By Leshi Adebayo
Former Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has rated the corruption index in the country as worse and more degrading at the moment compared to his regime.
IBB spoke about the State of the Nation, during the Arise Television breakfast programme, ‘Morning Show’, Friday Edition. He gave his views on certain issues in the country currently.
On corruption, he said, “You can’t compare it with the facts on the ground now. From what I read, from the analyses, I think we are saints when compared to what is happening under a democratic dispensation. I sacked a governor of a state for misappropriating less than N313,000. Today, billions are there on the streets. Those who have stolen billions, they are in court and are now parading themselves in the streets. So, who is better in fighting corruption?”
His view on the 2023 Presidential Elections, he said, “You allow the process to continue but it’s through the process that you will be able to come out with a candidate that will lead the country. His qualifications, his beliefs should be known to Nigerians before somebody ever throws his hat into the ring regardless of where he comes from.” He kicked against the idea of zoning when it comes to the presidency. He sees it as insignificant.
Also, IBB gave his assessment of the APC administration. In his words, “That’s where politics comes. Somebody now will come and say APC when it made the promise on three planks; Nigerians voted for them on three planks: economy, corruption and security. So, it is for Nigerians to decide, have these been met? I will rather wait and see what the other party will react. If they convince me that they didn’t succeed in these and they show me proofs, I will go for them.” He does not give a straight answer but leaves it to the people to decide.
Conclusively, IBB was a military Head of State, who ruled Nigeria from 1985. He staged the palace coup that ousted General Muhammadu Buhari, the current President of Nigeria, from office. This was shortly after he annulled the famous June 12 Presidential election that declared late MKO Abiola as the President-elect.
