Beware of History: Gambari’s roles in military era now haunt him

Beware of History: Gambari’s role in military era is now haunting him

Beware of History: Gambari’s roles in military era now haunt him

Despite Ibrahim Gambari’s rich résumé as a global diplomat and public servant, the dastardly roles which the newly appointed Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, played during Nigeria’s military administrations are now being tabled before him.

Some of the evil scorecards emanated from the killing of a South-South writer and environmentalist, Kenule Saro-Wiwa and the annulment of popular June 12, 1993 election.

Newspaper report from where Gambari defended the killing of Saro-Wiwa by hanging despite global outcry has now resurfaced on the media.

Beware of History: Gambari’s role in military era is now haunting him

“In 1995 for instance, he openly backed the killing of Ogoni environmentalist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, and eight other activists during the ruthless General Sani Abacha military regime. Gambari had informed the United Nations that the killing of Saro-Wiwa was legal as it was done in line with the law and constitution of Nigeria”, Sahara Reporters wrote.

The UN General Assembly had condemned the arbitrary execution of Saro-Wiwa after a flawed judicial process, emphasising that everyone charged with a penal offence had the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty according to the law in a public trial with all guarantees necessary for defence.

But Gambari accused the UN General Assembly of dancing to the tune of some individuals trying to challenge the sovereignty of Nigeria. 

He labelled Saro-Wiwa a “common criminal”, who had engaged in the murder of some Ogoni elders.

He said that by the draft resolution, the sovereign right of a member state to enact a law was being challenged and the right to use capital punishment for serious offences was being questioned.

The Ilorin, Kwara State-born professor was once quoted as saying, “Nigerians don’t need democracy because democracy is not food. It is not their priority now.” 

As more pressure mounted on the Abacha regime from all corners of the world, Gambari became more notorious and ruthless in defending and deflecting attacks against the Abacha dictatorship.

As a result of his actions, he was forced to resign as head of a committee organising peace talks between the Nigerian Government and militants in the oil-producing Niger Delta. 

Some Niger Delta leaders including MEND rejected Gambari’s involvement in the proposed summit.

“My appointment has attracted what appears to be a well orchestrated and relentless opposition from some quarters, institutions, groups and individuals.

“As a result, my name has become the issue in place of the attempt at finding a just and lasting solution to the crisis in the Niger Delta. 

“In light of this, I wish to be excused as the chairman of the steering committee of the summit,” Gambari said in his resignation letter to former President, Umaru Yar’Adua. 

Apart from his role in the killing of Saro-Wiwa and the eight Ogoni indigenes, President Buhari’s new Chief of Staff is also known to have openly supported the annulment of June 12, 1993 election won by business tycoon, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

The military regime of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida cancelled the outcome of that election overwhelming won by Abiola while the Abacha government arrested and threw him in jail where he remained until he died on July 7, 1998.