General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, the former military president of Nigeria, in his book “A Journey in Service” provides an in-depth account of the Nigerian Civil War and his experiences during his teaching years at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). Babangida explores the political tensions that led to Nigeria’s civil war (popularly known as the Biafran war) and the brutal realities of combat, and the role of military education in rebuilding the nation after the conflict.
Babangida discussed the events that triggered the civil war, particularly the 1966 military coups and the ethnic divisions that followed. He describes how these tensions escalated into full-scale war between the Nigerian government and the secessionist state of Biafra. As a young officer, he participated in key military operations, including counter offensives aimed at reclaiming Biafran-held territories. He details the strategic maneuvers employed by the Nigerian Army, such as the use of air and amphibious support, while also highlighting the immense challenges soldiers faced on the battlefield.
Also, Babangida focuses on the human cost of war. He reflects on the psychological and emotional toll of combat, particularly the pain of fighting against former comrades who had joined the Biafran forces. He acknowledges the suffering endured by both soldiers and civilians, emphasizing the widespread displacement, starvation, and destruction caused by the war. Despite the hardships, he notes the resilience of the Nigerian military and the eventual victory that led to the reintegration of Biafra into Nigeria.
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Babangida reflects on the long-term consequences of the war, including the difficulties of reconciliation and the marginalization of former Biafran soldiers. He acknowledges the complexities of national healing but expresses hope in Nigeria’s efforts to move forward.
Furthermore, Babangida delves into the complexities of leadership, particularly in the context of military governance in Nigeria. He reflects on the challenges faced during his tenure, the political and social turbulence of the time, and the strategies employed to navigate these difficulties.
The Mamman Vatsa coup attempt occurred within the first few months of Babangida’s administration. Babangida said the information about the coup surfaced as rumors, which he dismissed as the work of envious colleagues seeking to exploit his close friendship with General Mamman Jiya Vatsa. However, as intelligence reports and warnings from trusted officers accumulated, he (Babangida) decided to confront Vatsa directly. Vatsa denied any involvement, but covert investigations continued.
The investigations eventually uncovered substantial evidence linking Vatsa to a coup plot. He had provided financial support to officers, including Lt-Col. Musa Bitiyong, who received ₦50,000. Vatsa claimed the money was for a farming project, but the case against him strengthened when further intelligence revealed detailed plans, including bombing the Eko Bridge in Lagos and possibly hijacking the presidential jet.
Babangida expresses deep personal shock and betrayal upon learning of Vatsa’s involvement. Their friendship dated back to childhood, and they had shared many personal and professional experiences. Despite this, the Babangida prioritized national security over personal relationships. After trials, Vatsa and nine other co-conspirators were executed in March 1986. Babangida described it as a painful decision but emphasized that the stability of the nation and military discipline took precedence.
Similarly, one of the major incidents that Babangida discussed was the assassination of journalist Dele Giwa by a parcel bomb in 1986. He describes the public outrage that followed and the political implications of the tragedy. He expresses his personal shock at Giwa’s death, noting their prior acquaintance, and condemns the speculation that his administration was involved. The case remains one of Nigeria’s most controversial unresolved murders.
Another significant challenge discussed is the attempted coup led by Major Gideon Orkar in April 1990. The author details how his security team swiftly countered the coup, emphasizing his deep disappointment in some of the plotters, whom he had personally assisted in their military careers. He reflects on the broader implications of such coups, which not only threaten governance but also undermine national unity.
Additionally, Babangida highlights foreign policy challenges, including Nigeria’s controversial involvement in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The decision sparked religious tensions, with Christians fearing the country’s alignment with Islamic nations. The author insists that Nigeria had only sent an observer delegation and describes how the misunderstanding led to internal discord.
Babangida details the transition to civilian rule in Nigeria and the events surrounding the controversial June 12, 1993, presidential election. He describes his administration’s commitment to a structured transition, aiming to avoid past mistakes by establishing a new political order before relinquishing power.
To achieve this, a Political Bureau was created in 1986, tasked with gathering nationwide input on Nigeria’s future political system. The process led to the drafting of a new constitution, the creation of two political parties—the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC)—and a timeline for elections.
However, political conflicts emerged, with allegations of electoral malpractices maring governorship and legislative elections. The government intervened by disqualifying candidates and enforcing stricter electoral policies. The presidential election process was particularly tumultuous, with an initial set of primaries canceled due to corruption, leading to a fresh contest where Chief Moshood Abiola (SDP) and Bashir Tofa (NRC) emerged as candidates.
The June 12 election was widely considered free and fair, with Abiola appearing to have won based on unofficial results. However, the announcement of results was abruptly halted by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), allegedly under pressure from powerful figures within the military. This led to the annulment of the election on June 23, 1993, without the Babangida’s direct authorization, creating a national crisis.
Protests erupted nationwide, with civil rights groups, labor unions, and student organizations demanding that Abiola be declared the winner. The annulment also caused divisions within the military, as some officers opposed the decision. Under mounting pressure, the Babangida resigned on August 26, 1993, transferring power to an interim government led by Chief Ernest Shonekan.