Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has announced his intention to take former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), to court over alleged human rights abuses.
This decision follows the recent release of Babangida’s autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” in which he admitted to regretting the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Background
The June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, was won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola. However, the election results were annulled by Babangida, leading to widespread protests and political unrest. Falana, along with other activists, was arrested and detained for opposing the annulment.
Falana’s Legal Action
Falana has accused Babangida of malicious prosecution and massive infringement of his human rights.
He stated that his detention, alongside late Chief Gani Fawehinmi and others, was unjust and violated their rights to liberty and freedom of movement. Falana revealed that he has assembled a team of lawyers to challenge Babangida’s actions in court.
Falana, who appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, argued that it was majorly for these two reasons IBB maliciously prosecuted him, vowing to return to court.
“I”m going to challenge my malicious prosecution and that of my colleagues,” he said
On whether he wants to prosecute General Babangida for something that happened during his time as military head of state, Felana added, “I’ve assembled a team of lawyers, they’re looking into it.
He said, “Because he [IBB] has now brought it to life by now admitting there was no basis for my prosecution because he now says, Abiola won the election which was the basis for our protest.
“He’s also saying he shouldn’t have postponed the terminal date of his transition programme of which we were fighting for which means there was no basis for my prosecution. It was malicious.
“Again, massive infringement of my human rights. Because when you keep me in Kuje prison you deny me my right to liberty, my freedom of movement and you also violate my right to choose the government of my country. The man who did has just come out to say, ‘I did it wrongly.’ “
Public Reactions
The announcement has sparked various reactions from the public and political analysts. While some have expressed support for Falana’s decision, others have called for a thorough investigation into the events surrounding the annulment of the June 12 election.
Falana’s legal action against Babangida is expected to reignite discussions about the historical significance of the June 12 election and the impact of the annulment on Nigeria’s political landscape.
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