The portrayal of former military president Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.), also known as IBB, as a statesman has drawn criticism from human rights lawyer and activist Dele Farotimi, who maintains that such praises merely serve to justify the “evils” he said were committed against Nigerians under Babangida’s rule.
On Tuesday, Farotimi made a brief message through his verified 𝕏 account, accusing Nigerians of using what he called mutual affirmation tactics to cleanse leaders with a dubious past.
“It helps normalize the crimes these vile cretins have inflicted on the populace by failing to expose them for what they are. The evil has been maintained in part by this mutual affirmation tactic. You may stop deceiving yourselves, IBB is not a statesman,” he wrote.
The Birthday Tribute to Adesina That Generated Discussion
According to reports, Farotimi’s remarks were made soon after Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the former president of the African Development Bank, praised Babangida as one of Nigeria’s “foremost elder-statesmen” in a birthday card.
In his homage, Adesina wished the former military leader well on his 84th birthday and commended his “patriotic fervour, devotion and commitment to Nigeria’s peace, unity and progress.”
“I extend my congratulations to H.E. General Ibrahim Babangida, GCFR, the former Head of State of Nigeria, on his 84th birthday,” Adesina wrote. As one of Nigeria’s most important elder statesmen, you never cease to motivate the country with your passion for your country, your unwavering devotion, and your unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s peace, unity, and advancement. Your life is defined by resilience and complete service. I pray that God would always bless you with excellent health, strength, vigor, and happiness, surrounded by the affection of your loved ones, both now and in the future. Cheers to your birthday, sir! Warm regards from Yemisi and me, Akin.
However, the public acclaim generated responses on the internet, with Farotimi being among the most vocal opponents of what he perceives to be an effort to erase history.
Babangida’s Divisive Heritage
IBB, who led Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, is still regarded as one of the most divisive figures in the nation, according to Naija News.
The annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which was generally believed to have been won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO Abiola), is what makes his government famous.
Supporters frequently characterize him as a practical leader who implemented economic changes like the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), but detractors contend that his policies exacerbated poverty, strengthened corruption, and exacerbated Nigeria’s sociopolitical difficulties.
However, the argument over whether Nigerians should remember Babangida as a leader whose actions left the country with permanent scars or as an elder statesman worthy of national honor has been rekindled by Farotimi’s scathing remark.
