The book, A Journey in Service, is a long-awaited autobiography of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), Nigeria’s former military president, who ruled from 1985 to 1993. The book, launched on February 20, 2025, offers a detailed account of Babangida’s personal and professional life, including his military career, leadership experiences, policy decisions, and the challenges he faced while governing Nigeria.
One of the most significant revelations in the book is Babangida’s acknowledgment that the late Chief MKO Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election. He describes the annulment of the election as the most difficult decision of his career, explaining that it was made in response to national security concerns. This admission is crucial because the annulment remains one of the most controversial political events in Nigeria’s history, having led to prolonged political instability and eventually the transition to civilian rule in 1999.
The book also explores the economic policies implemented during Babangida’s administration, particularly the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP). Introduced in 1986, SAP was designed to restructure Nigeria’s economy by reducing government intervention, encouraging privatization, and attracting foreign investment. However, these policies led to widespread hardship, inflation, and protests, making them one of the most criticized aspects of Babangida’s rule. In his memoir, he defends SAP as a necessary but difficult economic reform, arguing that Nigeria’s economy was in dire need of restructuring at the time.
Another major topic covered in A Journey in Service is the unresolved murder of journalist Dele Giwa in 1986. Giwa, the co-founder of Newswatch magazine, was assassinated by a parcel bomb, and many suspected the involvement of Nigeria’s security agencies. Over the years, Babangida has faced accusations regarding the case, and while the book touches on the subject, it does not provide any groundbreaking revelations or a definitive answer to lingering questions about the murder.
Beyond politics and governance, Babangida also reflects on his personal journey—from his early years in Niger State to his rise through the ranks of the Nigerian military. He shares insights into his experiences as a young officer during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) and his role in various military coups before he eventually took power in 1985 by ousting General Muhammadu Buhari. The book details how he managed power, built alliances, and made strategic decisions that defined his administration.
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