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An Open Appeal for Accountability: A Gentle Request to General Ibrahim Babangida

Published

10 months ago

February 22, 2025

Eric

His Excellency, General Ibrahim Babangida GCFR,

Dear Sir,

It is with great respect and sincerity that we write this open letter to you following the release of your memoir, A Journey in Service, launched on February 20, 2025. The memoir has undoubtedly stirred up many discussions and emotions, providing a unique opportunity for you to share your perspective on the events of your tenure.

However, as the book reviews the past, there remains one undeniable truth that continues to resonate deeply in the hearts of millions of Nigerians: the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election, and the significant consequences that followed, stands as a pivotal moment in our nation’s history—a moment for which responsibility must be owned.

Now, we do not wish to be one of those overly harsh critics who seek to lay all the blame at your feet without offering a fair and balanced reflection of your time in office. Indeed, your leadership, for better or worse, played a significant role in shaping the modern political landscape of Nigeria. But, Sir, there are certain facts that cannot be ignored. The June 12 annulment, whether driven by internal conflict or external pressures, happened under your watch, and the implications of that decision continue to echo through our national consciousness.

In your memoir, you offer a fascinating narrative in which you cast General Sani Abacha as a key player in the annulment, suggesting that he may have been the mastermind behind it. While we understand the complexity of the situation you faced, this version of events—of you being completely unaware and outmaneuvered—leaves many of us wondering: Was the Commander-in-Chief truly so powerless, or is there a deeper truth to be uncovered? You were the leader, Sir, and while it’s understandable that in the fog of political maneuvering, some events can feel beyond one’s control, it is also important to recognize the role you played in that fateful moment.

To be fair, General Abacha was, without question, a man of strength, determination, and, dare I say, cunning—a figure whose political acumen often overshadowed the rest. One might say he was a bit like a master chess player, always two steps ahead. But, as any strategist knows, the moves of the game depend on who’s holding the pieces. You, as the Commander-in-Chief, had the ultimate responsibility to ensure that those pieces didn’t fall into the wrong hands. And yet, the question remains: why, after all that had transpired in the years leading to the annulment, did you leave the pieces scattered for someone else to claim?

While General Abacha has often been painted in less-than-flattering terms, history also reminds us of his role in stabilizing the country after the political chaos of 1993. Yes, his rule was not without controversy, but under his leadership, Nigeria found some measure of economic stability—an achievement that, in hindsight, should not be dismissed. As much as one might wish to rewrite the past with the benefit of hindsight, the reality is that the annulment left Nigeria in turmoil, and the subsequent years were marked by a deepening sense of distrust in the political system.

Sir, we’re not asking you to become a scapegoat or to bear the full weight of the world’s frustrations. What I ask is far simpler, and, dare I say, more dignified: take full ownership of the decisions made during your time in office, particularly the events surrounding June 12. It is not uncommon for leaders to reflect on their legacies and acknowledge where things went wrong. There is immense power in that simple act of honesty, an act that would be a fitting tribute to your long and storied career.

We know, Sir, that leadership is not without its challenges. You navigated a complex political landscape and faced pressures that many of us could scarcely imagine. But leadership also demands accountability. And so, as we reflect on your memoir and the many twists and turns of your time in office, we ask that you acknowledge the undeniable consequences of June 12, 1993. It’s not just about taking responsibility for the past; it’s about providing the Nigerian people with the closure they deserve.

Yes, we know that Nigeria under your leadership achieved certain feats—whether economic, military, or diplomatic. Your time in office is, without question, marked by significant events and decisions that shaped the direction of the country. But, Sir, as the pages of history turn, we must also acknowledge that no legacy is complete without a candid reflection on its darker chapters.

Additionally, Sir, as we reflect on the painful history of June 12, we cannot ignore the lasting injustice suffered by the late Moshood Abiola and his family. Abiola was the victor of what is widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election—a victory that was cruelly denied by your administration. His subsequent suffering, the wrongful imprisonment, and his untimely death are a stain on Nigeria’s history. We ask you, Sir, to consider the profound impact of your actions on Abiola’s legacy, and on the history of our nation.

In the spirit of reconciliation and national healing, we respectfully urge you to take concrete steps to offer restitution to the Abiola family. This could take the form of an official national apology, full recognition of MKO Abiola as Nigeria’s democratically elected president, and ensuring that his family receives the honors and entitlements that they were unjustly deprived of. Acknowledging the wrong done to them would not only be an act of justice but also a significant step towards healing the wounds of the past.

And so, General Babangida, with all due respect, we ask that you look to the future and, in doing so, offer the Nigerian people the respect of a full acknowledgment of the past. It’s never too late to set the record straight.

In closing, let us say that we hold you in high regard—not only for your leadership and achievements but also for the unique character that you brought to Nigerian politics. The strength, intelligence, and determination you exhibited were, and remain, a defining feature of your era. It is not lost on me, however, that leadership is more than just a reflection of success—it is also an opportunity to humbly accept the weight of mistakes.

We pray for your continued health and strength as you continue to serve your God and the people of Nigeria in whatever capacity remains. Your story is far from over, and the final chapters are still to be written.

With the deepest respect,
we remain,
Yours sincerely,

Richard Odusanya/_adeABANIDA_

Featured

Sunny Irakpo Launches SILEC International Magazine in America

Published

10 hours ago

December 8, 2025

Eric

Drug Use Prevention Advocate, Founder and President of SILEC Initiatives, and U.S. Department of State Exchange Alumnus, Ambassador Sunny Irakpo, has unveiled SILEC International Magazine (SIM), a groundbreaking media platform exclusively dedicated to reporting drug-related issues across Africa, the United States, and the global community.

The announcement was made during a strategic meeting with partners in New Jersey, where Ambassador Irakpo is currently participating in a series of community-based and public-safety initiatives to deepen his expertise in combating substance use disorders and illicit drug trafficking both in the United States and worldwide.

A First-of-Its-Kind Platform for Drug-Focused Journalism

Ambassador Irakpo emphasized that SIM is designed to shape public consciousness by promoting value-driven storytelling and providing credible information on the rising tide of drug abuse and illicit trafficking—a crisis he describes as “a looming danger destroying the vibrant youth populations of many nations.”

He noted that the magazine will spotlight the work of NGOs, CEOs, advocates, and policymakers, churches, and companies with strong social responsibility particularly from African perspectives, while amplifying influential voices and advancing global understanding of effective anti-drug efforts.

Drawing inspiration from media leaders such as Dele Momodu, Chairman of Ovation Media Group, and Dr. John Momoh, Chairman of Channels Television, Irakpo described SIM as “a beacon of hope and a tool for societal transformation.”

Recognizing U.S. Efforts Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking

Ambassador Irakpo commended the United States for its continued commitment to combating drug trafficking and addiction—efforts strengthened under previous and current administrations. He particularly noted that the U.S. government under President Donald Trump demonstrated “exceptional courage, political will, and capacity in confronting the opioid crisis and the destructive forces fueling illicit drug trade,” encouraging world leaders to emulate such resolve.

He reiterated that addressing substance abuse requires a combination of drug-demand reduction, citizen sensitization, international collaboration, and sustained public education.

A Platform With Social Impact and Youth Empowerment at Its Core

Irakpo highlighted SIM as a top-tier media platform that will not only drive awareness but also create employment opportunities for young people and support underprivileged students—particularly in Nigeria, where more than 20 million children remain out of school due to financial hardship.

He added that SIM will serve as a sustainability engine for the ongoing anti-drug overdose campaigns of SILEC Initiatives, a leading nonprofit that has educated and sensitized communities for nearly two decades.

Experienced Editorial Leadership

As SIM prepares for its U.S. take-off, Irakpo announced the appointment of veteran journalist Julius Eto as Chairman of the Editorial Board. Eto brings more than four decades of experience across Nigeria’s premier news organizations, including The Guardian, ThisDay, The Punch, Daily Times, and The Trumpet.

He will be joined by distinguished academics including Prof. Oscar Odion Odiboh and other seasoned professionals committed to advancing the magazine’s mission.

A Call for Media Reawakening and Global Collaboration

Ambassador Irakpo called for a media renaissance in Nigeria to strengthen societal values and elevate African leadership in global discourse. SIM, he said, intends to claim its rightful place as “an African voice on the world stage.”

With the official launch of SILEC International Magazine (SIM) scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 in the United States, Ambassador Irakpo extended an invitation to corporate organizations, development partners, and well-meaning individuals worldwide to support this far-reaching vision.

“With hope, determination, and the resilience symbolized by the eagle, SIM is prepared to soar across the globe. Members of the public are respectfully enjoined to visit our friendly, rich anti-drug abuse website, www.silecinitiatives.org.ng,” he added.

Featured

How Tinubu Helped to Crush Military Coup in Benin Republic – Presidency

Published

14 hours ago

December 8, 2025

Eric

The Presidency, on Sunday night, said acting on the two requests by the authorities of Benin Republic, President Bola Tinubu ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped.

The Presidency, in a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said President Tinubu commended the swift response of the gallantry of Nigeria’s military.

The statement read: “President Bola Tinubu has commended the gallantry of Nigeria’s military on Sunday for responding swiftly to the request by the Government of Benin Republic to save its 35-year-old democracy from coup plotters who struck at dawn today.

“Acting on two separate requests from the Government of Benin, President Tinubu first ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped.

“The Republic of Benin, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a Note Verbal, requested immediate Nigerian air support “in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population.”

“In the second request, the authorities in Benin requested the deployment of Nigerian Air Force assets within Beninoise airspace for surveillance and rapid intervention operations under Benin-led coordination.

“The Benin government also requested Nigerian ground forces, “strictly for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority in support of the protection of constitutional institutions and the containment of armed Groups.”

“Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said all the requests have been fulfilled, with Nigerian ground forces now in Benin.

“Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu,” he said.

He further stated: “Constitutional order was upended in the Republic of Benin, Nigeria’s neighbour, when some soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri announced a coup on Sunday morning. The putschists seized the National TV and claimed they had toppled President Patrice Talon and suspended all democratic institutions.

“It took some hours before the government’s loyal forces, assisted by Nigeria, took control and flushed out the coup plotters from the National TV.

“In his remarks after the restoration of the democratic and constitutional order, President Tinubu saluted the Nigerian armed forces for standing firm as a protector and defender of democracy.

“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government. Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

“They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin.”

Featured

Ozekhome, Wife Josephine, Celebrate 34 Years of Marital Bliss

Published

1 day ago

December 7, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Popular Constitution lawyer and renowned human rights activist, Prof Mike Ozekhome, and wife, Lady Josephine Ozekhome, has celebrated 34 years of living together as husband and wife.

The couple took time out to shower love, encomium and affection on each other, celebrating the goodness of Godd upon their lives and home in the last 34 years.

Speaking exclusively to The Boss, Ozekhome noted that on a day like this “I remember how we started; how we weathered the storm together, and conquered together. She is the best companion anyone can have, and I’m very proud of her, and to be her husband.”

Ozekhome once stated that his wife is “a great woman of uncommon virtues and humanity; my jewel of inestimable value, soulmate, sister, best friend and mother.”

While the wife is identified as Lady (Dr) (Senior High Chief) Josephine Mike Ozekhome LL.M, LSM, LL.D. D.Sc., the renowned constitution lawyer, a dotting and loving husband, and firebrand pro-masses Advocate, os identified as Prof Mike Ozekhome SAN, CON, OFR, Ph.D, LL.D, D.Litt,D.Sc., among a host of other watering achievements.