Farotimi Blast Babangida, Says His Seat in Nigeria’s Gallery of Rogues Assured
Farotimi, Babangida
By Reporter
Nigerian activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi has sharply criticized former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), accusing him of a lifelong pattern of distorting the truth for personal gain.
In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Farotimi stated that Babangida had not revealed anything previously unknown but had only admitted to truths that served his interests.
“IBB told no truths that were hitherto unknown,” Farotimi wrote. “But he admitted only to the ones that advance his lifelong career of subjectivizing the lies by which his life is defined, and Nigeria ruined.”
Farotimi’s remarks come amid renewed discussions on Babangida’s role in Nigeria’s political history, particularly his administration’s controversial policies and decisions.
Babangida, who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, has remained a divisive figure, with critics blaming his leadership for institutionalizing corruption and deepening the country’s economic and political challenges.
Farotimi did not mince words in his condemnation, asserting that Babangida’s legacy was firmly established among the country’s most infamous figures.
“His seat in Nigeria’s gallery of rogues is assured,” he added, reinforcing his belief that the former military leader’s actions had contributed significantly to the country’s decline.
Babangida’s time in power saw the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely considered one of Nigeria’s freest and fairest polls. His administration also introduced structural adjustment programs that many believe worsened economic hardships for Nigerians.
