Yakubu Mohammed was the ultimate example of humility, integrity, and honesty: I will always be grateful to him for his friendship and for finally publishing his memoir, Beyond Expectations. The book, written in his usual clear, inimitable style, is a treasure trove of information, deft analyses and memories. Although he already had a body of work that spanned five decades of journalism and writings, the memoir remains a critical addition to that canon. For me, personally, the book provides important validation, presenting incontrovertible evidence that supports the facts laid out in my autobiography and memoir, A Journey in Service, published last year. With the publication of Beyond Expectations, Yakubu Mohammed, as one of the most truthful and honest people I had ever known, helped lay to rest whatever shred of doubt remained about my innocence, or those of my most vilified subordinates, in the unfortunate death of Newswatch’s founding editor-in-chief, Mr. Dele Giwa, and the hoax story about Gloria Okon.
By Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida
I feel truly honoured to have been invited to this memorial event in celebration of the life and times of one of Nigeria’s most accomplished journalists, the late Yakubu Mohammed. His death, so soon after the demise of yet another towering media giant, Chief Dan Agbese, who was his colleague and friend, constitutes a massive blow not only to the journalism profession but to the public at large.
It seems to be the accepted view that journalists are the eternal adversaries of leaders, their antagonists and scourge. Perhaps, it is sometimes so. However, it is even truer that a leaders need the friendship and confidence of journalists, not only to convey their messages and policies effectively, but also to stay informed about the country’s mood and secure critical feedback. A nation without a free, quality press is destined to tread the road of perdition.
Indeed, good journalism is second only to good governance. The late Yakubu Mohammed was part of the legendary quartet that inspired the practice of good journalism in Nigeria through setting standards of practice and professional conduct that have remained a benchmark for generations. In a team of supremely talented and highly respected individuals, Yakubu Mohammed was the ultimate example of humility, integrity, and honesty.
All my life, I have held immense respect for those who practice the profession of journalism. I have also endeavoured to have good friends in the media whose opinions and views I value as much as others. Their passion, patriotism, and intellectual curiosity have continued to impress me greatly. I find their courage in search of truth admirable. Yakubu Mohammed embodied these virtues of our better angels. In Mohammed Yakubu, humility, humour, and fairness were never inadequate. I had known him for many decades – long before I had the honour of serving my country as its first military president – and we remained close friends until his death. I will always be grateful to him for his friendship and for finally publishing his memoir, Beyond Expectations. The book, written in his usual clear, inimitable style, is a treasure trove of information, deft analyses and memories. Although he already had a body of work that spanned five decades of journalism and writings, the memoir remains a critical addition to that canon.
For me, personally, the book provides important validation, presenting incontrovertible evidence that supports the facts laid out in my autobiography and memoir, A Journey in Service, published last year. With the publication of Beyond Expectations, Yakubu Mohammed, as one of the most truthful and honest people I had ever known, helped lay to rest whatever shred of doubt remained about my innocence, or those of my most vilified subordinates, in the unfortunate death of Newswatch’s founding editor-in-chief, Mr. Dele Giwa, and the hoax story about Gloria Okon.
Yakubu Mohammed interview (2): My relationship with Babangida
Yakubu Mohammed interview (1): Abiola was a committed publisher who followed me to pursue stories
Beyond Yakubu Mohammed’s expectations
In his memoir, Yakubu Mohammed presents facts and analysis convincingly and compellingly, on the events of that period, their pioneering work in journalism with the publication of Newswatch, and how the deliberate denigration of my person by dubious parties sadly scuttled the attempt at a clear and logical investigation that might have led to the discovery of those responsible for the death of Dele Giwa. Yakubu Mohammed, in his book, wrote the facts as he knew them, in accordance with the dictates of his religion that commands adherents to bear witness truthfully.
Journalism must remain a profession where facts are sacred and not one swayed by emotive rhetoric or propaganda. The horrendous damage done to people and their reputations, and the lives ruined by fake stories and unverified drivel, is real and irreparable. Now, more than ever before, as traditional media battles the rising popularity and influence of the new media, particularly the social media, a distinction must be made between those who practice true journalism which insists on facts and fair reporting, and those who serve journalism’s equivalence of the fast food; quick and easily put together, but lacking the right ingredients and patently unhealthy to the consumer. I think the best choice for any society that values integrity and progress is obvious here.
It is clear where our late friend Yakubu Mohammed stood on this question. This tribute session is our way of saying we stand with him. “All the facts that are fit to print,” perhaps, but at least let them be verified first.
With his death, the world of journalism has lost one of its steadfast gatekeepers. It is now our collective duty to ensure that the profession to which he gave his last measure does not fall under the control of untutored and unprofessional people.
May the soul of the departed rest in peace, and may Allah (SWT) grant him Al Jannah Firdaus.
Thank you all. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
- Tribute by General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR, former Military President of Nigeria, at the Newswatch 5th lecture series and tribute session for late Yakubu Mohammed in Lagos on April 30
