Former President Olusegun Obasanjo advised former military president General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) not to be overly concerned about criticism of his autobiography and what he referred to as “put him down syndrome.”
Obasanjo made the comment while releasing Babangida’s autobiography, “A Journey in Service,” and launching his presidential library in Abuja on Thursday.
The former president, who served as the event’s chairman, stated that when he authored his own book, the late Tunji Braithwaite, whom he described as his chronic critic, criticized it without having read it.
He claimed that through the autobiography, Babangida had succeeded in documenting history while also contributing to its creation.
Obasanjo said, “You have not only contributed to history; you have contributed to documenting history.
“It is an important part of our nation-building to keep accurate records. Please don’t be unduly worried about critics and put him down syndrome.
“It may even be an indication of success, but take note of objective criticism. A chronic critic of mine, late Tunji Braithwaite, may his soul rest in perfect peace, condemned my book.
“And when asked if he had read it, he answered in the negative. He said he had not read it, saying, Once the writer is Obasanjo, it must be condemned.”
In his book, Babangida admitted for the first time that Moshood Abiola won the annulled 12 June 1993 presidential election.
