Legal expert and public affairs analyst Chris Nwaokobia has criticized former military leaders for setting up presidential libraries, arguing that such institutions should be exclusive to democratically elected presidents.
Nwaokobia also took issue with the recent book launch by former military ruler Ibrahim Babangida, along with the fundraising event that accompanied it. He contended that the initiative failed to serve as genuine atonement for past actions.
According to Nwaokobia, if Babangida were truly remorseful about the controversies of his administration, he would have focused on justice and reconciliation rather than promoting 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.”
Chris Nwaokobia has strongly criticized individuals who attended and backed Ibrahim Babangida’s book launch, describing them as “grossly lacking in conscience and emotions.”
He argued that their participation reflects a concerning trend in Nigeria’s political sphere, where figures linked to major national crises are 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.”
