President Bola Tinubu on Thursday recalled how he once challenged the former military President, Ibrahim Babangida, and told him that he failed to make history, but now acknowledges that without Babaginda, he wouldn’t be in politics today.
Babangida, former military dictator, ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993. He is renowned for annulling the June 12, 1993 presidential election believed by many to be won by the late businessman, Moshood Abiola.
Babangida was Nigeria’s leader when Tinubu was elected to the Senate in 1992 to represent Lagos West.
Speaking at a book launch in honour of Babaginda, Tinubu recalled how he confronted Babangida for always postponing their inauguration after winning election. He said that he feared he would be imprisoned for confronting the then head of state.
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“I confronted you that you had an opportunity to make history that day and you failed to do it. Why not inaugurate us? Why are you calling us back and postponing the inauguration?”
He admitted that he feared imprisonment for confronting the then head of state.
“They thought I would end up in jail. You came out right at the end of the remark, you shook me. I can’t forget that,” Tinubu said amid applause from the crowd
He further stated, “Without you, people like me won’t be in politics. Your progressive revolution to say that you want young, brilliant people in politics, you inspire some of us.
“Your progressive revolution; you said you wanted young, brilliant people in politics, back then in Dodan Barracks. You inspired some of us. And when we look at the programmes, many of us gathered here today for this library project can see the vision of a leader. Thank you for who you are.
“As for the book, I haven’t read it yet, but I have taken my copy, and I will read it,” he said.
In his remarks, Babangida reflected on his decision to annul the June 12, 1993 election. Thirty-two years later, he maintained that his actions were taken in what he believed to be the country’s best interest.
