Colonel Bello Fadile (rtd) launched his book titled “Nine Lives: Col. RSB Bello Fadile Memoir,” appeals to President Tinubu to implement the recommendations of the Oputa Panel to restore their ranks
By Olugbemi Femi – Abuja
The highly anticipated memoir was presented to the public in Abuja on Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Shehu Yar’Adua Center. The event was attended by prominent figures in Nigerian society, particularly from the military, who gathered to commemorate the occasion and reflect on the significant memories that have shaped the nation’s destiny.
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The book encapsulates Colonel Fadile’s experiences during his service in the Nigerian military, describing how he lived nine lives within the single life God blessed him with—particularly in connection to events that could have cost him his life, but for divine intervention.
Book reviewer Professor Agbo Jerry Madaki noted that the memoir covers Fadile’s journey from his birthplace in Kabba, Kogi State, through his educational pursuits, including his qualification as a grade-two teacher before enrolling in the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) to join the military.
Madaki highlighted Fadile’s multifaceted talents and his attributes—boldness, bravery, courage, loyalty, patriotism, and commitment to the core values of the Nigerian military.
He pointed out that Fadile was the first soldier to pursue a degree in Law within the military and completed a PhD, making him the first Army Officer to achieve this feat.
Despite numerous challenges, Colonel RSB Bello Fadile has remained focused on his goals of becoming a successful Army Officer, lawyer, and politician. Madaki recommended the book for all military formations, legal professionals, and politicians.
Among those who spoke at the event was former Head of State General Abdulsalam Abubakar, who characterized Colonel Fadile as a loyal and committed Army officer upholding military values both within and outside the service. He emphasized that the book highlights the vital roles the military plays in protecting democracy and national security, as well as safeguarding the freedoms enjoyed by citizens.
Former Military President General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida was represented by his daughter, Aisha Babangida, who discussed her father’s working relationship with Colonel Fadile and described him as someone always eager for knowledge, standing by her father during his academic pursuits.
Chief Book Presenter Prince Adewole Adebayo, the SDP Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Elections, commended Colonel Fadile’s efforts to document his life experiences, seeing the memoir as a guide for younger generations aspiring to follow a similar path.
He remarked that while the military has returned to the barracks, the current political leadership appears to be more brutal than the military itself, advocating for collective efforts to work towards the nation’s betterment.
Other speakers included Chief Kanu Akabi, SAN, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), Senator Ndoma Egba, Major General David Mark (rtd), Air Vice Marshal Obadan (rtd), Major General Alkwali Ibrahim (rtd), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (rtd), Comrade Solomon Dalung (former Minister for Sports), Mohammed Bindow (former Governor of Adamawa), Chief Raji SAN, and Justice Dupe Atoki, who spoke on behalf of the Fadile family.
All the speakers, whether retired military officers or fellow alumni from the Nigeria Law School (1978 set), commended Colonel Bello Fadile’s resilience, commitment, boldness, fearlessness, and amiable nature. They noted that despite his military background, he held a deep passion for democracy.
They also recounted how, during Nigeria’s struggle for democracy, he was arrested in 1995 in connection with a coup attempt against General Sani Abacha’s regime. This occurred amid calls from numerous civil societies and organizations for the military to withdraw from governance.
The speakers stressed the need for political space to be broadened, criticizing the current democratic system as skewed toward governors, with a growing notion that political advancement is increasingly dependent on the governors’ favor—a situation detrimental to the nation.
In his vote of thanks, Colonel RSB Bello Fadile (rtd) shared extraordinary experiences from his life, notably his miraculous escape from a life sentence after being arrested during what many have termed a fictitious coup under General Sani Abacha’s regime. He recounted these events with gratitude and reflection.
He used the occasion to appealed to President Bola Tinubu to implement Oputa Panel’s reports and restore their ranks especially military officers that were wrongly accused and denied of their promotion at the time.
Other dignitaries at the event includes,Representative of the secretary to the Government of the federation, Senator George Akume Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida who was represented by his daughter, Aisha Babangida, former Senate President, Senator David Mark who is also a retired General, Former Chief of Defense Staff, General Martin Luther Agwai (rtd), former Kwara State Military Governor, Major General Alwali Jauji Kazir (rtd), Brigadier Tunde Ogbeha, AVM Obadan (rtd) his best friend, former NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, (rtd) Col. Yomi Dare (rtd) John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Chief Kanu Agabi SAN, Senator Ndoma Egba, Chief Awomolo SAN, Chief OCJ Okocha, SAN Professor Agbo Jerry Madaki, Chief Raji SAN, SDP Presidential candidate in 2023 General Election, Prince Adewale Adebayo, former Governor of Bauchi State, Abubakar, Representative of Oloworan family, Justice Dupe Atoki, former Minister of Sports, Comrade Solomon Dalung, Hon. Salman Idris, National Assembly member, Professor Muris Ewu, former NPS of the PDP, Hon Kolawole Ologbondiyan, Hon. Kazeem Afebua, Hon Olumide Faleke,
Others include. Amb Oke, Yakubu Philemon SAN, Justice Tijani of Supreme Court and others, Maurice Iwu. Bode Adeyemi, Maryam Uwais. Abdulsammad Dasuki. Atiku Dasuki, Hon Aguocha. Many other Gens and Just and SAN etc
