Ibrahim Babangida gave a host of reasons why he toppled Buhari in a palace coup and assumed the headship of the government. He talked about Buhari’s unpopular decrees and policies as well as his stubborn refusal to accept an IMF loan offer. IBB flung open the prison gates and the politicians of 79-83 began to merry again. He took the loans and plunged the economy he accused Buhari of mismanaging down the abyss. We still do not know who is responsible for Dele Giwa’s death and one of the two reporters jailed under Buhari’s decree worked closely with IBB even handling the annulment speech that scuttled the June 12 1993 elections. I guess that was destiny for him. They have said time and time again that Buhari never had a plan to handover to a democratic government which is accurate. They do not realize that Gowon as the head of government usually chose Independence Day speeches to announce a delay or postponement of such lofty dreams thereby staying on for 8 years while the tactful and more liberal IBB executed at least two handover plans failing every time before eventually stepping aside. IBB was witty and had a lot of loyal soldiers in his inner circle and politicians alike. He engaged the media positively and even got the Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka with his cousin Prof. Ransom-Kuti to work for his government at different times. Buhari spent 20 months as the head of state and did not launch Nigeria on the path of joining any Islamic organization; we all know who did that.
Posted on: Thu, 01 Jan 2015 15:39:47 +0000