IBB: ‘Journey In Service’, A True Reflection on the Nation’s Evil Genius, By Lanre Ogundipe

IBB autobiography, launched few days ago, has failed to pull wool over people’s faces but succeeded in amplifying the despicable disaster it has so far foisted on the impoverished nation and the subversion of peoples will, willy-nilly. I have never been in anyway swayed by the different enquirer’s petitions that IBB should state his own side of the story as the leader of the most corrupt military contraption Nigeria has ever witnessed. Due to my inability at this period of writing, I would only try to give a glimpse of what the elites see or call the netizens of this great or gullible set of this country inhabiting the nation.

Those behind the image laundering failed woefully. They succeeded only but again in lining their pockets as the book launch garnered a whooping 18 billion naira to further accentuate the bad seed in public and private sectors, to hero worship those who have collectively wrecked democratic havoc on us and still been given the stage to insult our sensibilities. The package of “Journey in Service” is not but absurdity in presenting prejudiced and perhaps jaundiced side of the almost late and forgotten story just as we are trying to forget who had at one time or the other perpetrated heinous democratic crime against the state without any trail but further inflict further pains yet seeking to be canonised as saints. If not, what would an elected President be doing honouring someone who trauncated the democratic journey of the country in 1983 with his other spoil-joy military adventurists. The detour this time, is to ensure the justification of ruining the prospect of a developing nation and all the hawks gathered to applaud the “evil-genius”. What an irony?

Those involved in the documentation of the good work, failed to give attention to what vicarious liability means as someone in position of leadership in government businesses! Certainly not the crasps of being influenced by subordinates to upturn people’s wishes because of inordinate ambitions of demented few.

Unfortunately, the supposedly crafted memoir presented as new had been in public domain for over three decades. We know and have spoken and argued about these “righteous garbs.” Babangida and his ilk wanted us to believe the documents are disclassified! We are better off than these Tom and Jerry escapades being narrated for us to believe. We are not fools trying to understand the colour of the wool being used to cover our faces and their tracks.

IBB has placed himself on a shooting range, he should be ready to take many barrages of fire shots to sustain many of his half truths and outright synonymous fallacies authored in his name now. As one of the country’s most controversial and divisive figures, Babangida’s attempt to present his perspective on key historical events have been met with both interest and skepticism. While the book provides as presented by few reviewers, an intimate look into his tenure, it also raises critical questions about historical narratives, leadership accountability and transparency. The socio-economic implications of its lavish book launch presentation smacks of window dressing as its best.

Since its release, the book has remained at the center of national discourse and discuss. While the critics argue that the book serves as an attempt to whitewash Babangida’s controversial legacy, portraying events in a skewed way that may downplay the consequences of his administration’s actions. His role in Nigeria’s political history, particularly concerning issues such as structural adjustment policies (SAP), the annulment of the 1993 presidential election, and military rule, remain contentiously controversial to the hilt.

Conversely, supporters of the book assert that Babangida has the right to share his side of the story. They argue that Nigeria’s history cannot be told without hearing directly from those who shaped it. From their perspective, “Journey in Service” provides valuable insights into the complexities of leadership during turbulent times, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of governance challenges.
One of the most talked-about aspects of the autobiography is not just its content but the extravagant book launch. The event saw Nigeria’s business elites pledge nearly N18 billion, with Aliko Dangote committing N8 billion over four years and Abdul Samad Rabiu contributing N5 billion. Such staggering figures have ignited intense debates about the ethical and economic implications of such donations in a country grappling with poverty, unemployment, and infrastructural decay.

Many citizens question whether these funds could not have been better allocated to social development projects rather than an autobiography. The optics of billionaires contributing enormous sums to a book launch while millions struggle to afford basic necessities further highlights the widening gap between Nigeria’s elite and the common people. This raises fundamental questions about the priorities of Nigeria’s wealthy class and their role in national progress.

Regardless of one’s opinion on Babangida, engaging with “Journey in Service”  is crucial for those interested in Nigeria’s political evolution. Here’s why:

It would allow Nigerians to further investigate and evaluate Babangida’s perspective against other historical records, fostering a balanced view of the country’s past. It would give understanding to know more of our past leadership decisions, in both successes and failures, enables informed discussions on current governance challenges.

By studying how history is written and who controls the narratives, citizens can become more discerning about political discourse and media framing!

Under pretentious covers, this is the first time IBB would be asking for a favour from Nigerians If you know what I mean.

For many of his atrocious acts, the book also did not show any sign of remose on evil foisted and the wanton killings of innocent souls in the wake of the botched election imbroglio.

The intention to dribble round issues which was the hallmark of his government has been orchestrated to place him on a vantage position so as to cast aspersions on some of his colleagues who, unfortunately, are not alive to tell their own side of what transpired. One expects IBB to be courageous enough to tender an unreserved apology to Nigeria nation and its people who had been subjected to the dastardly act that sent many to their early graves with wanton destructions of properties.

Lanre Ogundipe
Public Affairs Analyst;
Former President Nigeria and African Union of Journalists
February 25 2025