The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the substantial donations made during the recent book launch of former military ruler General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd.). At the event, held at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton and attended by President Bola Tinubu, Nigerian business elites pledged approximately N17.5 billion to the IBB Presidential Library project.
Billionaire industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu led the donations with a commitment of N5 billion. Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, announced a donation of N2 billion and pledged an additional N2 billion annually for the next three years, totaling N8 billion. Former army chief TY Danjuma also contributed N3 billion.
CHRICED’s Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, expressed concern over the origins of these funds, particularly given the ongoing challenges of corruption in Nigeria. He emphasized the need for anti-graft agencies to thoroughly investigate the donations, especially in a country where millions are grappling with poverty and economic instability.
Zikirullahi stated, “In a nation facing severe economic challenges, the timing and scale of these donations are troubling. The stark contrast between such lavish contributions and the dire realities faced by ordinary Nigerians cannot be ignored. Transparency is essential, and any funds obtained through dubious means should be seized and redirected for the nation’s benefit.”
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The organization also criticized President Tinubu and former leaders, including Goodluck Jonathan, for attending the book launch. Zikirullahi described their presence as a disturbing endorsement of impunity, highlighting the troubling implications of celebrating a figure who has historically undermined democratic processes.
“The attendance of former heads of state and the current president casts a shadow over the dignity of the Nigerian populace,” he said. “This gathering of political figures at such a contentious event raises critical questions about accountability and the moral principles that should guide our leaders.”
Zikirullahi reiterated that Babangida must be held accountable for the annulment of the June 12 election, which led to political chaos and human rights abuses, including the assassination of journalist Dele Giwa. He urged the Tinubu administration to demonstrate its commitment to justice, warning that failing to prosecute Babangida would undermine the government’s moral authority.
As the call for an investigation gains momentum, the implications of these donations and the political context surrounding them continue to spark debate about ethics and accountability in Nigeria’s leadership.
