Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Chairman, Chief Wole Olanipekun, has criticized former Military Head of State General Ibrahim Babangida for his recent expression of regret over the annulment of the June 12, 1993, Presidential election.
Olanipekun’s criticism came during a lecture at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Mowe, Ogun State, where he honoured Pastor E.A. Adeboye on his 83rd birthday.
Olanipekun argued that Babangida’s regret, as expressed in his autobiography “A Journey in Service,” falls short because it lacks an apology to the family of the presumed winner, Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola.
He described Babangida’s actions as treasonable, emphasizing that there was no remorse, apology, or reparation for the harm caused to Abiola’s family and Nigerians.
Babangida had admitted that the June 12 election was the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history and acknowledged that Abiola won the majority of the votes.
However, his regret did not include an apology to Abiola’s family or the nation, which Olanipekun found insufficient.
Olanipekun also stressed the need for Nigeria’s restructuring to achieve stability and prosperity, stating that the current structure is inadequate.
His words: “Conspicuously, throughout the unveiling of the former military president’s autobiography and the ‘pomp and pageantry ‘ that appeared to engulf the occasion, there was no word of ‘apology’ either to the late M.K.O. Abiola or his family or Nigerians who the former military president admitted that their will was subverted.
“There has been no remorse, no apology, no contrition, no reparation and no entreaty to Nigerians for forgiveness or pardon.
“Abiola himself died while in detention, his wife Kudirat was killed, his business was ruined, his family was plunged into disarray, several Nigerians lost their lives while some were killed by the agents of the state, including Pa Alfred Rewane.
“I am of the view that this amoebic configuration or contraption would not lead us far.”