Oluwatosin Enesi
Olanipekun says Babangida “failed to offer an apology” in his recently launched autobiography, “despite expressing regret over the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.”
He stated these while speaking during a lecture delivered in honour of Pastor E.A. Adeboye’s 83rd birthday at the headquarters of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ogun State.
Olanipekun said: “Despite all the regrets expressed by Babangida over the annulment of the election, there was neither remorse nor apology to the family of Abiola and Nigerians for forgiveness.”
He noted that Babangida’s account of the annulment in his autobiography was riddled with contradictions.
The lecture, entitled “Justice and Equity: Solution to Socio-Economic Problems in Nigeria,” was part of the celebration for Adeboye, whom Olanipekun described as “a living legend who has contributed so much to societal values, ethos, pathos, credo, and its upliftment.”
Olanipekun further contended that Babangida’s actions surrounding the annulment were treasonable, stating, “What Babangida did was treasonable, and it is still treasonable.”
He emphasised that for Nigeria to achieve stability and prosperity, the country’s current structure must undergo a comprehensive restructuring.
The release of Babangida’s autobiography, titled, “Insightful Journey on Nigeria’s Political Evolution,” has sparked mixed reactions, with critics and supporters offering divergent views on its content and timing.
In addition, Justice Eni Esan (retd.), Chairperson of the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency, also spoke at the event, “blaming the political class for the systemic corruption in the country.”
She stressed the need for reforms to cleanse the system and eradicate the practices that encourage corruption.
Representing Pastor Adeboye, his wife, Folu Adeboye, urged Nigerians to take “control of their destiny by becoming agents of positive change that could drive systemic transformation in the nation.”
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