Former Nigerian Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo initially chose to retire from the military rather than succeed General Murtala Muhammed after the 1976 coup that claimed Murtala’s life.
In his autobiography, A Journey in Service, Babangida detailed the events that unfolded after the failed coup led by Lieutenant-Colonel Bukar Dimka. According to him, the Supreme Military Council (SMC) convened to select Murtala’s successor, with the choice between Lieutenant-Generals Olusegun Obasanjo and Theophilus Danjuma.
IBB recounted that, initially, the council leaned towards Danjuma. However, Danjuma declined and insisted that Obasanjo, who was Murtala’s deputy, should take over. Obasanjo, on the other hand, offered to retire to allow Danjuma to assume leadership. This led to a brief stalemate until Danjuma firmly rejected the offer, compelling Obasanjo to accept the leadership role.
According to NIGERIAN TRIBUNE reports, IBB disclosed that though the pendulum of the SMC swung in Danjuma’s direction, he rejected the offer and suggested that Obasanjo, who was Murtala’s deputy and a ‘senior’ Lieutenant-General, should succeed Murtala. “Obasanjo, instead, opted to retire from the Army to pave the way for Danjuma’s ascension as Head of State.”
“With the question of the Head of State settled, the next issue was selecting a Deputy and Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters. While it was not formally debated in the SMC, General Danjuma, as Chief of Army Staff, played a significant role in appointing Lt-Col. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua to the position. Yar’Adua was promptly promoted to Brigadier and later to Major-General,” Babangida wrote.
IBB also provided an account of how he and other loyal officers confronted the coup plotters at the Radio House in Lagos. He revealed that, after an intense gunfight, some mutineers, including Dimka’s aide-de-camp, 2nd Lt Garba, were killed. However, Dimka managed to escape.
To ensure minimal destruction, Babangida consulted with his classmate, Sani Sami, the Brigade of Guards commander. Together, they executed a careful operation to neutralize the coup plotters while protecting civilians. Major Ibrahim Rabo, one of the key conspirators, was arrested while trying to flee. Despite their efforts, Dimka inexplicably evaded capture at that moment.
To Get More News, Click The Button Below.👇