Farotimi added that giving IBB such a title helps to normalize the “evils” he visited on Nigerians.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Activist and human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, has responded to claims by former president of the African Development Bank (ADB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina that ex-Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) popularly known as IBB, is a “statesman”.
He faulted the assertion on Tuesday morning via a post he shared on his official X page.
Adesina, while congratulating Babangida on his birthday, described him as one of Nigeria’s “foremost elder-statesmen”
He also praised the former military ruler’s “patriotic fervor, devotion and commitment to Nigeria’s peace, unity and progress,” while wishing him continued good health as he marked his 84th birthday.
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Reacting to the tribute, Farotimi argued that celebrating Babangida with such title only helps to normalize the “evils” he claimed the former leader visited on Nigerians.
He wrote, “Not telling these ruinous cretins exactly what they are, contributes towards the normalization of the evils that they have visited on the people, and this mutual affirmation strategy is what has helped to sustain the evil. IBB is no statesman, and you can stop lying to yourself.”
Babangida, who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, celebrated his 84th birthday recently.
He was subjected to strong and severe criticism after annulling the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by Late business mogul, Bashorun MKO Abiola.
