June 12 Annulment: A Maradona cannot dribble Nigeria again

Comrade Daniel Onjeh

The launch of IBB’s self-serving publication was a spectacle of hypocrisy. I call it an affront on the collective sensibilities of Nigerians.

Former military dictator and self-proclaimed “evil genius,” General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), had yet another opportunity to redeem himself and seek genuine reconciliation over his infamous annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

Instead, through his recently launched 420-page autobiography, “A Journey in Service”, IBB once again trivialized the painful memories of that dark chapter in Nigeria’s history.

His half-hearted apology was riddled with evasions, shifting blame onto others—most of whom are no longer alive to challenge his narrative.

True to his nickname, “Maradona,” IBB dribbled around the truth, portraying himself as a victim of circumstance rather than the architect of one of the most grievous betrayals of democracy in Nigeria’s history.

IBB’s Autobiography: An Insult to Nigerians’ Collective Memory

A social commentator aptly likened IBB’s memoir to James Hadley Chase’s “The Dead Stay Dumb” – a desperate attempt to control the narrative by a man who cannot outrun history.

His account conveniently exonerates himself while implicating the deceased: Chief MKO Abiola, General Sani Abacha, Prince Arthur Nzeribe, Clement Akpamgbo, Justices Bassey Ikpeme and Dahiru Saleh, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, Abimbola Davis, Prof. Omo Omoruyi, and even Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, the electoral umpire.

It is ironic that he expects Nigerians to take his story at face value—perhaps, as Chase would title another of his epic novels, “Believe This and You’ll Believe Anything.”

The launch of IBB’s self-serving publication was a spectacle of hypocrisy. I call it an affront on the collective sensibilities of Nigerians.

It was disheartening to see eminent Nigerians grace the event and lavish donations on a so-called “IBB Presidential Library” while our public libraries, schools and other critical infrastructures that serves the interest of the masses, are left in dilapidation.

What exactly is IBB preserving—a legacy of deception, broken dreams, and stolen mandates?

Time Does Not Run Against Crime: IBB and His Accomplices Must Face Justice

The annulment of the June 12 election was not just an act of impunity; it was treason against the Nigerian state and its people.

A democratic mandate given freely by over 14 million Nigerians was subverted to satisfy the selfish interests of a power-hungry military elite.

This singular act plunged Nigeria into years of political instability, economic stagnation, and an era of brutal repression.

Justice must not be sacrificed on the altar of time. IBB and all those complicit in the annulment of June 12, 1993, must be arrested and tried for treason.

No statute of limitation should shield them from facing the consequences of their actions. Time doesn’t run against crime.

And in this era of global accountability, world leaders and organizations that claim to champion democracy must sanction IBB and his cronies, especially given allegations that many of them have stashed away vast sums of ill-gotten wealth in foreign accounts.

Actions must have consequences—if not for history’s sake, then to deter future usurpers of democracy.

June 12: A Symbol of Nigeria’s Democratic Struggle

To the ordinary Nigerian, June 12 is more than just a date; it is a testament to our resilience, unity, and unyielding demand for democracy.

That election—arguably the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history—was a beacon of hope, proving that Nigerians could transcend ethnic and religious divides in pursuit of a common good.

Across cities and villages, millions stood in line under the scorching sun, determined to exercise their right to vote.

MKO Abiola was overwhelmingly elected as President and Commander-in-Chief, yet his mandate was cruelly stolen. The annulment of June 12 was not just an injustice against one man—it was a dagger in the heart of democracy.

IBB must understand that no amount of revisionist history can erase the legacy of June 12.

As a former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), I stand with the countless heroes who paid the ultimate price for democracy.

I actually voted in that election, and I know of many innocent Nigerians that were gunned down by IBB’s military junta during the June 12 struggle.

Pro-democracy activists, journalists, and students were jailed, tortured, or exiled for daring to stand for what was right. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

Demands for Justice and Recognition of MKO Abiola

We, the true defenders of democracy, hereby demand:

1. The immediate arrest and prosecution of IBB and his accomplices for treason. Their actions undermined democracy and cost Nigeria dearly. They must be held accountable.

2. Full compensation for the victims of the June 12 struggle, including their families. Many paid with their lives, while others suffered unimaginable losses. Justice demands recognition and restitution.

3. Official recognition of MKO Abiola as a former President of Nigeria. While President Muhammadu Buhari took the commendable step of posthumously awarding MKO Abiola the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and declaring June 12 as Democracy Day, more must be done.

Abiola must be acknowledged in all official records and gazettes as a former President and Commander-in-Chief. His family should receive all the benefits due to Nigeria’s former presidents.

What About the $12.4 Billion Gulf Oil Windfall?

Since IBB is in a confessing mood, perhaps he should shed light on one of Nigeria’s greatest financial scandals—the $12.4 billion Gulf Oil Windfall.

This fortune, amassed during the 1990-1991 Gulf War due to skyrocketing oil prices, was supposed to serve as a financial cushion for Nigeria. Instead, it disappeared under IBB’s watch.

A probe by the Pius Okigbo Panel indicted his administration for gross mismanagement, but the funds were never recovered.

Despite legal battles by civil society groups, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the case.

However, Nigerians have not forgotten, and they deserve answers. Where did the money go, and who benefited? IBB must come clean.

Conclusion: History Will Judge IBB, But So Should the Law

IBB can attempt to rewrite history, but he cannot escape its verdict. No amount of self-glorification can wash away the blood of those who died fighting for the democracy he trampled upon. Nigeria must not be a country where impunity thrives. If we are serious about justice and democracy, we must act now.

IBB and his accomplices must face the full wrath of the law. Anything less would be a betrayal of the very ideals June 12 represents. Nigeria deserves closure—not whitewashed tales from a man who has dribbled his way out of accountability for far too long.

COMRADE DANIEL ONJEH

_Former President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)

_Former President, West Africa Students’ Union (WASU)

_Former Chairman, Governing Board, Projects Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu

_APC 2016 & 2023 Senatorial Candidate for Benue South

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