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PRESIDENT IBRAHIM BADAMASI BABANGIDA: AN IRREPRESIBLE ENIGMA AND ENDURING INSTITUTION

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Revisiting General Ibrahim Babangida's Legacy: A Balanced Perspective" by Dare ADELEKAN

PRESIDENT IBRAHIM BADAMASI BABANGIDA: AN IRREPRESIBLE ENIGMA AND ENDURING INSTITUTION by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode.

 

32 years after leaving power President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has assumed full responsibility for what happened on the June 12th 1993 ANNULMENMENT of Chief MKO Abiola’s presidential election and it’s attendant consequences.

 

He has explained the circumstances under which it happened and has not only acknowledged that Abiola actually won the election but that he was also unfairly robbed of his MANDATE when he and his military regime annuled it.

PRESIDENT IBRAHIM BADAMASI BABANGIDA: AN IRREPRESIBLE ENIGMA AND ENDURING INSTITUTION by Chief Femi Fani-Kayode.

What he didn’t say was that if he had not annuled the election those that wanted it aborted would have killed him, key members of his Government, MKO Abiola, MKO’s family and everyone else that opposed them and his Government would have been toppled in a very violent and bloody coup which would have definately led to a long, brutal and protracted civil war.

 

IBB has told his side of the story and explained to us what actually transpired. He refused to remain silent, he did not shy away from speaking the truth or refuse to accept responsibility and he did not pass the buck.

 

Instead he came clean, displayed immense courage and did the right and proper thing.

 

That is what leaders are meant to do and he did it without fear or favour regardless of whose ox was gored. Kudos to him.

 

We need to appreciate this gesture, eschew all bitterness, let go of all our pent up anger, forgive him for what many perceive to be his sins and move on.

Equally we need to accord him his rightful place in history as one the the greats despite his fallibility. He is after all a mere man, albeit a great one, and not God.

 

Only God is free of fault and is infallible and there is not one man that has ever lived, led or ruled that is infallible.

All those insulting and abusing him today for putting the facts and his experiences on record in his book are malevolent, bitter, twisted souls & unenlightened, ignorant, cowards who have no appreciation of history or what this man actually achieved in his 8 years in office or the events that led up to June 12th.

 

They only see things in part and are allowing their emotions rather than their heads to rule them.

I was in the NADECO trenches during that difficult time and like many others paid my dues too but I can say that outside of the June 12th matter IBB did more for Nigeria than virtually any other President or Head of State.

 

He left power 32 years ago & yet every single living former Nigerian President and Head of State bar President Muhammadu Buhari who he had removed from power in a coup in 1985 attended his book launching in person and despite all Buhari actually sent a representative.

 

It was an extraordinary event & I witnessed it with my own eyes because I had the privilege of being invited.

 

If the number of leaders that attended, which included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Head of State General General Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, former President and former Head of State President Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Ghana Nana Akufo Addo, former President of Sierra Leone President Koroma, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President Sambo & former Vice President Atiku Abubakar did not tell Nigerians the high esteem that the ruling elites have for him then nothing will.

May God continue to be with this great & inspiring man who has displayed immense discipline, resilience, dignity, self-respect, courage & humility throughout his distinguished life.

I pray he continues to share his vast reserves of knowledge & wisdom & make his contributions to national development for many years to come.

Whether his numerous detractors like it or not IBB remains an enigma, an institution & the most consequential Head of State & President in our history.

 

No-one can take that from him and we are very proud of him.

I wish both him and his family well.

(FFK)

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Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

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Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

 

Supporters of former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, have dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging that the retired army general is working against the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

In a statement issued on Friday by Engr. Hassan Mohammed, Sarkin Yakin Garkuwan Keffi, the former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin was described as a committed statesman who remains loyal to constituted authority and dedicated to Nigeria’s unity and stability.

Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: General Buratai Remains Loyal, Rebuffs Misinformation – Engr Hassan

The statement noted that Buratai, who served as Chief of Army Staff and later as ambassador, had throughout his career demonstrated discipline, professionalism and respect for constitutional authority.
According to Mohammed, the retired lieutenant general has consistently expressed support for the Tinubu administration and its Renewed Hope agenda, particularly in the areas of national security, youth empowerment and national cohesion.

 

He said, “Gen. Buratai remains a committed Nigerian statesman who has always placed national interest above personal politics.”
The statement further described reports linking Buratai to alleged anti-government activities as “baseless, politically motivated and aimed at creating unnecessary division.”

Mohammed urged Nigerians to disregard what he called attempts at blackmail and misinformation, insisting that Buratai’s public record and engagements reflect his continued support for the current administration.

“His actions and public record speak louder than online rumours,” the statement added.
The supporters also called on the public to remain focused on issues that promote national development and unity rather than social media speculation.

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General Buratai Backs Son’s Political Ambition, Calls For Greater Youth Inclusion In Governance

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General Buratai Backs Son’s Political Ambition, Calls For Greater Youth Inclusion In Governance

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai, has urged Nigerians to support young people in pursuing their dreams and taking active roles in politics, as he publicly endorsed the political ambition of his son, Tukur Buratai Jnr.

Buratai, a former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, made the call in a statement shared on his verified Facebook page, where he expressed support for his son’s decision to contest for the Biu Constituency seat in the Borno State House of Assembly under the platform of the All Progressives Congress⁠�.

According to the retired military chief, Nigeria’s future depends largely on its youthful population, stressing that excluding young people from governance and leadership would hinder national growth and development.

He noted that Nigerian youths should not merely be regarded as leaders of tomorrow, but as active contributors and solution providers capable of shaping the country’s future today.

Buratai further emphasized the need to create opportunities and an enabling environment for young Nigerians to thrive politically, economically, and socially, describing youth inclusion as critical to nation-building.

The endorsement of Captain Buratai Jnr, a pilot, is being viewed by political observers as a symbolic transfer of leadership ideals, discipline, and patriotism from one generation to another.

His candidacy is also expected to inject youthful energy and fresh perspectives into legislative representation in Biu Constituency ahead of future political contests.

As preparations gradually begin towards the next electoral cycle, Buratai’s message is likely to resonate among young Nigerians seeking greater participation in governance and public service.

 

General Buratai Backs Son’s Political Ambition, Calls For Greater Youth Inclusion In Governance

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Buratai Celebrates Ex-Internal Affairs Minister, General Magoro, At 85

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Buratai Urges FG to Form School Safety Task Force

Buratai Celebrates Ex-Internal Affairs Minister, General Magoro, At 85

 

 

Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusufu Buratai, has paid glowing tribute to retired Major General Muhammadu Magoro on the occasion of his 85th birthday, describing him as “a national hero and a general par excellence.”

 

 

 

In a congratulatory message issued on Thursday, Buratai hailed Magoro’s decades of service to Nigeria, noting that his military and political careers remained a model of patriotism, discipline, and leadership.

Magoro, who holds the traditional title of Mutawallen of Kebbi Kingdom, served as a commander during the Nigerian Civil War, later becoming Minister of Internal Affairs and a senator during the Second Republic.

 

Buratai said the retired general’s contributions to national development and security had earned him recognition both within and outside Nigeria.

 

 

 

 

He also acknowledged Magoro’s role in mentoring younger military officers, including himself, stressing that the elder statesman’s guidance and professional conduct had inspired generations of military leaders.

 

 

The former army chief recalled recently reconnecting with Magoro during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Arewa Consultative Forum in Kaduna, describing the meeting as symbolic of the enduring bond among those who had served the nation selflessly.

 

 

 

 

“As you mark this 85th birthday, I pray that Almighty Allah continues to bless you with good health, peace of mind, and many more fruitful years,” Buratai stated.

 

 

 

He further noted that Magoro’s legacy would continue to inspire future leaders across military and civilian institutions in the country.

 

 

 

Buratai concluded the message by wishing the elder statesman a memorable celebration, declaring that “Nigeria salutes” him for his sacrifices and enduring service to the nation.

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