FIFTEEN years after stepping aside from power, former military President Ibrahim Babangida has reacted to the characterisation of his defunct administration as a corrupt government.
He objected to the allegation that he institutionalised corruption, describing it as a misconception promoted by the media.

Tendering some financial statistics, the former military leader compared his administration with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s, saying: "Now, we know better who institutionalised corruption."

General Babangida was in the saddle for eight years, between 1985 and 1993. Obasanjo, a former military Head of State who was elected civilian president, also ruled for eight years, between 1999 and 2007.

According to Babangida, the comparison of income and performance analysis under the two administrations has vindicated him.

The former military president spoke with "The Peoples’ Magazine"/Pointblank News – an online news service – on his administration, his foray into politics in retirement, his aborted presidential ambition and the Yar’Adua presidency.

He said Nigeria would have gone places if his administration had access to huge financial resources like Obasanjo’s.

"What I would probably say is that I ran an administration for eight years and during that eight years, what accrued to the Federal Government was what accrued to the Obasanjo government in a year.

"What they were getting in one year, we got less in eight years. And, I know what we achieved with little amount of money in eight years.

"If I had that kind of money, maybe, we could have gone places. That, I am absolutely confident about and that is number one.

"Number two, the world is made to believe that my administration institutionalized corruption. Now, we know better who institutionalized corruption. So, I am grateful to God and maybe, history will eventually vindicate us," Babangida stressed.

Babangida who described himself as a perpetual suspect expressed happiness that, so far, nothing has been found against him.

"Perhaps, I am now the most investigated Nigerian alive. I knew very well that for eight years of the Obasanjo government, I was under investigation, and before Obasanjo, I was also under investigation. I am the most investigated person in Nigeria," he added.

The retired General maintained that he did not regret backing the candidature of Obasanjo, his former Commander-in-Chief for the presidency; although he remarked that "there are a lot of things that they did that I would have done differently".

In his view, the push for socio-economic and political reforms by the successive administrations trailed this pioneering reform programmes instituted by his administration.

Noting that these latest reforms are not new, Babangida said: "History will give us credit that every other thing people are faking about concerning reforms, we started during my administration."

Babangida revisited his aborted presidential ambition last year, explaining that he was confronted by a dilemma "borne out of principle".

"I think those targets that I have achieved or met influenced me tremendously in taking the decision I took. I was there from 1985 to 1993. I represented this country.

"But, my ascension to the exalted office was through another means; we shot ourselves into power through the barrel of the gun, but all the same, I ran the country.

"So, when I set out to aspire to occupy the office again, this time as a democratically-elected leader, I was determined also not to go below certain behaviours. I would not like a situation at my age and having been the president before, maybe, to now see me competing against somebody I considered a brother, somebody I considered a friend," he added.

Reviewing the eight-month old Yar’Adua administration, Babangida, who described the president as a meticulous person, said besides not taking decisions based on impulse, he is also a silent worker.

However, the former military president did not object to the decision by General Muhammadu Buhari, Presidential candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and his Action Congress (AC) counterpart, former vice president Atiku Abubakar to press on with their suits at the Election Petitions Tribunal.

He said it is in the interest of constitutional development in Nigeria that agonized candidates should turn to the judiciary for justice.

IBB should have hung himself in shame long ago. It's only in countries like Nigeria that people like that would come out to talk.
Eveybody know that OBJ has very bad records especially in the past 9 years, but it sure cannot be compared to that of IBB in terms of being bad and corrupt.

IBB is the foundation of Nigeria's failure! $12billion oil windfall disappeared within fews days?
Which other bad record can beat that?

It says more about us that this man is able to open his mouth willy nilly/

It is the height of arrogance.

IBB's defence of himself is only natural. However let us examine the two administration closely solely on records and not conjectures. IBB instituted the devaluation of our currency without corresponding industrial base to boost local economy and diversify export from our monolithic product i.e oil. There was also oil windfall during his regime although it is true that it is not as big as during OBJ's but the fact is that with what is available then, Babangida would have done much more considering the cost of things at the time. Another sour point of IBB's regime is the runaway foreign debt. The voodoo economics of the time ran our economy completely agound that it was virtually a shame to raise your head anywhere in the world and say your are a Nigerian. There are many more points I can mention but let us examine OBJ's term: OBJ made more money during his tenure but then he presided over a new system of government i.e democratic structure with its known baggage of large government. This alone is additional cost to running the government. Also the structure on the ground when OBJ came into power was so fragile and probably worse. The political situation at the time was so pecarious that for any responsible government to make any economic headway, you have to lay a solid political foundation first. However at the end of the day OBJ evidently blew the golden opportunity in this regard. Talk about the economy, OBJ did reasonably better than Babangida in every way and this is not to say that OBJ also is anything above average. The idea of paying off our foreign debts and leaving us free from the control of our creditors is a major victory. However, the government of OBJ should have focused on the second leg of kickstarting the economy by solving the energy problem. $10 billion in a space of ten years on providing power that is not available anywhere is the height of planlessness and absence of strategy. To sum it up OBJ is a poitical failure and a little below average on the economy. Babangida had a brilliant political plan but very dishonest. The idea of two political parties for the nation was a brilliant political science for a nation like Nigeria. That he conducted the freest and fairest election in Nigeria is a plus for him and something we can look into as we look forward to make the country a viable democracy. Having fifty something political parties in a country like Nigeria as we do currently is politically stupid because we dont't have the capacity to manage them. In a nutshell, IBB is a total failure because of his squandermania and his political dishonesty. OBJ too is a failure politically and a little below average on the economy. However, comparing the two OBJ towers above IBB. Period.

In a nutshell, IBB is a total failure because of his squandermania and his political dishonesty. OBJ too is a failure politically and a little below average on the economy. However, comparing the two OBJ towers above IBB. Period.

I don't share that belief cos Obj ruled at a time we were enjoying so much sympathy from the international community. What did we get? A phony anti-curruption battle, fighting the water outside while being drowned by the waters within. NO OBJ is NOT better in anyway, he is not even better than Abacha. I will rather rate them equal.
Wait a minute, can you beleve that 8 years has passed btw 99 and today haba.
All we got under him were noise, propaganda and papal beautification of his "holiness"

I will rather reserve my answer regarding whose record is better (I do not think it matters, at this stage).
But one thing remains exceptionally clear "during OBJ's first term (1999-2003), Nigerians in general were very open, intactly together and for the first time in many years were willing to work as one toward attaining a common goal"; but of course our ex president (OBJ) and his followers intentionally did not take advantage of the mighty opportunity. They had their own personal agenda, which to them was more crucial than moving Nigeria forward as a nation.

The only accomplishment during OBJ's regime was the implementation of a reliable telecommunication; it is also obvious to all that they weren't totally responsible for this great accomplishment.

Hence, I welcome IBB's defensive/ offensive modes. I also see his comment as a sign of development and lesson for other future leaders to rule our nation.
My only regret is, IBB waited too long to defend himself and his regime publicly. Sometimes people take quietness and passiveness as a sign of guilt. I think he should have disabled the media propaganda, removed the cover and made his stance regarding all issues compounded during his era (good or bad) to be known by Nigerians many many years ago.

Well, let us hope that the new generation leaders will learn one or two things from these former leaders and utilize the lesson to elevate this nation back to the top.
May God bless Nigeria.

In addition to IBB's malfeasance was his annulment of the political wish of 50 million people (June 12 election). Listen, if you steal money you can atone for your crime by paying back with interest. However, if you rob a people of their political wish and aspiration which is tantamount to treason, the only atonement is death a la Dimka and Vatsa. Come to even think about it Dimka and Vatsa committed treason against some treasoanable junta and not against the people.

this is like comparing cancer to aids.

this is like comparing cancer to aids. 

The two disease are terminal in nature. IBB is cancer and OBJ is aids. There is only a devils alternative if we are left with a choice between the two. God help us

bawomol:

this is like comparing cancer to aids.

That is the funniest quote I've ever heard in my entire life.

BIGB1 where have you been, amazing its taking your father the toothless general 18 long years to come out and admit his administration was disastrous to human kind.

I wonder when will he have balls to tell us what happened to the 12 Billion golf oil revenue? why was vatsa killed and who really killed Dele GIwa, and what about Gloria Okon?

Now that we have a MALAMI in YAR ADUA for presido, we have all this Hausa's coming out, wait till RIBADU finish his course and we will see if IBB will come out again.

At least he realised that his regime did us no good. If only OBJ will admit he was bad as well at least we will know where we can start solving the problems both created. In a nut shell IBB is the worst by giving us a prisoner with hard labour(OBJ) money laundring apart.

bawomol:

this is like comparing cancer to aids.

Who is Cancer and who is Aid?

Mamajama:

I wonder when will he have balls to tell us what happened to the 12 Billion golf oil revenue? why was vatsa killed and who really killed Dele GIwa, and what about Gloria Okon?

And who killed Bola Ige as well?

bawomol:

this is like comparing cancer to aids.

absolutely

or comparing Indian hemp to Cocaine

One must be better than the other
Which one is better then?

Aleksys:

this is like comparing cancer to aids.

I can´t stop rolling, Abeg who is the cancer and who is the Aids? IBB is both while hmmm obj is the Aids

First thing IBB was military OBJ was civilian. OBJ in Military regime killed Fumilayo Kuti.

In Civilian regime Bola-Ige, Harry Marshals, Dikibo, THousands in Zaki Biam and Odi .

I think OBJ is HIV and IBB is whooping cough.

OBJ rigged an election so massively that the winner even complained. IBB conducted an free and fair election but pocketed the results. So who is better.

OBJ that can never do anything good or IBB that can do something good but would spoil it himself. Count the number of GOV in the last election that have been stripped of their mandrakes rather mandates

wait till RIBADU finish his course and we will see if IBB will come out again

Now that makes a lot of sense

Sake of say them don send Ribadu go school na him make them they defend their records

Which kind people dey Nigeria wey they sit don allow this goon to still fit get up to open his mouth speak for that country Where are the omo ota's when you need them the most?? IBB no suppose get mouth at all for that country or even for im own village. Wetin dey do us Nigerian people

First thing IBB was military OBJ was civilian. OBJ in Military regime killed Fumilayo Kuti.

In Civilian regime Bola-Ige, Harry Marshals, Dikibo, THousands in Zaki Biam and Odi .

I think OBJ is HIV and IBB is whooping cough.

OBJ rigged an election so massively that the winner even complained. IBB conducted an free and fair election but pocketed the results. So who is better.

OBJ that can never do anything good or IBB that can do something good but would spoil it himself. Count the number of GOV in the last election that have been stripped of their mandrakes rather mandates

This is food for thought. Lives were wasted yet till date from Dele to Bola to Harry marshal et al,

Some of you guys have said it all.
Of course, every e-mail scammer and other fraudsters in Nigeria would describe the regime of babangida as a better one, wouldn`t they ?
As far as murders are concerned, the murders of Dele Giwa and Vatsa were murders mastermided by Babangida. It would not surprise me if we should have indisputable facts later backing up the view that Obasanjo was not involved in the murders that took place under his regime as those murders could have been carried out by some members of his inner cirle.
It`s always sad when one has to defend criminals like Obasanjo and his men, but then it shouldn`t be a bad thing when you are dealing with the likes of Babangida and his desperate agents of falsehood.
Obasanjo took over a nation that was a wreck, literally. To worsen things, those that had seen themselves as the owners of Nigeria became frustrated when they were no more in a position to mess around with the country`s resources. The fight-back started immediately when they decided to introduce Sharia in a secular state, causing unnecessary distraction for Obasanjo and Nigerians.
If my memory serves me well, Babangida and his fellow bastards took over a country that had been sorted out by Buhari. For reasons best known to Nigerians, they believed and trusted this conman, and by the time they discovered that he was ( still is ) a wolf in a sheep`s clothing, it was too late . Anyway, I`m still enjoying the fact that Obasanjo stopped him from achieving his most important political ambition of running Nigeria again.

@ Teriba

As far as murders are concerned, the murders of Dele Giwa and Vatsa were murders mastermided by Babangida. It would not surprise me if we should have indisputable facts later backing up the view that Obasanjo was not involved in the murders that took place under his regime as those murders could have been carried out by some members of his inner cirle.

Are you not being partial, remember that the image of justice is blinded human image. Lets be fair to all

sometimes i wonder what these fools think they are doing.That means he's finding his way back into politics.let him and OBJ prepare to die soon.

A fairytale of two students that failed comparing their score cards!

i got 20!

he got 15!

Wot in the world is the difference, they both failed!

well, guess the point he's making is that he's not the worst, luckily for IBB, OBJ brought some respite to his soul and conscience!!!

A fairytale of two students that failed comparing their score cards!

i got 20!

he got 15!

Wot in the world is the difference, they both failed!

well, guess the point he's making is that he's not the worst, luckily for IBB, OBJ brought some respite to his soul and conscience!!!

This is sure one of the funniest post on this topic!

@Truequest

I agree with u

Truequest:

@ Teriba
Are you not being partial, remember that the image of justice is blinded human image. Lets be fair to all

I think fairness demands that we allow solid evidence to dictate our conclusions. At present, I`ve got no evidence at my disposal to back up the allegation that Ige and Co were murdered by Obasanjo. I`m not saying that Obasanjo is incapable of doing it, but it`s just that I don`t have any credible evidence to state categorically that he did.

@tariba:

Do you have evidence to support your conclusion regarding all allegations against IBB?
And if you do, could you please present them to all, Thanks.

Teriba:

I think fairness demands that we allow solid evidence to dictate our conclusions. At present, I`ve got no evidence at my disposal to back up the allegation that Ige and Co were murdered by Obasanjo. I`m not saying that Obasanjo is incapable of doing it, but it`s just that I don`t have any credible evidence to state categorically that he did.

We all hard that IBB killed dale giwa at the same time we all hard that OBJ killed Bola Ige how on earth can you come hear to say you have solid evidence for Dele Giwas case. Please kindly let us know your evidence, maybe you are part of the squad otherwise i dont know where you get your SOLID evidence from.
We are waiting.

presido1:

We all hard that IBB killed dale giwa at the same time we all hard that OBJ killed Bola Ige how on earth can you come hear to say you have solid evidence for Dele Giwas case. Please kindly let us know your evidence, maybe you are part of the squad otherwise i don't know where you get your SOLID evidence from.
We are waiting.

It`s amazing how human minds tend to work. I would like to believe that you are one of those Nigerians who would rather people believe only the things that YOU want them to believe. Or is it that you are way too involved to discuss the politics of Nigeria impartially ? When Gani Fawehinmi went to Oputa Panel, it gave Babangida the chance to dispel every allegation that is being levelled against him with regard to the murder of Dele Giwa, all you have to do is to ask him why he refused to appear before that Panel. The evidence that Babangida murdered Dele Giwa has been in public domain since the 80s; it is detailed and incontrovertible!
On the other hand, I rarely hear anyone say that Obasanjo killed Bola Ige; they only talked of the presidency. That presidency is not made up of Obasanjo alone. Actually, Bode George is more of a suspect than Obasanjo in the murder of Ige. When it was put to him that another suspect, Omisore, must have relied on him to carry out the murder of Ige, Bode George`s reply was that Omisore was even closer to the vice-president, Atiku Abubakar than he was to him. However, I know that the truth is always going to come out one day, but would refuse to level any allegations until that truth is out.
Babangida and his dubious messengers can try to re-write history on-line, but that is never going to eraze the fact that never in the history of Nigeria had a leader of that country been a congenital criminal. Every single individual that ruled Nigeria before Babangida had done their best for the country, even if they were not perfect, even if many unpleasant things happened under their leadership.! In Babangida, however, Nigeria had the first natural-born criminal as a leader. A pure and unadultrated gangster!!!
Interestingly, you did not ask me to back up my allegation that he also murdered Vatsa, why was that ? Shall we conclude that you have enough evidence to support the fact that Babangida murdered Mamman Vatsa-his childhood friend who was the best man at his wedding- but you did not have enough evidence to support the murder of the journalist that was about to publish Babangida`s connection with drug peddling as well as reveal that one of the ladies that carried drugs for the Babangidas, that Nigerians were told was in prison in Nigeria had actually been flown to London by Babangida for `self-protection` ? Are you a true `presido` or counterfeit version ?

Quite clearly,any suggestion that IBB was better than OBJ will be obscenely idiotic.

However,I did think he made a valid point about the relative income earned over the 2 periods.In the 80s,oil was around $10 a barrel,OBJ averaged $40-50 per barrel .There is a huge disparity even if you factor in inflation.

I thought the worst era must have been the Shagari administration.

Ranks of the regimes for me are as follows:

1: Tafawa Balewa

2: Murtala Mohammed

3: OBJ part 2

4:OBJ Part 1

5: Gowon

6:Abacha

7:IBB

8:Shonekan

9:Ironsi

10:Shagari

IBB is a revisionist
He is surrounded by hungry politicians who tell him how good he was
He has started believing that too, hence this arrogance
I do not know too much about Balewa, Ironsi or Gowon to make any judgement
By my own assessment, IBB will be the least ranked, worse than Abacha.
At least we knew what Abacha stood for
What has IBB stood for, in his life.
He is a very cheap opportunist

tafewa balewa shouldn't get much credit 4 that regime. nigeria was basically ran by the regional heads back then.