Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has criticized Nigeria’s former military dictator, General Ibrahim Babangida, for allegedly including falsehoods in his book, A Journey In Service, stating that he has “packaged lies in a permanent form.”
Falana made these remarks during a lecture at a conference in Lagos, reacting to the book launch held today in Abuja. He condemned Babangida for mocking Nigerians with exaggerated falsehoods presented in his book.
Reflecting on his experiences under Babangida’s regime, Falana recounted being unlawfully arrested and detained multiple times, highlighting that he remained in detention even when Babangida left office in August 1993.
Falana also pointed out how Babangida suppressed dissent during his dictatorship, specifically mentioning the banning of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), organisations that advocated for the basic health rights of Nigerians.
Regarding the book launch event in Abuja, Falana stated, “Today, Babangida and others, including Tinubu, Obasanjo, and Atiku, gather to insult the Nigerian people. Babangida has decided to package lies in a permanent form into a book.”
He reminisced about MKO Abiola’s victory in the June 12, 1993 elections, which Babangida annulled, explaining how Babangida criminalised any reference to that election through a decree.
Falana further elaborated on how General Ibrahim Babangida attempted to transition into a civilian president but faced strong resistance from himself, the late human rights lawyer Gani Fawehinmi, and others.
Anuoluwapo Lebi
Lebi is a seasoned journalist, with a penchant for politics, entertainment and community reportage.