Veteran Nigerian comedian Ali Baba has shared harrowing details of an incident during General Sani Abacha’s military regime, revealing how a seemingly innocuous joke could have cost him his life.
The 59-year-old humorist recounted the precarious moment on the Leadership Podcast, illustrating the tense political atmosphere that defined one of Nigeria’s most notorious eras.
Ali Baba was performing at an event in Abuja during a time when addressing the military government could be a dangerous affair.
Reflecting on his experience, he recalled, “The first close encounter I had with death was when General Sani Abacha was the President.”
As the night unfolded, it came time for the Akwa Ibom cultural group to entertain the audience.
General Abacha, known for his signature Ray-Ban sunglasses dark, foldable, and symbolic of his often suspicious demeanour, sat among the attendees with an air of authority.
With a courage that often defines a stand-up comic, Ali Baba paused the cultural performance and directed his attention towards Abacha.
“Your Excellency, sir,” he began, “it’s almost 10 pm, why are you wearing dark shades? Remove these shades now, or is it that you don’t want to see their performance?”
This brave quip was a moment of levity amidst a sea of tension, where humour often masked fear and uncertainty. What happened next was chilling.
The General complied, removing his sunglasses as he conferred quietly with his aides.
In that instant, Ali Baba observed the swift arrival of officers from the Department of State Services (DSS), a clear signal of the potential consequences of his words.
Alarmed by their presence, Ali Baba swiftly descended from the stage, choosing to sit on the ground beside Abacha in an apparent act of defiance.
General Abacha, unfazed, responded by jesting about him, perhaps amused by the comedian’s audacity, a rare interaction that showcased the delicate dance of humour and fear present in Nigeria’s political landscape during his rule.
“I told him, don’t worry, sir, let them arrest me here,” Ali Baba recalled, to which Abacha responded with a smile, illustrating a moment of unexpected camaraderie between the two, despite the oppressive environment.
New Daily Prime recalls that the former military ruler, who governed Nigeria from 1993 until 1998, is remembered not just for his authoritarian style but also for the widespread human rights abuses that marred his administration.
Abacha came to power through a coup that effectively ousted then-interim President Ernest Shonekan, leading to a regime characterized by intimidation, imprisonment, and even murder of opposition figures.
During Abacha’s tenure, dissent was met with brutality, and fear rippled through the country as citizens grappled with the realities of life under an oppressive regime.
Political opponents often vanished or were found imprisoned under dubious circumstances.
The late General’s rule is widely regarded as a dark chapter in Nigeria’s history, a period when fear stifled freedom of speech, and the political landscape was riddled with anxiety.
Despite the risks, Ali Baba’s story highlights a peculiar aspect of Nigerian society during this time a resilience that sought humour even in oppression.
Comedians like Ali Baba played a crucial role in reflecting societal woes while intertwining laughter into the fabric of everyday life, providing a temporary escape from the dire realities of the political climate.
Humour, however, served as a double-edged sword during Abacha’s regime. Artists and comedians faced the constant threat of government censure and retaliation.
Those who dared to poke fun at the regime often found themselves on precarious ground, caught between their duty to entertain and the potential repercussions of their words.
As Ali Baba’s narrative unfolds, it reflects a broader context of the challenges faced by the Nigerian populace during General Abacha’s rule.
The tension between governance and public expression has continued to echo in contemporary Nigeria, where the scars of the past linger, and the quest for freedom and expression remains a persistent struggle.
In retrospect, Ali Baba’s tale is not just a personal encounter with danger; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, an illustration of how, amidst fear and oppression, humour can emerge as a powerful tool for defiance.
It serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of an era that sought to silence dissent and the courageous individuals who dared to speak out, even when it meant risking their lives.
However, the shadows of General Sani Abacha’s administration continue to loom in Nigeria’s political narrative, serving as both a history lesson and a cautionary tale for the importance of protecting freedoms of speech and expression against the might of authoritarian rule.
Reported by: Ifedamola Fayomi
