MINNA: Former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), has provided an in-depth explanation of the reasons behind the overthrow of Muhammadu Buhari’s government.
In his newly launched autobiography, ‘A Journey in Service,’ Babangida opens up about the factors that led to his decision to overthrow the Buhari-led regime in 1985, shedding light on the underlying discontent he felt regarding the policies and leadership style of the former military ruler.
Ibrahim Babangida, who served as Buhari’s Chief of Staff during the military coup that ousted the civilian government of Shehu Shagari in December 1983, recalled his time in the Buhari administration and the growing frustration that ultimately led to the 1985 coup.
Babangida explained that while the military initially supported Buhari’s ascent to power, his increasing dissatisfaction with Buhari’s leadership decisions, including his policies and governance approach, prompted a significant change in his stance.read also:t
In his autobiography, launched in Abuja on Thursday, Babangida elaborates on his role in the military regime and the factors that led to his eventual decision to act.
According to Babangida, the policies instituted by Buhari’s regime were “detrimental to the nation’s progress,” and their negative impact on Nigeria’s development led to his discontent.
Over time, Babangida felt that the leadership style under Buhari was ineffective and harmful to the country’s growth, which created the environment for the overthrow of the regime.
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He writes in the autobiography: “After the military coup that replaced the civilian government of Shehu Shagari with a military regime led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari, I assumed the role of Chief of Army Staff.
However, I became increasingly dissatisfied with the Buhari government’s policies and leadership style, which I believed were detrimental to the nation’s progress. This dissatisfaction eventually led to its ouster in 1985, and I took office as the military President.”
Babangida’s decision to take action was not one made lightly, as he had been an integral part of the military structure under Buhari’s regime.
However, his growing concerns over the direction the country was heading under Buhari’s rule ultimately led to the military coup that replaced Buhari with Babangida himself as the new military president. This marked a significant turning point in Nigeria’s history and governance.
The decision to oust Buhari was not only a personal one for Babangida but also a reflection of broader tensions within the military leadership regarding the future of Nigeria.
Babangida’s leadership would go on to shape the country for the next eight years, implementing reforms that were a departure from the Buhari administration’s policies.
The reflection on these historical events offers valuable insight into the complex dynamics of military rule in Nigeria and the motivations behind the country’s ever-evolving leadership transitions.
Through his autobiography, Babangida not only details the reasons for his dissatisfaction with Buhari but also offers a glimpse into the political struggles and decision-making processes that defined his own time in power.
The book has sparked renewed discussions on the state of Nigerian politics during the military regime era and provides a personal perspective on one of the most significant coups in the nation’s history.
