It was a moment of truth, reflections and tribute. The atmosphere was both convivial and sober as families, friends and old colleagues of Col. Bello Fadile listened to the review of his book titled; ‘Nine Lives: The Bello Fadile Memoirs’.
From any angle one chooses to look at it, Fadile’s upbringing, career in the military and the travails that perhaps dictated the title of the book were all wrapped up in a mystery. A brilliant young man who was driven into the military by patriotism, gave all his best in building the nation but ran into trouble midway. He became one of the unlucky military officers who was sentenced to death by the military regime of the former Military Head of State, the late Gen Sani Abacha
It is instructive to note that the “Nine Lives: The Bello-Fadile Memoirs,’ a book that speaks to the most brutal military era in Nigeria’s history, was publicly presented on Monday, November 28, 2024 at the prestigious Shehu Yar’ Adua Centre, Abuja.
The event was chaired by former Nigerian Military Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, and had in attendance the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col Sambo Dasuki and other important dignitaries from different walks of life.
The 400-page book chronicles the early life of Bello-Fadile, his service in the Nigerian military and his close shave with death after his arrest in 1995 during the military rule of late Gen Sani Abacha.
It is important to note that the book is divided into five chapters, each narrating events that shaped the author’s life.
The former military President, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, wrote the Foreword to the book while he was represented at the event by his daughter, Aisha, who read his prepared speech. According to Babangida, the idea of Bello-Fadile’s Nine Lives can easily be discerned from his professional trajectory, both as an officer and a lawyer.
Earlier in his speech, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar said Bello-Fadile, in the course of his military career, demonstrated a remarkable dedication to the core values that define Nigeria’s armed forces: loyalty, discipline and sacrifice.
The book was reviewed by lawyer Agbo Madaki while the presidential candidate of SDP in the 2023 general election, Adewole Adebayo, was the chief book presenter.
Madaki remarked that the narrating power of the author cannot be ignored as he was able to capture the interest of his readers through his vivid recollections of events and excellent poetic skill.
Bello Fadile’s offence appeared light at the begining but as things unfolded, his problem compounded and he was sentenced for advocating a non-violent composition of an interim government to replace the military junta of his then friend and boss, the late Sani Abacha. The rest is history.
Friends and members of his family were thrown into uncertainty. They were running from pillars to polls to secure his release but all to no avail. Those who believed that what God could not do did not exist went spiritual, moving from one mountain to prophets. Both genuine and fake prophets showed up that they had the magic wand. In the process, the family was swindled and prophesies, both real and unreal were flying in from one corner to the other. Though Fadile’s spirit was strong and his faith was unshaken but the flesh became weak.
His travails started on February 26, 1995, soldiers came to his room and pointed rifles at his second Son -Ralph Bello-Fadile. Before then, he had been under surveillance. Prior to the arrest, he had a conversation with the Chief of Air Staff about his promotion, with plans to meet on Wednesday during a games day.
That scheduled Wednesday met him where he didn’t expect and he remained there till God showed up for him.
Many people, including a former Chief of Army Staff, the late Major General Sheu Yar’Adua (rtd) were not lucky. They died in prison. When everybody thought the hope of securing his release had lost, Fadile got an unexpected liberation from what had been a life sentence under the late dictator.
In the early hours of March 4, 1999, the former intelligence officer received the life-changing news.
According to him, a tap on his cell window jolted him awake, and to his surprise, he found a retired Warrant Officer of the Nigerian Army, now working as a warder, delivering the long-awaited message of freedom.
According to the human rights lawyer, it was with a newfound sense of freedom and a deep appreciation for those who supported him during his ordeal that he stepped out of the prison gates into a new chapter of life on that fateful day.
As his loved ones gathered to share in his testimony of freedom, Fadile expressed gratitude to Abubakar and all those who contributed to the establishment of a true democratic government in Nigeria. He also extended his appreciation to the Nigerian military, emphasising his enduring love for his country.
But if you ask him, he will tell you that it has been purely by the grace of God, and by the invaluable bonds of quality relationship he has been privilege to experience that he has made it thus far. He sees relationship as caring beyond imagination.
This description paints a vivid picture of a man who recognizes the importance of community and faith in his journey and understands the balance between personal efforts and the influence of external factors in achieving success.
– Amokeodo, a public affairs analyst, contributes this piece from Lagos
