the truth about June 12 had already been established and Nigeria taken responsibility for its failures in that respect.
On the other hand, the issue of the concuted Igbo Coup of 1966 and the bloody genocide perpetrated against the Igbos by their own government for the offense they had no hands remain unresolved and the Igbos continue to this day, to pay the price of the concuted Igbo coup both in treasure and in blood, as the government has to this day refused to admit that a great blunder had been committed and unimaginable damage and injustice done to an innocent and very important population of our country, the Igbos.
For Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, a foremost northerner and one of the most brilliant military officers to have ever won the uniform of this nation to have come out at this critical time in our nation’s stride and to say what he knows as someone front and center, and close to power at that time and afterwards, and as someone who had access and still does, to Nigeria’s most classified and national secrets, he should be highly commended, and I do so as an individual.
I commend the former Head of State for coming out now and not die with this national burden.
No truth can be more stack than the vivid and clear-eye account of the former Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, even as the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon was seated in the same room and alive, in this memoir, IBB chronicled the events of 1966 to 1970 and stated, “that the inability of the Gowon-led government to curb the massacre of Igbos in the North following the 1966 coup left the then-Military Governor of then Eastern Region, Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, with no choice but to declare Biafra’s independence in May 1967”
And he went on, “the head of the plotters, Major Kaduna Nzeogwu, was only Igbo in name. Born and raised in Kaduna, his immigrant parents were from Okpanam in today’s Delta State, which, in 1966, was in the old mid-western region, Nzeogwu spoke fluent Hausa and was as ‘Hausa’ as any! He and his original team probably thought, even if naively, that they could turn things around for the better in the country”
“That said, it was heinously callous for Nzeogwu to have murdered Sir Ahmadu Bello and his wife, Hafsatu, because not only were they eminently adored by many but also because they were said not to have put up a fight”
“From that moment, the putsch was infiltrated by ‘outsiders’ to its supposed original intention, and it took on an unmistakably ethnic colouration, compounded by the fact that there were no related coup activities in the Eastern region”
“It should, however, be borne in mind that some senior officers of Igbo extraction were also victims of the January coup. For instance, my erstwhile Commander at the Reconnaissance Squadron in Kaduna, Lt-Col. Arthur Chinyelu Unegbe, was brutally gunned down by his own ‘brother’, Major Chris Anuforo, in the presence of his pregnant wife, at his 7 Point Road residence in Apapa, for merely being a threat to the revolution.
As a disciplined and strict officer who, as the Quartermaster-General of the Army, was also in charge of ammunition, weapons, equipment, vehicles, and other vital items for the Army, the coup plotters feared that he might not cooperate with them”
“It should also be remembered that some non-Igbo officers, like Major Adewale Ademoyega, Captain Ganiyu Adeleke, Lts Pola Oyewole and Olafimihan, took part in the failed coup. Another officer of Igbo extraction, Major John Obienu, crushed the coup.
“Those who argue that the original intention of the coup plotters was anything but ethnic refer to the fact that the initial purpose of the plotters was to release Chief Obafemi Awolowo from prison immediately after the coup and make him the executive provisional president of Nigeria”
Babangida’s memoir mark a significant historical acknowledgment from a senior northern military officer, as they highlight the role of the 1966 pogroms in deepening ethnic tensions and fueling Ojukwu’s decision to break away.
These are very revealing facts that ought to be brought to the front burner of our national discourse, so this country can eventually seek a national healing. Relegating these facts as established in this wonderful masterpiece because they came from Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, and he annulled June 12, therefore may not be liked that very much by so many will be tantamount to ignoring mistakes of the past and waiting to be doomed by same mistakes.
Continue Reading
News
VIRAL VIDEO: Moment Yahaya Bello Orders Kogi State House Members to Sit on Floor, Gives Strict Directives
A viral video circulating on social media has captured former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello making newly elected State House of Assembly member, Hassan Shado, and his supporters sit on the floor during a meeting in Abuja.
The meeting took place at Bello’s residence on Monday, where he received members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to discuss party unity and responsibilities.
Shado, who won the Dekina-Okura II State Constituency by-election on August 16, was formally presented to the former governor.
INEC declared Shado the winner after he polled 55,073 votes, defeating Godwin Meliga of the PDP, who garnered 1,038 votes.
During the session, Bello emphasized that Shado must strictly obey the directives of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in all legislative matters.
He drew his ear to stress the importance of cooperation, warning the lawmaker to align with Assembly decisions even when he did not fully understand them.
Bello said, “Go and cooperate with the Speaker and other members of the House of Assembly. Support Governor Ododo in everything that comes to the Assembly, even if you don’t understand it.”
Bello also reminded Shado that political victories are collective achievements.
He stated, “No candidate wins an election alone. Your people worked tirelessly from nomination to election day. Do not let them down.”
He urged inclusivity, consultation, and collective leadership, emphasizing that unity remains the key to APC’s continued success in Kogi State.
The former governor praised the people of Kogi East for demonstrating unity, which he said had been lacking in the past.
He further expressed confidence that APC would retain all major political positions in upcoming elections, declaring, “Our President, Bola Tinubu, will be re-elected.
Governor Ododo will be re-elected. All our candidates will continue to win on our great party’s platform.”
Bello’s post-governorship period has been marked by controversy.
The EFCC accused him of diverting over N110 billion from Kogi State coffers during his tenure.
He evaded multiple court summons and even a failed arrest in Abuja that led to a shootout. Ultimately, Bello surrendered to the EFCC on November 26, 2024, after months of avoiding legal proceedings.
Despite his legal troubles, Bello maintains influence over APC lawmakers in Kogi and continues to assert political authority, as shown in the recent video with Shado.
Watch the video below.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged all Nigerians to acquire combat skills such as Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo to protect themselves in the face of increasing danger.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday, August 21, General Musa likened learning martial arts to other essential survival skills, including driving and swimming.
“That one should be taken as learning driving, learning how to swim.
Whether we have war or not, it is a survival instinct,” he said.
He added that in Europe, swimming and basic security education are compulsory because citizens must understand and practice personal safety.
The defence chief emphasised that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) should incorporate unarmed combat training into its programme to prepare graduates for real-world threats.
He explained, “That’s what the NYSC is supposed to do, but the NYSC has been watered down to three weeks. Self-defence is very important.
Unarmed combat, swimming, driving these are critical aspects of human survival. We should never take them for granted because they prepare us for the future.”
General Musa further encouraged Nigerians to remain situationally aware of their environment, alerting authorities to any suspicious activities or individuals.
He said, “The world we are in now is dangerous. We have individuals who don’t mean people well. They kill for whatever reason.”
Highlighting evolving threats, General Musa disclosed that terrorists increasingly use gold to finance their operations.
He noted that complex international networks make it difficult to immediately expose or prosecute these financiers. “Gold is the main source.
They circulate it through various channels, including foreign links, which complicates intervention,” he explained.
General Musa acknowledged that bad roads and challenging terrains hinder rapid military response to attacks.
He said, “Many Nigerians expect immediate intervention from the Armed Forces without understanding the logistical challenges. By the time information reaches us, terrorists have already struck and vanished because they move more quickly in these regions.”
He added that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the North-East further slow troop movement.
Regarding the Southeast, General Musa noted that the arrest of pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland in November 2024 has improved security in the region.
He said, “Troops are actively pursuing Ekpa’s lieutenants in Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Abia states. We will continue operations until all threats are neutralised.”
The CDS also praised the synergy among the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy, which led to the arrest of Ansaru terrorist leaders, describing it as a major success in the fight against terrorism.
General Musa concluded by announcing an African Chiefs of Defence Staff conference to foster continental collaboration and enhance regional security efforts.
Detectives from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a man posing as a medical doctor following the death of a 35-year-old woman, Blessing Sunday Etim, during an alleged illegal abortion.
The suspect, identified as Sunday Okon Akpan, reportedly owns and operates the Full Life Medical Centre (FLMC) in Ikot Obio Odongo, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Timfon John, the spokesperson for the Akwa Ibom Police Command, revealed that police launched a search for the victim after receiving a distress call from her mother.
DSP John stated that operatives acted quickly following the report, which indicated that Blessing had gone to work at the FLMC and never returned.
According to police reports, the suspect attempted to secretly dispose of the victim’s body in her room.
A co-tenant, who witnessed the act, raised an alarm, forcing the suspect to abandon the corpse and flee the scene.
Police quickly arrived at the scene, where detectives discovered a premature foetus, confirming the occurrence of an illegal abortion.
Police traced and arrested Sunday Okon Akpan, a resident of Afaha Offiong village, Nsit Ibom LGA.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is not a licensed medical doctor or nurse but a community health practitioner who allegedly used his clinic to perform illegal medical procedures, including abortions.
The health centre has since been found abandoned.
DSP John confirmed that the victim’s body has been deposited at a morgue for preservation and autopsy, while investigations continue to uncover more details surrounding the incident.
She also promised to update the public as the probe progresses.
This shocking incident highlights the dangers of unlicensed medical practitioners operating clinics and offering illegal procedures.
Police authorities are warning residents to verify the credentials of anyone offering medical services and to report suspicious activities to prevent similar tragedies.
As the investigation unfolds, Akwa Ibom police have vowed to ensure that justice is served, and the public remains safe from unqualified medical practitioners operating in the state.
The Trump administration has announced a sweeping review of more than 55 million foreigners holding US visas, aiming to identify potential violations that could trigger visa revocation or deportation.
In a statement to The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all visa holders are now subject to “continuous vetting.”
Officials will examine any indicators of ineligibility, including overstaying authorised periods, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engagement in terrorism, or support for terrorist organisations.
If authorities find evidence of such violations, they will revoke the visa, and individuals already in the US could face immediate deportation.
Officials stressed that the review targets both individuals residing in the United States and those holding multiple-entry visas abroad.
Since assuming office, President Donald Trump has prioritized strict immigration enforcement, targeting not only undocumented migrants but also holders of student and visitor exchange visas.
The current vetting process extends far beyond prior reviews, potentially affecting individuals who initially received approval to stay in the US.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, last year the US had 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people on temporary visas.
Immigration policy expert Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute noted that the 55 million figure likely includes individuals living abroad with tourist or business visas. She questioned whether allocating resources to review people unlikely to return justifies the scale of the initiative.
Alongside the review, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that the US will immediately halt work visas for commercial truck drivers, citing safety risks and threats to American jobs.
“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio wrote.
The administration recently strengthened English proficiency requirements for foreign truckers following incidents where language barriers contributed to accidents. State Department officials confirmed they are pausing the processing of new work visas to reassess screening and vetting protocols.
“Ensuring that every driver meets the highest standards protects American workers and maintains a secure, resilient supply chain,” the department added.
Experts warn the broader implications of the review could ripple across the US economy. Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, explained that the administration’s policies aim to discourage companies, universities, and hospitals from employing foreign workers.
“The economic consequences will extend far beyond individual visas,” Alden said, emphasizing that employers risk compliance issues if they continue hiring foreign staff.
The review represents the most comprehensive enforcement action in recent US history and signals that the administration will aggressively monitor both legal and temporary visa holders to maintain national security and prioritize domestic employment.
The 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has warned Nigerians that the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is giving false hope about rescuing the country from underdevelopment.
“They are deceiving us,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.
Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed his willingness to be Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.
Although Obi has shown interest in the 2027 race and is aligning with ADC coalition figures such as David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, Baba-Ahmed stressed that he wants Obi to remain in the Labour Party and contest as its presidential candidate.
“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” Baba-Ahmed stated.
When asked about his plans for the 2027 race, Baba-Ahmed confirmed his readiness to serve as a running mate for like-minded leaders committed to restoring Nigeria.
“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow, my love for Nigeria is undying.
I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals aligned with restoring the nation,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed also revealed two potential leaders he would consider deputising, with Peter Obi being his primary choice. “The first one has not said anything.
The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to,” he added.
-
Featured4 days agoYour Attacks on Peter Obi Are Petty, Stop It! Chekwas Rebukes Soludo
-
News4 days agoTension in Anambra community as senior police officer shoots kinsman dead
Colleagues, others try cover-up; victim's family fights back
-
News7 days agoAnambra South Bye-Election: APC Chief Rescues Deputy Gov Caught In Vote Buying From Angry Youths
By Chuks Collins, Awka
-
News5 days agoNigerian visa applicants must provide 5-yr social media history — US embassy
-
Celebrity/Entertainment23 hours agoHow Nigerian TikToker Geh Geh Made ₦45 Million in One Night
-
Analysis6 days agoSystemic Sabotage: How APC, INEC Colluded To Undermine Amamgbo’s Senatorial Bid
By Arthur Ezechukwu
-
News3 days agoTerrorist Organisation: APC, PDP Members in US, UK, France Risk Deportation
-
Celebrity/Entertainment5 days agoWhy single mothers can’t raise boys into proper men — Jim Iyke
-
News7 days agoBREAKING: Troops arrest Nigeria’s most wanted terror kingpin
-
News2 days agoVandal electrocuted while vandalizing Aba power infrastructure