Former Military President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida has apologised to Nigerians over the annulment of June 12, 1993 Presidential election saying, that part of Nigerian history is regrettable.
Rtd General Babangida said his government acted in the supreme national interest of the Nigerian nation.
The former leader expressed his regret on Thursday in Abuja while delivering his statement during the official launch of his memoir, A Journey In service.
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As a leader of the then military administration, Rtd General Babangida, assumed full responsibility for all decisions taken under his watch.
He acknowledged the June 12 political saga as a mistake which occured under his watch, describing the era ‘as Mistakes, oversight and missteps which happened in quick succession.’
According to him “undoubtedly credible, free and fair elections were held on June 12, 1993 however, The tragic irony of history remains that the administration that devised a near perfect electoral system and conducted those near perfect elections could not complete the process.
“That accident of history is most regrettable the nation is entitled to expect my impression of regret.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Rtd General Babangida acknowledged that his administration’s actions disrupted the nation’s transition to civilian rule but emphasised that the country ultimately overcame the setback.
“We acted in the supreme national interest so that Nigeria could survive.Our nation’s march to democracy was interrupted, a fact that I deeply regret, but Nigeria survived, and democracy is still alive, a testament to our regime and commitment to progress.
“This book is part of my personal story of that encounter with national history. I did not travel alone. I undertook the challenging walk of leadership in the company of many patriots,” the former leader added.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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