By Segun Atanda/
Few figures in Nigeria’s history evoke as much debate as General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB). As military president from 1985 to 1993, he presided over an era of bold reforms, economic restructuring, and political upheavals. His memoir, A Journey in Service, is an attempt to set the record straight, offering personal insights into his leadership and the controversial decisions that defined his rule. While Babangida provides compelling justifications for his actions, his narrative leaves many questions unanswered.
A Soldier’s Rise to Power
Babangida’s story begins with his childhood in Minna, Niger State, his education at the Provincial Secondary School, Bida, and his enlistment in the Nigerian Army in 1962. His descriptions of military life and the Nigerian Civil War are vivid and engaging, particularly his account of being wounded at the Okigwe front in 1969:
“I was hit in the leg, and for a moment, I thought my journey had ended. But fate had other plans.”
These early experiences shaped Babangida’s leadership style—one that combined military pragmatism with calculated political maneuvering. As Chief of Army Staff under General Muhammadu Buhari, Babangida grew disillusioned with what he perceived as Buhari’s rigid governance. This discontent culminated in the August 1985 coup that brought Babangida to power.
Economic Reforms and the Cost of SAP
Babangida’s tenure was marked by significant economic restructuring, including the introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in 1986. He describes SAP as a necessary but painful decision:
“We had two choices: allow the economy to collapse under the weight of foreign debt or take bold steps to reform it. I chose the latter.”
The policy led to currency devaluation, removal of subsidies, and widespread privatization. While Babangida frames it as a bold step toward economic self-reliance, critics argue that SAP deepened poverty, increased unemployment, and left lasting damage to Nigeria’s economy. Even he acknowledges its shortcomings:
“Did SAP hurt the people? Yes, it did. But governance is about making difficult choices.”
This admission is significant but does little to change the perception that his economic policies disproportionately hurt ordinary Nigerians.
The June 12 Annulment: Justification or Excuse?
Perhaps the most controversial chapter in Babangida’s story is the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was widely believed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola. Babangida’s explanation is predictably defensive:
“We had credible intelligence that certain elements were prepared to destabilize the country if the results were upheld. The decision to annul was not taken lightly.”
This reasoning, however, is unlikely to convince many Nigerians who see the annulment as a betrayal of democracy. Babangida attempts to frame himself as a leader caught in a web of competing interests, but he offers no clear evidence to support his claims of impending instability.
Even more striking is his admission that the decision damaged his reputation:
“I regret that my actions led to disillusionment among Nigerians. But history will judge me fairly.”
For many, history has already delivered its verdict, and it is not in his favor. The annulment plunged Nigeria into a prolonged political crisis, culminating in the dictatorship of General Sani Abacha. Babangida, by stepping down and leaving the nation in an uncertain transition, effectively paved the way for one of Nigeria’s darkest periods.
Achievements and Unfinished Business
Despite the controversies, Babangida’s tenure saw some notable achievements. He established institutions such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC). His administration also moved the capital to Abuja and initiated infrastructural projects.
Yet, his legacy remains mixed. He admits in his reflections:
“Leadership is about vision, but it is also about knowing when to let go. Some battles are better left for time to resolve.”
This sentiment encapsulates Babangida’s leadership—strategic yet elusive, ambitious yet cautious.
Final Verdict: A Partial Confession
A Journey in Service is a well-written, engaging, and historically significant memoir. It provides an insider’s view of Nigeria’s most turbulent years and offers a rare glimpse into Babangida’s mindset. However, it stops short of full accountability. His justifications for the June 12 annulment remain unconvincing, and his economic policies—while ambitious—failed to uplift the common man.
For those seeking an unfiltered admission of guilt, this book will disappoint. But for students of Nigerian history, it is an essential read, offering a firsthand perspective on one of the most consequential figures in the nation’s political evolution.
Verdict: 3.5/5 – A must-read for history buffs, but leaves critical gaps.
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