Text of General Ibrahim Babangida's Coup Speech
againstbabangida.com    .August 27 , 1985

Fellow Nigerians,
When in December 1983, the former military leadership, headed by Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, assumed the reins of government, its accession was heralded in the history of this country. With the nation at the mercy of political misdirection and on the brink of economic collapse, a new sense of hope was created in the minds of every Nigerian.




Since January 1984, however, we have witnessed a systematic denigration of that hope. It was stated then that mismanagement of political leadership and a general deterioration in the standard of living, which had subjected the common man to intolerable suffering, were the reasons for the intervention.


Nigerians have since then been under a regime that continued with those trends. Events today indicate that most of the reasons which justified the military takeover of government from the civilians still persist.


The initial objectives were betrayed and fundamental changes do not appear on the horizon. Because the present state of uncertainty, suppression and stagnation resulted from the perpetration of a small group, the Nigerian Armed Forces could not as a part of that government be unfairly committed to take responsibility for failure. Our dedication to the cause of ensuring that our nation remains a united entity worthy of respect and capable of functioning as a viable and credible part of the international community dictated the need to arrest the situation.


Let me at this point attempt to make you understand the premise upon which it became necessary to change the leadership. The principles of discussions, consultation and co-operation which should have guided decision-making process of the Supreme Military Council and the Federal Executive Council were disregarded soon after the government settled down in 1984. Where some of us thought it appropriate to give a little more time, anticipating a conducive atmosphere that would develop, in which affairs of state could be attended to with greater sense of responsibility, it became increasingly clear that such expectations could not be fulfilled.


Regrettably, it turned out that Major-General Muhammadu Buhari was too rigid and uncompromising in his attitudes to issues of national significance. Efforts to make him understand that a diverse polity like Nigeria required recognition and appreciation of differences in both cultural and individual perceptions, only served to aggravate these attitudes.


Major-General Tunde Idiagbon was similarly inclined in that respect. As Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, he failed to exhibit the appropriate disposition demanded by his position. He arrogated to himself absolute knowledge of problems and solutions, and acted in accordance with what was convenient to him, using the machinery of government as his tool.


A combination of these characteristics in the two most important persons holding the nation's vital offices became impossible to content with. The situation was made worse by a number of other government functionaries and organisations, chief among which is the Nigerian Security Organisation (NSO). In fact, this body will be overhauled and re-organized.


And so it came to be that the same government which received the tumultuous welcome now became alienated from the people. To prevent a complete erosion of our given mandate therefore, we had to act so that hope may be rebuilt.


Let me now address your attention to the major issues that confront us, so that we may, as one people, chart a future direction for our dear country. We do not pretend to have all the answers to the questions which our present problems have put before our nation. We have come with the strongest determination to create an atmosphere in which positive efforts shall be given the necessary support for lasting solutions.


For matters of the moment which require immediate resolutions, we intend to pursue a determined programme of action. Major issues falling into this category have been identified and decisions taken on what should be done.


Firstly, the issue of political detainees or convicts of special military tribunals. The history of our nation had never recorded the degree of indiscipline and corruption as in the period between October 1979 and December 1983.


While this government recognises the bitterness created by the irresponsible excesses of the politicians, we consider it unfortunate that methods of such nature as to cause more bitterness were applied to deal with past misdeeds. We must never allow ourselves to lose our sense of natural justice. The innocent cannot suffer the crimes of the guilty. The guilty should be punished only as a lesson for the future. In line with this government's intention to uphold fundamental human rights, the issue of detainees will be looked into with despatch.


As we do not intend to lead a country where individuals are under the fear of expressing themselves, the Public Officers Protection Against False Accusation Decree 4 of 1984 is hereby repealed. And finally, those who have been in detention under this decree are hereby unconditionally released. The responsibility of the media to disseminate information shall be exercised without undue hindrance. In that process, those responsible are expected to be forthright and to have the nation's interest as their primary consideration.


The issue of decrees has generated a lot of controversies. It is the intention of this government to review all other decrees.


The last twenty months have not witnessed any significant changes in the national economy. Contrary to expectations, we have so far been subjected to a steady deterioration in the general standard of living; and intolerable suffering by the ordinary Nigerians have risen higher, scarcity of commodities has increased, hospitals still remain mere consulting clinics, while educational institutions are on the brink of decay. Unemployment has stretched to critical dimensions.


Due to the stalemate, which arose in negotiation with the International Monetary Fund, the former government embarked on a series of counter-trade agreements. Under the counter-trade agreements, Nigerians were forced to buy goods and commodities at higher prices than obtained in the international market. The government intends to review the whole issue of counter-trade.


A lot has been said and heard about our position with the International Monetary Fund. Although we formally applied to the fund in April 1983, no progress has as yet been made in the negotiation and a stalemate has existed for the last two years.


We shall break the deadlock that frustrated the negotiations with a view to evaluating more objectively both the negative and positive implications of reaching a mutual agreement with the Fund. At all times in the course of discussions, our representatives will be guided by the feelings and aspirations of the Nigerian people.


It is the view of this government that austerity without structural adjustment is not the solution to our economic predicament. The present situation whereby 44 per cent of our revenue earning is utilised to service debts is not realistic. To protect the danger this poses to the poor and the needy in our society, steps will be taken to ensure comprehensive strategy of economic reforms.


The crux of our economic problems has been identified to centre around four fundamental issues:


1. A decrease of our domestic production, while our population continues to increase.


2. Dependence on import for both consumer goods and raw materials for our industries.


3. A grossly unequal gap between the rich and the poor.


4. The large role played by the public sector in economic activity with hardly any concrete results to justify such a role.


These are the problems we must confront.


ON FOREIGN POLICY:


Nigeria's foreign policy in the last 20 months has been characterised by inconsistency and incoherence. It has lacked the clarity to make us know where we stood on matters of international concern to enable other countries relate to us with seriousness. Our role as Africa's spokesman has diminished because we have been unable to maintain the respect of African countries.


The ousted military government conducted our external relations by a policy of retaliatory reactions. Nigeria became a country that has reacted to given situations, rather than taking the initiative as it should and always been done. More so, vengeful considerations must not be the basis of our diplomacy. African problems and their solutions should constitute the premise of our foreign policy.


The realisation of the Organisation of African Unity of the Lagos Plan of Action for self-sufficiency and constructive co-operation in Africa shall be our primary pursuit.


The Economic Community of West African States must be reborn with the view to achieving the objective of regional integration. The problems of drought-stricken areas of Africa will be given more attention and sympathy, and our best efforts will be made to assist in their rehabilitation within the limits of our resources. Our membership of the United Nations Organisation will be made more practical and meaningful. The call for a new International Economic Order which lost its momentum in the face of the debt crisis will be made once again.


Nigeria hereby makes a renewed request to the Non-Aligned Movement to regroup and reinvigorate its determination to restructure the global economic system, while we appeal to the industrialized nations to positively consider the debt plight of the developing countries and assist in dealing with the dangers that face us. We shall remain members of the various multilateral institutions and inter-governmental organisations which we belong to and do what must be done to enhance the membership and participation within them.


Fellow Nigerians, this country has had since independence a history mixed with turbulence and fortune. We have witnessed our rise to greatness, followed with a decline to the state of a bewildered nation. Our human potentials have been neglected, our natural resources put to waste. A phenomenon of constant insecurity and overbearing uncertainty has become characteristic of our national existence.


My colleagues and I are determined to change the course of history. This government is determined to unite this country. We shall not allow anything to obstruct us. We recognise that a government, be it civilian or military, needs the consent of the people to govern if it is to reach its objective. We do not intend to rule by force. At the same time, we should not be expected to submit to unreasonable demands. Fundamental rights and civil liberties will be respected, but their exercise must not degenerate into irrational expression nor border on subversion.


The War Against Indiscipline will continue, but this time, in the minds and conduct of Nigerians, and not by way of symbolism or money-spending campaigns.


This government, on its part, will ensure that the leadership exhibits proper example. Criticisms of actions and decisions taken by us will be given necessary attention and where necessary changes made in accordance with what is expected of us.


Let me reiterate what we said in 1984: This generation of Nigerians and indeed future generations have no other country but Nigeria. We must all stay and salvage it together. This time it shall be pursued with deeper commitment and genuine sincerity.


There is a lot of work to be done by every single Nigerian. Let us all dedicate ourselves to the cause of building a strong, united and viable nation for the sake of our own lives and the benefits of posterity.

Finally, I wish to commend the members of the Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police for their mature conduct during the change.


I thank you all for your co-operation and understanding.


God bless Nigeria.
http://againstbabangida.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=140&Itemid=1

I call on all Nigerians to share this speech to all Nigerians who have the capacity to read, e-mail it, fax it, print it and read to all you know and ask them if any of these promises were kept during the IBB years.

If they were and the Nigeria we live in now is a Utopia then please vote for him.

If the promises were not kept, tell me why anybody should trust IBB to keep his new promises .

Nigeria deserves better than another 4years experiment in IBB's laboratory.

IBB closed his coup speech by reminding Nigerians of the benefits of posterity, I think 25years after this speech we have the luxury of that Posterity to be our Judge.

@ mikeansy

I thank you for the posting.

I will also like to say to you that IBB is not a serious candidate but a rabbit for the North to retain the rotational Presidency. What IBB and some groups in the North are planning is that we should all hate the IBB campaign that we will accept any other Northereners.

However, majority of the Northerern politicians are like YAR A'CLUELESS, maybe with the exception of the present governor of Niger state, El Rufai and handful others.

But if I applied the case of Sanusi Lamido, I will come to the conclusion that even thse ones that we think are good among them are justbecause we lower the standard for them.

IBB will never be the President of Nigeria as the Lord liveth. 8 years of his misrule has set NIgeria back at least 25 years.

Check this guy out : Ishola Balogun, he is on youtube, we need people like him to join hands with the likes of Donald Duke,
Pat Utomi and all the progressives. to unseat PDP and start building a System for Nigeria

He sets us back at least 50 years!
Parts of the speech (bolded) support the belief that he was was sponsored by corrupt politicians like OBJ and Western countries, as Buhari had taken a very hard line on corruption and had over 500 corrupt politicians and businessmen in prison whilst trying to recover stolen loot.

IBB was also supported by western countries (mainly UK) who liked to exploit a corrupt Nigeria, and who did not like the fact that the Buhari Regime was holding out for a better deal in negotiations with the IMF.
Only days after the coup, the British foriegn Secretary at the time Geoffrey Howe visited Nigeria even before IBB had appointed his full cabinet and had not even appointed a Foriegn Minister yet.

mikeansy:

Text of General Ibrahim Babangida's Coup Speech
againstbabangida.com    .August 27 , 1985

Fellow Nigerians,
When in December 1983, the former military leadership, headed by Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, assumed the reins of government, its accession was heralded in the history of this country. With the nation at the mercy of political misdirection and on the brink of economic collapse, a new sense of hope was created in the minds of every Nigerian.

Firstly, the issue of political detainees or convicts of special military tribunals. , While this government recognises the bitterness created by the irresponsible excesses of the politicians, we consider it unfortunate that methods of such nature as to cause more bitterness were applied to deal with past misdeeds.
In line with this government's intention to uphold fundamental human rights, the issue of detainees will be looked into with despatch, And finally, those who have been in detention under this decree are hereby unconditionally released.

Due to the stalemate, which arose in negotiation with the International Monetary Fund, 
A lot has been said and heard about our position with the International Monetary Fund. Although we formally applied to the fund in April 1983, no progress has as yet been made in the negotiation and a stalemate has existed for the last two years.
We shall break the deadlock that frustrated the negotiations with a view to evaluating more objectively both the negative and positive implications of reaching a mutual agreement with the Fund.
God bless Nigeria.

That we oppose Babangida does not mean Buhari was any better.

If there was no Buhari in 1983, there would not have been an IBB in 1985.

There is nothing wrong about an IBB coup against Buhari because Buhari was an unelected leader who came to power through coup himself.

However Buhari ousted a democratically elected civilian Government. Thats a sacrilege.

All we are saying is that Buhari, IBB should leave Nigeria to a new generation of leaders.

Buhari's intervention was a welcome and popular coup as the clueless Shagari administration had spent and looted the nation to the last kobo.

When democracy stops working as in the case of Shagari's government, then sometimes military intervention may be necessary provided the military leader is a true patriot and anti-corruption which Buhari is.

Furthermore, on hindsight knowing  what we know now about OBJ, I strongly suspect he probably rigged to election to install the corrupt Shagari in 1979. Also it was generally accept that Shagari had rigged the election to be re-elected for his 2nd term in 1983.

If an election is rigged then the government that results ceases to be democratic in which case Buhari's military intervention would be justified.

GenBuhari:

Buhari's intervention was a welcome and popular coup as the clueless Shagari administration had spent and looted the nation to the last kobo.

When democracy stops working as in the case of Shagari's government, then sometimes military intervention may be necessary provided the military leader is a true patriot and anti-corruption which Buhari is.

Furthermore, on hindsight knowing what we know now about OBJ, I strongly suspect he probably rigged to election to install the corrupt Shagari in 1979. Also it was generally accept that Shagari had rigged the election to be re-elected for his 2nd term in 1983.

If an election is rigged then the government that results ceases to be democratic in which case Buhari's military intervention would be justified.

I think most of our bretherns in the North are clueless as what to do with political power which is to better the lives of the governs, they the governors becomes a semi god, and they even think that God annoint them to rule as they like. It is a mindset thing, So as far as I am concerned, they are not worth putting anywhere near the Presidency, they have failed on almost on all occassion.

Like or hate OBJ with all his shortcomings, he is the only President/head of state that relinqiush power twice and also paid the national debt in full and left $50 Billion dollars in our reserves, that is record in African terms. IT IS ALWAYS ABOUT DEBT DEBT DEBT. He however failed with his successor of YAR A'LIAR.

@mikeansy I totally disagree wit u on Buhari, Buhari threw all corrupt individuals into jail 4 record terms witout fear or favor politicians frm his side of d country who were found guilty were jailed d same way other politicians from oda parts of d country, if Babaginda had allowed Buhari mayb anoda 2yrs 2 continue with his reorientation nd den handova 2 a democratic govt corruption wld not be as pronounced as it is 2day because corrupt individuals lik IBB may hav ended up in jail durin Buharis tenure. Today dat is wat we seek, if Alams had been sentenced 2 a 100yrs in jail plus total asset seisure includin those he had legally, if Bode George was servin 50yrs nd lost all his assets, if Tafa Balogun was sentenced 2 death by firin squad nd all his assets seized nd Ibori nd Odili were servin jail terms instead of servin restrainin injunctions on EFCC would any other govt official be adviced 2 shun corruption?

GBAM!!

marvix:

@mikeansy I totally disagree wit u on Buhari, Buhari threw all corrupt individuals into jail 4 record terms witout fear or favor politicians frm his side of d country who were found guilty were jailed d same way other politicians from oda parts of d country, if Babaginda had allowed Buhari mayb anoda 2yrs 2 continue with his reorientation nd den handova 2 a democratic govt corruption wld not be as pronounced as it is 2day because corrupt individuals lik IBB may hav ended up in jail durin Buharis tenure. Today dat is wat we seek, if Alams had been sentenced 2 a 100yrs in jail plus total asset seisure includin those he had legally, if Bode George was servin 50yrs nd lost all his assets, if Tafa Balogun was sentenced 2 death by firin squad nd all his assets seized nd Ibori nd Odili were servin jail terms instead of servin restrainin injunctions on EFCC would any other govt official be adviced 2 shun corruption?

@vigasimple,
OBJ is equally responsible for the state we found ourselves in today, he has lead for 12years of the last 35years, he installed the clueless Shagari and is probably one of the corrupt "politicians" that sponsored IBB for Buhari's overthrow.
The foreign reserve Obj left was a pittance after 8year  of record oil prices and no infrastructural development to show for it. What of the $16bn (N2,000bn) OBJ budgetted for electricity power ?  he must have stolen it!!
In any case, how are we to be sure (given OBJ's dishonesty) that the foreign reserve exists? was it ever independently confirmed?
OBJ never repaid the national debt!! We are still in debt today thanks to IBB and his friend OBJ who have mortgaged our country's future.
Your right, OBJ handed over power twice - he installed the corrupt Shagari and Yara Dua.

vigasimple:

Like or hate OBJ with all his shortcomings, he is the only President/head of state that relinqiush power twice and also paid the national debt in full and left $50 billion dollars in our reserves, that is record in African terms. IT IS ALWAYS ABOUT DEBT DEBT DEBT. He however failed with his successor of YAR A'LIAR.

GenBuhari:

In any case, how are we to be sure (given OBJ's dishonesty) that the foreign reserve exists? was it ever independently confirmed?
OBJ never repaid the national debt!! We are still in debt today thanks to IBB and his friend OBJ who have mortgaged our country's future.

Arguing with facts may make it impossible for people to take you serious.

The issue of the foreign reserve is clear and that our debts were cleared is also not in doubt.

Blame OBJ for his misdeeds but do not attempt to rubbish any achievements otherwise you will be seen as someone that is bent on disparaging him.

Sorry, our debts are not cleared.
Nigeria is not debt free - check you facts.
OBJ paid off the debt to Paris Club to appease / impress his western friends/ supporters. That is only a small part of Nigeria's debt.

Regarding foreign reserves, how can  we be sure it really exists?, given the dishonesty OBJ showed over the missing $16bn for power.

was the foreign reserve stated a fact, because OBJ or his minister said so? Was it independently confirmed?

We would be truely in trouble when we begin believing every thing our corrupt politicians tell us without questioning. I suppose you  also believe that yara Dua is recovering very well and doing daily exercises.

Yes, I am bent on disparaging OBJ, I make no apologies about it! He does not deserve any praise at all, even if there was some reserve, that is not an achievement. He never progress Nigeria he only looted and put us further into hardship

Afam:

Arguing with facts may make it impossible for people to take you serious.

The issue of the foreign reserve is clear and that our debts were cleared is also not in doubt.

Blame OBJ for his misdeeds but do not attempt to rubbish any achievements otherwise you will be seen as someone that is bent on disparaging him.

GenBuhari:

Sorry, our debts are not cleared.
Nigeria is not debt free - check you facts.
OBJ paid off the debt to Paris Club to appease / impress his western friends/ supporters. That is only a small part of Nigeria's debt.

Regarding foreign reserves, how can  we be sure it really exists?, given the dishonesty OBJ showed over the missing $16bn for power.

For the simple fact that you made reference to the $16bn for power I can now confirm that you are not at home with facts and as such arguing this will be a huge waste of my time.

The facts have been stated over and over again as regards the $16bn so if in your hatred for OBJ you still continue to state it as a fact then Nigeria will be better off with people like you not having any say in issues concerning Nigeria and Nigerians.

GenBuhari

What you fail to realise is that if the current Soldiers are as indisciplined as Buhari was, now that we have the Yar'adua saga Army would have taken over and Buhari will not even have an opportunity to seek power through the ballot.

For all the imperfections of Shagari regime, if that regime continued the principles of democracy would have been deeply rooted by now, but Buhari truncated it.

This fact has still not come to Buhari's senses. He is part of the cause of the problem. He should appologise to the country go back home and dedicate the rest of his life lecturing young soldiers on how not to engage in mindless coup-de-tat.

mikeansy,
You do not get it, Buhari never truncated democracy, once the Shagari was re-elected in a rigged election it ceased to be a democracy. Furthermore the corruption and looting was completely out of control.

mikeansy:

GenBuhari

What you fail to realise is that if the current Soldiers are as indisciplined as Buhari was, now that we have the Yar'adua saga Army would have taken over and Buhari will not even have an opportunity to seek power through the ballot.

For all the imperfections of Shagari regime, if that regime continued the principles of democracy would have been deeply rooted by now, but Buhari truncated it.

This fact has still not come to Buhari's senses. He is part of the cause of the problem. He should appologise to the country go back home and dedicate the rest of his life lecturing young soldiers on how not to engage in mindless coup-de-tat.

GenBuhari:

mikeansy,
You do not get it, Buhari never truncated democracy, once the Shagari was re-elected in a rigged election it ceased to be a democracy. Furthermore the corruption and looting was completely out of control.

Do you have any court papers showing that the election was declared a fraud?

Buhari can not arrogate himself the authority to usurp the duties of the court.

The elections were regonised in law as far as the then electoral commission recognised the results and the said results were not illegitimised in a court of law or electoral tribunal.

So you and Buhari just dont get it. You are still stuck in your maximum ideologies and are a danger to democracy. Buhari is a criminal for ousting a democratically elected Government period!!!!!!!!!!!

mikeansy:

So you and Buhari just dont get it. You are still stuck in your maximum ideologies and are a danger to democracy. Buhari is a criminal for ousting a democratically elected Government period!!!!!!!!!!!

After reading this I went back to IBB's coup speech and I guess he knew Buhari so well to have written the following in 1985.

mikeansy:

Text of General Ibrahim Babangida's Coup Speech

Regrettably, it turned out that Major-General Muhammadu Buhari was too rigid and uncompromising in his attitudes to issues of national significance. Efforts to make him understand that a diverse polity like Nigeria required recognition and appreciation of differences in both cultural and individual perceptions, only served to aggravate these attitudes.

Need I say more?

Gen Buhari did this country a favor because d country was on fire his coup was as a result of d imaturity of d politicians @ dat time unlike dis present time nd that's y I kip thankin God 4 how Jonathan handled d situation, that is wat was responsible 4 d military not takin ova wen Yaradua was sick. Buhari was not an indisciplined soldier as we all know d indisciplined soldier is IBB himself or u check this out. Buhari instilled discipline in d nation within 18 mths Babangida enthroned indiscipline in his 8yrs, corruption was not tolerated with Buhari but Babaginda made corruption a fashion statement, Buhari allowed his deputy Idiagbon free hand on issues who can tell me IBBs deputys role in d 8yr rule.


If it eva comes to a str contest btw Buhari nd Babaginda I wld giv my vote 2 Buhari, because Buhari sacked an illegitimate govt dat rigged itself on d Nigerian people while Babaginda annuled d freest nd fairest elections we eva had in dis country.

no matter the name will call it Buhari had no right to remove a civilian government, now he wants to come in as a civilian president, if he does a military government will also remove him ( he go see how he be for body)

Text of General Ibrahim Babangida's Coup Speech

Regrettably, it turned out that Major-General Muhammadu Buhari was too rigid and uncompromising in his attitudes to issues of national significance. Efforts to make him understand that a diverse polity like Nigeria required recognition and appreciation of differences in both cultural and individual perceptions, only served to aggravate these attitudes.

I am sorry but this man was wrong then and those who pursue this today are wrong. One of the lessons we have learnt in the last 12 years of our democracy is WE CANNOT AFFORD TO PUSH FOR DIVERSE POLITY . . . IT IS UNACCEPTABLE. It has been used and misused at all levels. We need a nation united under one rule for all and with no respect for any person's sex,creed, culture, race, religion etc. ENOUGH!!

HmMmmMmmmmm

Lalasticlala please move this to FP.

We are having coup speeches galore today on FP!!!

And what do we have now... History repeating