…Babangida a renowned Nigeria Military Leader
Babangida was the first Nigerian ruler to come to power by design rather than by chance. He was at that time, the only Nigerian military leader that actively sought political power prior to coming to office, prepared for it and waited patiently for it to come his way.
All of Nigeria previous leaders had power inadvertently thrust on them. Belewa became prime minister due to the Sardauna of Sokoto’s lack of interest in the the job, and even shed tears when reappointed prime minister in 1964. Aguiyi Ironsi, Gowon and Murtala Muhammed had power bestowed on them after coups they did not take part in. Obasanjo be came head of state after the assassination of Murtala, and Major General Buhari was nominated as head of state by the faction which planned and executed the December 1983 coup.
Even the elected President Shagari originally had no interest in becoming president but was nominated as the NPN’s presidential candidate despite being disinterested in becoming president.
In contrast, Babangida’s rise to power was no twist of fate, and occurred by deliberate planning and design. He was probably the most prepared military ruler in Nigeria history.
Babangida’s friend M.K.O Abiola also revealed the extent to which Babangida planned for political leadership far in advance of coming to power:
“Off all those who have prepared for high office in this country, he is the only one who did a thorough preparation [sic]…and that is because we used to have accidental Presidents- people who had greatness thrust upon them. Anybody who knows my friend as closely as I have known since 1966, will realise that something is propelling him. The type of things he is not interested in, the type of life he led, the type of demands he made on himself over the years…”
What he lacked in formal higher education, Babangida made up for with his skills at human relationships, and native cunning.
Before coming to power, he had read widely – consuming the political biographies of military conquerors and famous leaders around the world in order to tutor himself in governance and leadership. Amongst those he read about were Hannibal, Alexander the Great and famed former American president and army officer General Dwight Eisenhower.
Babangida had been building a political empire for years inside the barracks. He created an army in his own image, largely through personal charm and his spontaneous acts of kindness to colleagues and subordinates.
His extremely amiable personality, effusive charm and bonhomie won him immense popularity and respect in Nigerian military and political circles.
He was genuinely kind and an excellent conversationalist who wore an ever present smile in private, official and social gatherings with both military and civilian colleagues.
He is known to have an exceptional memory for names and faces and is able to recollect the first name of hundreds of colleagues, subordinates, opponents and even their wives and other family members. Stories of how he would instantly recognise and remember the names and family members of people he just met, but had not seen for several years, are legion. John Shagaya later observed of Babangida:
“Every formation he has led and served in, he knew everybody by first name. He knew every officer’s children by their first names… Every friend he made around the world, whether it is 20 or 30 years ago, if he meets you he would call you by your first name. Nothing could be so heartening as to see a friend you met 30 years ago who still calls you by your first name, asking after your wife and children and remembering all their first names.
This is one of the qualities of IBB, which attracts him to so many officers and men… Then he is a very good listener, never too bored to listen… Then he is courageous. Two examples: in 1967 he was the commanding officer of a unit and was shot in the chest close to his heart. He still managed to steer his unit out of danger before finally collapsing. The bullet was removed just 10years ago. Then of course you remember the February 13, 1976 coup where he had to confront Lt. Col. Buka Dimka, the coup that killed Murtala Mohammed …
He was fearless in confronting him even at the risk of his own life in service to his nation, which eventually brought Obasanjo to power. So how many of us will quell a coup at the cost of his life?
Babangida’s charm gave him more appeal to senior and mid-level officers than the disciplinarian Buhari, so he was able to gain broad support for his new regime by using his skill at human relationships to build a formidable network of contacts across the country.
Soldiers of Fortune
_Nigeria’s Military Politics from Buhari to Babangida 1984-1993_
Published 2013; p. 88- 70
