Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), to ignore critics of his newly launched autobiography, A Journey in Service. Obasanjo made this statement on Thursday during the book presentation and the launch of Babangida’s presidential library in Abuja.
Obasanjo, who chaired the event, emphasized that critics should not discourage Babangida from documenting history. He recalled how his own book faced harsh criticism from some individuals, including the late lawyer and politician Tunji Braithwaite, who condemned the book without reading it.
“You have not only contributed to history; you have contributed to documenting history,” Obasanjo told Babangida. “It is an important part of our nation-building to keep accurate records. Please don’t be unduly worried about critics and the ‘put him down’ syndrome.”
He added, “It may even be an indication of success, but take note of objective criticism. A chronic critic of mine, late Tunji Braithwaite, may his soul rest in peace, condemned my book. And when asked if he had read it, he answered in the negative. He said he had not read it, but because the writer was Obasanjo, it must be condemned.”
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One of the most significant revelations in Babangida’s autobiography is his admission that Moshood Abiola won the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which his government annulled. This is the first time Babangida has publicly acknowledged Abiola’s victory, 32 years after the controversial decision that led to political unrest in Nigeria.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu, former President Goodluck Jonathan, and former military heads of state Yakubu Gowon and Abdulsalami Abubakar. Other key attendees included former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Yemi Osinbajo, as well as political figures such as Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Also present were former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Koroma, who both spoke about the importance of preserving historical records for future generations.
Babangida’s book presentation and library launch attracted a large gathering of political leaders, business moguls, and traditional rulers, all of whom praised the former military leader for sharing his perspective on Nigeria’s history and governance.