Chris Nwaokobia, a lawyer and public affairs analyst, has strongly criticised former military leaders who establish presidential libraries, arguing that such institutions should be reserved exclusively for democratically elected leaders.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Sunday, Nwaokobia specifically referenced former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, insisting that he lacked the “moral nexus” and “legal parameter” to endow a presidential library since he was never elected by the people.
“A presidential library is about the rule of law. It is about democracy. It is about those elected by the people to govern them. It is not just about the man who held power but about the process that brought him to office. A presidential library is a repository of democratic ethos and values. Babangida was never elected by the Nigerian people,” he said.
Nwaokobia’s remarks were part of a broader critique of Babangida’s recent autobiography, which details his years in power and attempts to provide explanations for key decisions made during his administration. Among the most controversial issues addressed in the book is the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history and won by Chief MKO Abiola.
However, Nwaokobia dismissed Babangida’s explanations, calling the autobiography a “messy memoir” and an attempt to “rewrite history.” He contended that the book did not provide genuine clarity or accountability regarding the annulment but instead sought to justify actions that, in his view, had dire consequences for Nigeria’s democratic development.
“What Babangida has done is put together a messy memoir, a book that does not answer the real questions. It is an attempt to whitewash history, to justify an unjustifiable act. Nigerians are not fooled. We know what happened. He robbed this nation of a golden opportunity for democracy.”
“The June 12 election was the most credible election in Nigeria’s history, and rather than allow the will of the people to stand, Babangida annulled it. And now, after all these years, he is coming back with a book, expecting us to suddenly accept his version of history? No. The Nigerian people remember. And history does not lie.” He added.
Nwaokobia also criticised Babangida’s book launch and the fundraising event that accompanied it, stating that it failed to offer true atonement for past actions. According to him, if Babangida were truly remorseful about the events of his administration, he would have prioritised justice and reconciliation rather than a self-serving narrative.
“If Babangida was truly sorry, he would not be launching a book to justify his actions. He would not be gathering people to clap for him while he rewrites history. He would be reaching out to the victims of June 12. He would be setting up an endowment to support democracy. He would be working to immortalise the man he betrayed—MKO Abiola. But what do we see instead? A celebration of impunity. A gathering of people who should know better but have chosen to forget.”
He further condemned those who attended and supported Babangida’s book launch, stating that they were “grossly lacking in conscience and emotions.” He argued that their participation in the event demonstrated a troubling pattern in Nigeria’s political landscape, where those responsible for major national crises are often celebrated rather than held accountable.
“It is shameful that people still gather to celebrate those who put this country through pain. Those who annulled the best election we ever had. Those who set us back decades. Where is our conscience? Where is our sense of justice? How can people who claim to love Nigeria sit in that hall and applaud? It is disgraceful.”
Nwaokobia maintained that Babangida’s role in Nigeria’s political history remains highly controversial and that no amount of book writing or institutional endowments can erase the consequences of his actions.
He insisted that true reconciliation and justice would require a sincere admission of wrongdoing and tangible efforts to support democratic progress.
“You cannot rewrite history with a book. You cannot erase your past with a book launch. The Nigerian people know the truth. They know what happened. And until Babangida truly apologises, until he makes amends, until he does what is right, history will remember him for what he truly was—a leader who derailed democracy.”
