IBB Clears Air: No Support for Military Intervention

IBB clears the air on recent rumors, firmly stating he does not endorse military intervention and refutes such claims.

The public disassociation of a post on X (previously Twitter), which allegedly advocates for military intervention in Nigeria, has been proclaimed by former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB).

Babangida’s media office released a statement, signed by Mahmoud Abdullahi, clarifying that the post should be disregarded since it is false.

A contentious post emerged from a satirical account utilizing the username @General_Ibbro. The account made an untrue assertion that Babangida had given his endorsement to a specific candidate during the presidential elections in 2023.

The media office of Babangida stressed that the ex-president has no ownership or endorsement of the account and its contents.

According to the statement, “We have been alerted to a post on X (previously known as Twitter) that appeared on a parody account under the username @General_Ibbro. The post allegedly contains former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s endorsement of military rule over democratic governance.”

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The account in question employs Babangida’s image and the Nigerian coat of arms to create an air of credibility. It has disseminated counterfeit data, such as asserting that Babangida recommended a presidential nominee during the recent elections which generated bewilderment and humiliation among citizens.

A false statement was recently posted by the account, alleging that Babangida asserted “Nigeria had its best years under military rule; democracy has made things worse.” However, Babangida’s media office firmly refuted this claim and reiterated his support for democracy.

According to the statement, General Babangida (rtd) is of the opinion that Nigeria’s democracy has stood its ground and should be safeguarded by all means possible. He strongly advocates for standing firm on democratic solutions instead of resorting to military intervention as a solution to challenges faced in Nigeria.

Even with the obstacles, Babangida is positive about Nigeria’s democracy moving forward. He praised the Nigerian military for backing democratic governance since 1999, which has resulted in an extended period of civilian rule following independence.

Rather than mimicking genuine accounts, the parody account has circulated false information. It was advised that posts from this particular account be ignored and media professionals as well as social media users were urged to validate any information before disseminating it.

To sum up, Babangida’s media office restated that the ex-president endorses democracy and censures any untrue claims insinuating the contrary.