Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised former military president Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida as he marks his 85th birthday.
Sowore, in a post shared on Facebook, described Babangida as “the man who did Nigeria dirty” and accused his associates of celebrating him despite what he described as the negative consequences of his years in power.
The activist argued that Babangida’s legacy should not be defined by birthday celebrations, but by the decisions he made while leading the country.
According to Sowore, Babangida’s actions contributed to the deepening of corruption and the weakening of democratic institutions, leaving generations of Nigerians to bear the consequences.
He further argued that Nigeria would have been in a better position if Babangida had exercised power differently.
Sowore said history should remember not only the former military ruler’s longevity and birthday celebrations but also what he described as the consequences of the choices made during Babangida’s time in power.
Babangida ruled Nigeria as military president from 1985 to 1993. His tenure remains one of the most debated periods in the country’s political history, particularly following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
While Babangida’s supporters highlight achievements associated with his administration, including major infrastructural and administrative reforms, his critics continue to condemn his political decisions and their long-term impact on Nigeria’s democratic development.
Sowore’s comments have once again brought Babangida’s controversial legacy into public debate as the former military leader marks 85.
You must be logged in to post a comment.