Human rights advocate and attorney, Dele Farotimi, has criticized the labeling of former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), as a statesman.
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In a post on X on Tuesday, Farotimi stated that honoring Babangida with such titles merely serves to legitimize the “evils” he alleges the former leader inflicted upon Nigerians.
“Failing to call these destructive individuals what they truly are only aids in normalizing the atrocities they have committed against the populace, and this mutual validation tactic is what has perpetuated the wrongdoing. IBB is not a statesman, and you should stop lying to yourself,” he expressed.
His comments came in response to a congratulatory note from the former president of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who referred to Babangida as one of Nigeria’s “leading elder-statesmen” in a birthday message.
Adesina commended the former Head of State’s “patriotic spirit, dedication, and commitment to Nigeria’s peace, unity, and advancement,” while wishing him ongoing good health as he celebrated his 84th birthday.
furucinovel reported that Babangida, who governed Nigeria from 1985 to 1993, recently marked his 84th birthday.