Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has criticized the need for a presidential library for former military leader Ibrahim Babangida, questioning its relevance to Nigerians.

His criticism comes after Babangida raised over N16 billion from his book presentation and the launch of his presidential library.

Falana disclosed this during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television on Tuesday, February 25.

His autobiography, A Journey in Service, was presented to the public at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja on Thursday. The event also featured the launch of Babangida’s presidential library.

"And the last issue is this so-called library. No former military head of state has ever set up a presidential library. What exactly will people read there? Only an elected president should have such a library. So I hope they will label it correctly—it should be called a ‘former military president’s library’ so as not to mislead people," Falana argued.

He also criticized Babangida’s justification for using the title of president in his book, arguing that the suspended constitutional provisions at the time did not validate a military dictatorship.

At the event, Babangida received over N16 billion in donations, primarily from Nigeria’s business elite and individuals who benefited from his time in power.

Falana also disclosed his intention to sue Babangida for the massive violation of fundamental human rights following the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election.

He also accused Babangida of orchestrating the wrongful prosecution of himself and other lawyers.

"I'm suing the general for engaging in massive violations of fundamental human rights. I'm also challenging the malicious prosecution of myself and my colleagues," he stated.



NBA