Three Generals Who Ruled Nigeria: General Ibrahim Babangida's Regime!

Sequel to our Wednesday, December 3rd, 2014, edition on Rt. General Muhammadu Buhari's administration, we bring you the account of Rt. General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida's (IBB) regime.

General Ibrahim Babangida was thought a God - sent when he overthrew the Gen. Muhammadu Buhari military administration on 27 August, 1985, he was received with opened arms by the Nigerian media and sundry.

General Ibrahim Babangida freed all political prisoners, including the two jailed Guardian journalists, Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor, repealed decree 4, loosened all constraints the Buhari administration placed on civil societies and the media in his inaugural address to Nigerians:

..."We do not intend to lead a country where individuals are afraid of expressing themselves, the Public Officers protection Against False Accusation Decree No 4 is hereby repealed. And, finally, those who have been in detention under this decree are hereby unconditionally released. The responsibility of the media to disseminate information shall be exercised without undue hindrance".  

In a clever bid to bring key groups and institutions to his side, General Babangida made Presidents of the Nigerian Bar Association Attorney generals, donated a reported sum of N10m to several organizations and reportedly purchased 3000 Peugeot cars to officers of the Nigerian Army. 

In this regime sometimes refereed to as the "chop -I-chop" government, it was believed that one would walk into the government house poor, and come out rich; so long you are willing to "play ball". After-all, its in the best interest of "moving the nation forward".

'Return to Civil Rule', Inauguration of Political Bureau, and Conduct of National Census were according to reports, major programs listed by the Babangida administration.  

In 1990, the administration approved the Mass Communication policy for the nation, a product of the 1986 Badagry Conference, which attracted every one that matters in the Nigerian Media. Nigerians applauded these programs which appeared to be an answer to the challenges that bothered the nation at the time. 

It was under the Ibrahim Babangida regime that the Nigerian media was deregulated in 1992, by granting licence to the first set of private broadcast organisations. 

This government/media romance was notwithstanding short-lived as one of Nigeria's prominent journalists Dele Giwa, was killed on 19 October, 1986, two days after he was interviewed by some officials of the Nigerian State Security Services, via a bomb wrapped in a parcel (letter-bomb), reportedly addressed as "From the Presidency", as he was at breakfast with his son and his London Bureau Chief, Kayode Soyinka. 

Newswatch magazine, founded by the late Dele Giwa was banned from circulation through the 1987 'Proscription and Prohibition from Circulation Decree', after it reported findings from the Political Bureau. Assumed reason for this action was that Newswatch might have acted too fast, as the government had not worked on the findings.  

Then came the Newspaper Registration Decree 43, of 1993, which demanded that existing newspapers renew their licences on yearly bases, as a result newspaper titles were proscribed. 

A major tact by this administration was attack on major institutions, a strategy believably to weaken their bites.

Retreating on his 1985 median speech, General Ibrahim Babangida's administration saw to the the banning of about 44 News publications, printing and circulation of what was thought to be flawed news of popular Magazines and Newspapers, and the imprisonment of about 60 Nigerian Journalists whose offences ranged from disseminating their constitutional 'watch dog' duty with pens as their only weapon. 

The masses were not spared, as the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP), an austerity measure imposed when Nigeria blatantly declined IMF's $2.4billion loan conditionalities bit deep into the economic strength of Nigerians.

Policies under this program entailed the privatisation of public enterprises, deregulation of the agricultural sector by abolishing marketing boards and the elimination of price controls, the devaluation of the Nigerian currency to aid competitiveness of the export sector.  Restraints put in place by the Yakubu Gowon and Olusegun Obansanjo's military administrations on Foreign Investments in 70s was relaxed, resulting in the downsize of living standards of Nigerians. 

The Structural Adjustment Program (SAP)  program was not without its good sides. It was reported, that as anticipated from the blue print, the Nigerian economy was boosted, the export sector equally performed exceptionally. 

Howbeit with dwindling real wages in the public sector and urban classes, coupled with a huge reduction in expenditure on public services, demonstrations ensued, resulting in the end of the SAP program. 

History has it that during this regime issues were subjected to public debate, but the extent to which final recommendations was enacted was a mirage, leading to lack of trust in governments and their policies. 

Climax of these activities was the failure to lead the nation to a democratically elected government, after the annulment of the acclaimed June 12 free and fair presidential election, won by late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola. An interim government headed by Enerst Shonekan considered to be an elongation of the Ibramhim Babangida administration was set up instead. 

Civil society groups and the Media again called on the military and particularly on General Sani Abacha to intervene.

About seven years after IBB's exit from office, the 1999 Oputa Panel Report on Human Rights Violations Investigation Commission, set up to investigate crimes committed by past administrations, and seek ways for possible true reconciliation, concluded that: 

"On General Ibrahim Babangida, we are of the view that there is evidence to suggest that he and the two security chiefs, Brigadier General Halilu Akilu and Col. A. K. Togun are accountable for the death of Dele Giwa by letter bomb. We recommend that this case be re-opened for further investigation in the public interest." 

Ibrahim Babangida ignored summons to appear before the panel to answer to allegations of Humans Rights abuses brought against his regime. He instead reportedly questioned the legality of the commission and its power to summon him. He was howbeit represented by counsels, Mustapha Bashir Wali and Yahya Mahmoud.

To rest speculations surrounding his ambitions to run for the Presidency in a Democratic Nigeria, the now retired General on November 8, 2006, picked up a nomination form from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria's capital city. This action drew mixed reactions of supports and oppositions. 

Before PDP's Presidential primaries in December, 2006, the media reported that IBB withdrew his Presidential candidacy. The media also published a letter in-which Ibrahim Babangida was quoted as citing "moral dilemma" as his reason for withdrawing, and to pave way for the younger brother of the late Shehu Yar'Adua, Umaru Yar'adua, and General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau, whom he regards as having close family ties with.

"So on personal moral grounds, I would rather allow these two gentlemen to continue their ambition in the PDP. I value many years of harmonious relationship,’’ he stated.

Four years on, Ibrahim Babangida on August 9, 2010, once more launched an official campaign website, where visitors could interact directly with him. His spokesperson announced that he would be seeking the nomination of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) for the office of the Presidency in the 2011 polls. Again, his withdrawal via a "Presidential race letter", addressed to the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo read:

“This letter submits for the kind consideration and approval of the National Working Committee of our great party – the Peoples Democratic Party of Nigeria (PDP), a request to withdraw from all the processes leading to and including the PDP Primary elections scheduled for 13th January, 2011.

“You will recall that in September, 2010, I had collected, completed and submitted the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Guidelines set out by the party"....

“As a consequence of the Consensus arrangement to which I voluntarily and willingly subscribed, I write to inform you of my decision to withdraw forthwith from all the processes leading to the selection and emergence of our Party’s Presidential flag bearer"...

“Whilst extending my highest regards to your good selves and the Party, I wish to convey my gratitude to the Party for the opportunity given me to express my interest in the first place”. 

After these attempts in Politics, nothing much has been heard about rtd General Ibrahim Babangida, whom many Nigerians love to refer to as "Maradona".

Find links to General Sanni Abacha and Major General Muhammadu Buhari's Regime below: 

http://rovinginformant.blogspot.com.ng/2015/01/three-generals-who-ruled-nigeria.html

http://rovinginformant.blogspot.com.ng/2014/12/three-generals-who-ruled-nigeria-buhari.html

Ugandan Torture Maid Pleads Guilty In Court!

Jolly Tumuhiirwe, the Ugandan maid who heartlessly tortured a child left in her care in a graphic video that went viral a few weeks back, reportedly pleaded guilty in court on Monday, December 8. 

Jolly Tumuhiirwe in court

The 22 year - old was convicted Monday, although it was alleged that her lawyer, Ladislaus Rwakafuuzi, said she did not received a fair trial, as the defendant did not understand the charges and would not have pleaded guilty if he had been in court. He said he was late for the court session and asked for an adjournment, a request which was denied.

The Kamanzis in court

Information revealed Jolly Tumuhiirwe will be sentenced on Wednesday.

Photos from The Experience9 Music Concert!

Photos from The Experience9 musical concert, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square- Lagos, on December 5, 2014. 

Worshipers on queue, to get into TBS

sea of heads at The Experience9

Worshipers at the cricket pitch, of TBS

Russian Aircraft Transporting Arms, Seized At Kano Airport!

 A Russian aircraft transporting arms and ammunition was on Saturday, Novermber 6,  seized Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano - Northern Nigeria. 



Information says the D’jamena, Chad Republic, bound aircraft, which also reportedly carried two helicopters and bullet proof vests, landed at the airport at about 2:15am, Saturday.

Crew members of the aircraft are reportedly being detained for interrogation.

kate Henshaw Concedes To Defeat, Congratulates Winner!

Award winning Nigerian actress, Kate Henshwa, who was a contestants in the Calabar Munical/Odukpani Federal Constituency slot at the Federal House of  Representative on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has bowed out after conceding to defeat in the elections primaries. 

The talented actress revealed this in her twit which stated: "The primaries was conducted in an orderly manner. It was fair n transparent. Sadly I did not make it. My congrats to the winner". she said.

U.S Female Bus Driver Rescued Children From Burning Bus!

A school bus driver has been hailed as a hero after helping to rescue about 40 children from a burning school bus.

The female driver, identified as Kristina Buhrman was reportedly driving the middle school students at about 7:15 a.m. Wednesday in Polk County, Florida, when the students started to smell smoke.

Buhrman stated that “A student yelled at me and said ‘There’s smoke coming in the bus.’ As soon as she yelled ‘there’s smoke in the bus,’ I immediately pulled over,” she said.

As the smoke thickened, she hustled the students off the bus while calling 911 dispatchers. The fire grew so hot, it blew out the windows, peeled away paint, and flattened the tires.

Florida highway patrol trooper Sgt. Mary Godino commended Buhrman’s actions.

“The bus driver did a fabulous job in getting all those kids off in time, or, as you would have known, if they didn’t get off, it would have been a terrible thing,” Godino said.

“The kids did great, they got off in a single-file line. They moved quickly and 

they had to climb over the guardrail to get into the grass.”

Photo credit: Michael Krank

Three Generals Who ruled Nigeria: Major General Muhammadu Buhari's Regime!

The Nigerian political terrain is agog with 2015 elections, campaigns are at its peak as Political Parties elect their flag bearers. 

The story of Nigeria's journey to Democracy can not be told in full without making mention of the impacts of Rt. Major General Muhammadu Buhari, General Ibrahim Babangida and General Mohammed Sani Abacha, the three  generals who ruled Nigeria. Theirs were eras perceived by many to have the greatest (positive and negative) impacts on Nigeria. Events from their times in office actuated into the democracy Nigeria relish today, these events could also divulge the path the Nigerians choose to forge ahead as a nation.

A beneficiary of a coup that dethroned the Alhaji Shehu Shagari led Second Republic government, by middle ranking Military officers, spear-headed by then Colonel Ibahim Badamasi babangida. 

Then a Colonel in the Nigerian Army, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, a former Commissioner for Petroleum Resources under the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo, became the 7th Nigerian Head of State on January 1, 1984. 

Major General Muhammadu Buhari's administration was popularised for his uprightness and stand against corruption, respected for his competence in keeping the country progressive through sheer economic ingenuity, even when it rejected IMF loan and conditionalities to devalue the Naira.

Nevertheless, as the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) stated, "Buhari's attempts to re-balance public finances by curbing imports led to many job losses and the closure of businesses." These losses were reportedly accompanied by a rise in prices and a decline in living standards of Nigerians. 

On assumption to power, the Press seemed a major target of the Buhari administration. An irony, considering the fact that this administration came into power via a coup d' etat prompted by campaigns from the Press and oppositions who accused the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) of mismanagement of the economy, electoral misconduct, and corruption. 

General Buhari conscientiously kept to his word to then Editor of Newswatch Magazine, late Dele Giwa, to "temper with the Press freedom".

As evident in the enactment of the Public Officers Protection Against False Accusation, the infamous "Decree 4": "Any person who publishes in any form, whether written or otherwise, any message, rumour, report, or statement...which is false in any material particularly or which brings or is calculated to bring the Federal Military Government or the Government of a State or public officer to ridicule or disrepute shall be guilty of an offence under this Decree....two years imprisonment without option of fine, for individual; fine of not less than 10,000 for a corporate body". 

This decree saw to bans, seizures, arrests and imprisonment of Journalists in Nigeria. 

"Decree 4" authorised Buhari's administration to bar the circulation of any Newspaper considered as "detrimental to the interest of Nigeria", confiscate equipment of  (Print/Broadcast) Media, found guilty his officers, unless they (officers) proved that materials was published without their consent. Interestingly, offenders were tried by government tribunals made up of four military officers and a High Court Judge. 

Tribunal verdict was not subject to appeal and no court could inquire into the validity or otherwise of any verdict  of the tribunal. In suite was another desensitised "State Security Detention of Persons" under "Decree 2". 

So eager was this administration to sweep "corruption" out of Nigeria, that as at January 20, 1984, "Decree 2", which was supposed to come into effect on February 9th, 1984, reportedly already held 300 politicians for questioning and detained 600 of them at Kirikiri Maximum Prisons- Lagos. Among those detained was Alex Ekwueme, Vice President in the ousted Shehu Shagari's (NPN) Second Republic administration.

"Decree 2" likewise saw to banned strikes and lockout by workers. Politicians were jailed for 80-100 years for corruption, Nigerian popular musician late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, was sentenced to 10 years imprison on charges that Amnesty International denounced as fabricated and politically motivated.

Major General Muhammadu Buhari's administration arranged for and crated an ex- Transport Minister and one of its chief critics, Umaru Dikko,  in London, with the intent to bring him back to Nigeria for prosecution.

On allegation championed by Tai Solarin, and published by New Nigerian Newspaper, concerning alleged disappearance of the sum of N2.8bn from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)'s accounts under his watch, Major General Buhari said: "I was disappointed with the Press. I was disappointed because some things are not supposed to be published.For example, if some illiterate brought to you something very sensational and unbelievable, you must have the integrity to resist it if it is against national interest. if we were going to do any meaningful work, the situation of things in Nigeria in 1984 demand that the Press be dealt with".

"Decree 2" was perceived by majority as a decree that repelled every citizen's right granted earlier by the 1979 constitution. 

That being stated, in what was described as a rare "success story", the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) received accolades under Major General Muhammadu Buhari, for transparency.

72 -year- old now retired, Major General Muhammadu Buhari, is into Politics and is the Presidential flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Find the story on Rt. General Ibrahim Babangida and Sanni Abacha from links below:

http://rovinginformant.blogspot.com.ng/2015/01/three-generals-who-ruled-nigeria.html

http://rovinginformant.blogspot.com.ng/2014/12/three-generals-who-ruled-nigeria.html