₦airaland Forum

Former Military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, popularly known as IBB, has stirred reactions following a recent statement in which he expressed uncertainty about surviving beyond this year.

“I feel weak myself. I am not sure whether I will survive beyond this year. Our prayer is to end our lives in faith,” Babangida reportedly stated through his social media handles in Minna while calling for a total military crackdown on bandits and terrorists across the country.

In his message, the former military ruler urged the government to reject any form of surrender or negotiation with criminal elements terrorising parts of Nigeria.

Expectedly, the comment has generated widespread debate among Nigerians, with many revisiting Babangida’s role in the nation’s political history. Critics argue that the former leader laid the foundation for several of the challenges currently confronting the country, insisting that he had opportunities to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions but failed to do so.

Many commentators particularly referenced the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history.

The roles allegedly played by Arthur Nzeribe and Justice Bassey Ikpeme in the events surrounding the annulment have also continued to attract criticism from political observers and democracy advocates. Some have also questioned why the late Humphrey Nwosu, in his memoir, did not fully address the election outcome as many Nigerians expected.

Beyond the political arguments, Babangida’s latest remarks have sparked speculation about his health and advancing age. At 84, the former military president has largely withdrawn from public life, residing quietly in his hilltop residence in Minna since stepping aside from office on August 27, 1993.

Despite his reduced public appearances, Babangida is still regarded as an influential figure whose counsel is often sought by politicians and national leaders.

However, his latest statement appears to reflect deep personal reflection about mortality, faith, and the transient nature of power.

Observers say the former leader’s words serve as a reminder that political influence, fame, and authority are temporary, while longevity and the final judgment of history remain beyond human control.

As reactions continue to trail his remarks, many Nigerians are left wondering how history will ultimately remember one of the country’s most controversial and influential leaders.


https://thedailytorchmedia.com.ng/258967-2/

A great leader! You will always be appreciated!

You were human and not perfected, but democracy made us appreciate you more than we can ever imagine.

You did your part, and that will always use to quantify whatever democracy tries to boast about.

Take a look at Lagos state after 26 years of democratic rule with no pipe borne water or tout free roads. State is still struggling to match 3 years of Buba Marwa’s rule.

. If God kip you to reach 80,nah GRACE/MERCY. Better dance around for his Goodness .
I still remember I joined protesters on the street of Lagos those days and even run enta Military base beside LSTC(Chai! days of orderliness, cleanest.There u'll see a bus going to diff destination @cheap prices) to take refuge ..IBB MUST GO ...In those days.

I will not like to call you the name Fela gave you, International Born B*st*d. God rest Fela's soul.

You were a great leader even though you thwarted the positive change that could have happened to Nigeria then. You will never be forgotten.

The man really serves his term here on earth.

Baba Maradona. Don't give up sir

Na where God take pass us be dis.

When this man finally goes, the revelations that will come out will be very shocking. He merely stepped aside in 1993 but has remained more influential in the affairs of Nigeria than any other president. His boys are everywhere in Nigeria's security architecture. Think about this carefully and a lot of things will begin to make sense.

Stop being scared and speak openly .

Oh, I remember now. Today is Monday and you're hiding

Dogalmighty17:
When this man finally goes, the revelations that will come out will be very shocking. He merely stepped aside in 1993 but has remained more influential in the affairs of Nigeria than any other president. His boys are everywhere in Nigeria's security architecture. Think about this carefully and a lot of things will begin to make sense.

History will always speak for itself..... But because of politics, I'll holdback my detailed account of you....

Person never die them done dey write him tributes and condolences...


If they check well now this speech didn't originate from babangida.


This is like the 4th speech of this sort especially related to insecurity he would later come out to disassociate himself from!

Old age is a blessing. He should just ensure he makes peace with himself and get those he wronged to forgive him. Then, await your eternity.

But then, fighting and killing millions to keep Nigeria one was totally thoughtless. 60 years later, you can clearly see the shit-hole you soldiers wasted lots of lives and risked your own lives to keep.

There was nothing like Terrorists or Bandits during the time of our very own Maradona...

Because the Man himself was Terror Personified...

At this very moment, We truly need leaders like this Man and ABACHA in this country....

YES ...... THAT VERY ABACHA...

People that don't care whether you are their Northern brother or from the same religion......

If you misbehave during their regime, you will not live to tell the story...

Democratic rule has made this Terrorist, Bandits and Kidnappers to look down on our leaders as weaklings....

Terrorists and Bandits are now making in roads to the South West....

If the insecurity situation is not fully addressed head on, Nigeria will split into different countries in the near future .

Na your you and your family that will miss the man who is one of the people who put us in this suffering in Nigeria

pdppower:
I will not like to call you the name Fela gave you, International Born B*st*d. God rest Fela's soul.

You were a great leader even though you thwarted the positive change that could have happened to Nigeria then. You will never be forgotten.

A human who has his own imperfections. But still on still, he's a humble great man. As a teenagers then, my friend and I have entered his residence over and over. His sister was one of the nurse who worked there. If IBB comes out and see us around, he will say, "my friends una don eat so?"

Another epitome of humility in that Minna is the formal governor (Talba). That man humble die... his late driver a Tiv man was staying in the main bungalow while I was living in the BQ.

May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace in advance.

You even tried. You have achieved much through different means.

Dey play...just don't drag us back oga.

Many of you eulogizing IBB are either unlearned or are kids too young to understand Nigerian history. IBB is the genesis of so many problems bedeviling Nigeria today. He (IBB) institutionalized corruption. He indirectly killed my friend (Femi Aderibigbe shot in Molete Ibadan) during the 1993 IBB must go crisis that rocked Nigeria. Infact, he killed so many innocent people in order for him to hold on to power. It's a shame to see you guys say he tried. These idiots know this nation as a good of divided unlearned people, that is why they perform the heist they do on all of us. Imagine your children praising your present day oppressors some 20-30years after they spoil the nation some more.

In his message, the former military ruler urged the government to reject any form of surrender or negotiation with criminal elements terrorising parts of Nigeria.

Buhari did Nigeria dirty with so called Operation safe corridor, forgiving terrorist extremist in the name of rehabilitation .

The lack of genuine history is our school did a whole lot of harm to this country. Exactly why Buhari ruled again after he almost collapsed the economy the first time he ruled.

Nigerians celebrate you today and in future far better than the present calamity they call SW president. 63% of Nigerians whr never zhis hungry and poor under u

5

DONLEKAN:
Many of you eulogizing IBB are either unlearned or are kids too young to understand Nigerian history. IBB is the genesis of so many problems bedeviling Nigeria today. He (IBB) institutionalized corruption. He indirectly killed my friend (Femi Aderibigbe shot in Molete Ibadan) during the 1993 IBB must go crisis that rocked Nigeria. Infact, he killed so many innocent people in order for him to hold on to power. It's a shame to see you guys say he tried. These idiots know this nation as a good of divided unlearned people, that is why they perform the heist they do on all of us. Imagine your children praising your present day oppressors some 20-30years after they spoil the nation some more.

this man work oh so many infrastructures and you can name it

There's a man almost (if not same) age with IBB that is leading more than 200 million blnd Nigerians. So goes too far to even call him their messiah because he and his family hold the city of LA in chains.

People wer supposed dy care homes or dy enjoy their stolen wealth with their children.

DONLEKAN:
Many of you eulogizing IBB are either unlearned or are kids too young to understand Nigerian history. IBB is the genesis of so many problems bedeviling Nigeria today. He (IBB) institutionalized corruption. He indirectly killed my friend (Femi Aderibigbe shot in Molete Ibadan) during the 1993 IBB must go crisis that rocked Nigeria. Infact, he killed so many innocent people in order for him to hold on to power. It's a shame to see you guys say he tried. These idiots know this nation as a good of divided unlearned people, that is why they perform the heist they do on all of us. Imagine your children praising your present day oppressors some 20-30years after they spoil the nation some more.

Thank you for confirming my sanity, I was already living in an insane alternative I was reading above until I got to your comment.

When I read the first comment, I was like, this is the guy (IBB) who did the first grabbing it, snatching it and running away with it. Integrity is lost today so never mind about values anymore. These people have become used to corruption and vices, so they want a Robin Hood scale for their heroes.

Thank you once again.

Please people like you should not just read and pass, try and be setting records straight so that by 2050, with their AI, it won't be writing all the new history they are writing for us.

The evil genius who programned today's insecurity. They elevated one religion above the constitution in the minds of brainwashed foot soldiers.

Thundafireseun:
Baba you are a great man I was still a boy when you ruled Nigeria and I didn't understand why you removed the incompetent Buhari from seat until FATE and APC dug up the disaster and packaged him back to us ...

You saved Nigeria with your blood, May God bless you sir

How’s IBB any better than Buhari he overthrew?

All of them are the architects and the causes of the problems we’re facing in this country till date.

I wonder why you’ll say thank you to people that purposely ruin the country for the future generations.

It's all about the narrative. A carefully crafted story of success, all thanks to the brilliant leadership of this one man. It's a simple, elegant assessment of a truly impressive legacy.

I wish you well Dear IBB. You've done part.

The evil that men do lives after them.