With his recent comments regarding two significant episodes in Nigerian history—the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election and the killing of his close friend, Major General Mamman Vatsa—former military dictator Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has sparked controversy once more.
IBB recently justified his choice to call off the election, saying it was essential for maintaining Nigeria’s stability. He also discussed Vatsa’s death, stating that it was a tough but necessary choice following Vatsa’s conviction for coup planning.
But a lot of Nigerians don’t believe his justifications. His attempts to defend past acts that influenced Nigeria’s history have been the subject of intense criticism on social media. Others maintain that his choices were made solely for his own benefit, while others think he was under duress.
IBB’s legacy continues to be a contentious issue decades after the organization’s departure.
