By Ken Afor
Nigeria’s former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, has stated that his most significant accomplishment during his tenure as the country’s leader was gaining a profound understanding of the nation and establishing connections with individuals from all walks of life.
He successfully employed a combination of coercion and dialogue as effective leadership approaches.
During an interview at his residence in Minna, Babangida emphasized the importance for young Nigerians aspiring to lead the country to familiarize themselves with the people and gain a deeper understanding of Nigeria.
When requested to assess his accomplishments over the course of his career, he said he was able to serve the country the best he could.
“Number one is that I served the country the best I could. It may not be to your satisfaction but to the best that I could; I leave that to history to judge.
“I related fairly well with the people of the country. I had no problem with them and I got to know the country more as I was well travelled. I made friends all over the country and I thought that was one of the greatest achievements,” he said.
The former military leader emphasized the importance for young Nigerians to actively seek knowledge and comprehension of their country, as they will be the future leaders of Nigeria.
“You have an opportunity now as young people, to get to know the country, study the country, the people and if you are able to do that or to understand that. Basically I think that will go a long way to prepare you for the eventual leadership of the country,” he said.
According to him, “Just like any other style, you are placed in a leadership position; your job is to lead people. You develop a situation where people look up to you to provide certain solutions to their problems or to their fears.
“Whatever it is and you stand out as the person who will be able to do that. So you have to study human beings, you have to read about them and you have to be very compassionate. Sometimes ruthlessness to get things done but there are a lot of ways you have to develop so that you will be able to achieve certain things. Others you plead with, some you coerce and so on and so forth.”
Babangida expressed his sorrowful experience during the civil war, emphasizing his reluctance to witness a repetition of such events.
He highlighted the disheartening aspect of fighting against those whom he had trained with, all in the pursuit of national unity.
It would be recalled in 1992, Nigeria made an attempt to return to democratic rule which was initiated by the former military general.
In January 1992, Babangida granted permission for the election of civilian governors in each state.
Subsequently, an election was held in which M. K. O. Abiola emerged as the democratically elected President in 1993.
Nevertheless, Abiola’s election was annulled by Babangida following a period of uncertainty and General Sani Abacha assumed the position of head of state in November 1993, displacing the civilian governors with military administrators.
His action was not widely accepted by those who had the understanding that civilian rule would have been a better option for the country’s leader structure rather than continuing with military rule.
