By Halima Abdulazeez
Nigeria has been gripped by a series of revelations and events in recent times, that have brought her political history and leadership under intense scrutiny. One such phenomenon making headlines is the publication and launching of an autobiography that seeks to exonerate Nigeria’s former head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida Badamasi, from the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election—a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey. This autobiography, coupled with the chilling revelations surrounding the late General Sanni Abacha, has reignited debates about accountability, betrayal, and the moral bankruptcy of Nigeria’s political elite.
The June 12 election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, was won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, a businessman and philanthropist. However, the election was annulled by the Babangida regime, plunging the nation into political turmoil. For decades, the question of who was truly responsible for this annulment has lingered. In a twist of fate, General Babangida’s autobiography attempts to shift the blame onto his late colleague and ally, General Sanni Abacha, who succeeded him as head of state. According to Babangida, it was Abacha who orchestrated the cancellation of the election. This revelation has sparked outrage and disbelief, as many Nigerians view it as an attempt to rewrite history and absolve oneself of guilt.
The irony is palpable. General Abacha, who passed away in 1998, is no longer here to defend himself. Babangida’s attempt to “wash his hands” of any wrongdoing and cast the blame on a dead man has been met with skepticism and condemnation. It raises the question: can the dead truly bear the sins of the living? As Nigerians grapple with this revelation, one cannot help but wonder what the angels must be thinking as they witness this final duel between the victim, Abiola, and the alleged perpetrator, Abacha. The annulment of June 12 remains a dark chapter in Nigeria’s history, and the quest for justice and closure continues.
It is important to beam the light on the speech of General Mamman Vasta, a celebrated poet, astute writer, and close confidant of General Babangida. His speech is adding another layer of complexity to the current narrative. Vasta, who was executed during the Babangida regime, delivered a chilling final speech that continues to haunt the collective consciousness of Nigerians. His words were not just a plea for mercy but a profound reflection on the nature of power, betrayal, and the human condition.
In his speech, Vasta said: “However, I shall remain my witness before your judgment, and the testimony before its justice. Before you pass your sentence on me, I’ll request you to see all sides of everything before you decide. And while you do, I will like you to keep the lessons in view still yet. I believe the sentence shall not be my final hour. I have God’s promise on that. May I appeal to you to also take note that I am a married man with a family. I have other dependents that I have the obligation of looking after. I will hate to think that by the time you finish with me, my children shall be so scared of the system that they shall never come near it, for a lean liberty is better than fat slavery.”
These words, dripping with both defiance and vulnerability, offer a glimpse into the mindset of a man facing his mortality. Was it bravery that fueled his speech, or was it fear? Perhaps it was a combination of both—a marriage of convenience between courage and despair. His plea for his family and his warning about the systemic rot in Nigeria’s political landscape remain eerily relevant today. His execution underscores the treacherous nature of political power in Nigeria. A reminder that in the quest for power, loyalty is often sacrificed at the altar of self-preservation.
Years after his death, Vasta’s words continue to resonate with Nigerians who are disillusioned with their leaders. His execution, seen by many as a betrayal of the highest order, serves as a metaphor for the broader betrayal of the Nigerian people by their political elite. Today, as General Babangida attempts to rewrite history and absolve himself of guilt, one cannot help but wonder what Vasta would say if he were alive. Perhaps he would be sitting among the angels, watching in dismay as Nigeria’s leaders continue to enmesh the nation in chaos and corruption.
The tragedy of Nigeria’s political leadership is not confined to the past; it is very much a present reality. The National Assembly, which ought to be a bastion of democracy and accountability, has become a theater of absurdity. Recent allegations against the Senate President, who is accused of using his position to harass women, have further eroded public trust in the institution. Of the 109 senators, only four are women, highlighting the glaring gender disparity in Nigerian politics. Among these women is Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, who has alleged frequent victimization and harassment in the Senate. Her ordeal has been likened to that of a student who refuses the advances of her lecturer, an analogy that underscores the abuse of power and the vulnerability of women in Nigerian politics.
This is not the first time the Senate President has been accused of such misconduct. The recurrence of these allegations raises serious questions about the moral integrity of Nigeria’s political leaders. If those entrusted with the responsibility of governing the nation cannot uphold basic ethical standards, what hope is there for the average Nigerian? The fear is that by the time these leaders are done ruining the country, the younger generation will be so disillusioned and afraid that they will steer clear of politics altogether. Already, there is a growing sense of apathy and despair among Nigerians, with many opting to migrate in search of greener pastures where they are presented with equal opportunities and a chance at a better life.
The exodus of young Nigerians to other countries is a damning indictment of the failure of leadership in Nigeria. The political and elite class must take urgent steps to address the systemic issues plaguing the nation. Corruption, nepotism, and a lack of accountability have become entrenched in the fabric of Nigerian society, and the consequences are dire. The world is watching as Nigeria, a nation with immense potential, teeters on the brink. It is time for the leaders to put their heads together and rescue the nation from complete ruin.
In conclusion, the revelations surrounding General Babangida’s autobiography, the chilling speech of General Vasta, and the ongoing scandals in the National Assembly are a microcosm of the broader challenges facing Nigeria. They underscore the need for ethical leadership.
The annulment of the June 12 election, the betrayal of allies, and the harassment of women in politics are all symptoms of a deeper malaise—a failure of leadership and a betrayal of the people’s trust. As Nigerians, we must demand better from our leaders and hold them accountable for their actions.
Nigeria’s political and elite classes have a moral obligation to craft a new narrative – one defined by hope, opportunity, and justice. The world is watching, and the future of Nigeria’s children hinges on their ability to learn from past mistakes and build a brighter tomorrow. The time for decisive action is now.
©Halima Abdulazeez
Halima Abdulazeez is a poet and a writer of the poetry collection “Soul Rants” A Journey from Within. She is the treasurer, of PEN International, Nigerian Center, and resides in Lagos, Nigeria. +234-8034816865 umuhfaisal@gmail.com