Former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has said corruption in Nigeria today makes the military administrations of his era look like “saints.” Babangida made the comment in an old interview with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) that has resurfaced online.
Babangida Recalls N300,000 Corruption Case
Reflecting on accountability during his time in government, the former military leader recalled how his administration dealt with corruption. He cited the case of a military governor who lost his position over N300,000. According to Babangida, the amount was serious enough to warrant the governor’s dismissal at the time. He contrasted the case with the much larger sums linked to corruption cases today.
“We are not corrupt. I will proudly say it because what I read in the papers, if it is true, then I think I used to say we are saints,” Babangida said.
He recalled the action taken against the military governor and said his administration did not overlook corruption, even when the amount involved was relatively small.
“I keep on giving an example. I sacked a governor for N300,000. Today, there are N300 billion, still not issued, not solved.”
Babangida’s comment comes amid ongoing public debate over corruption and accountability in Nigeria.
Atiku Speaks On Obasanjo’s Influence Ahead Of 2027
In another development, African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has said former President Olusegun Obasanjo lacks the electoral influence to determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election. Atiku made the statement while speaking with journalists on Wednesday. His comment followed reports that Obasanjo had declined to endorse his presidential ambition.
Responding to the report, Atiku said he was not concerned about whether Obasanjo endorsed him. He recalled the role he said northern voters played in Obasanjo’s emergence as president in 1999. Atiku’s comments come as political parties and major figures begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Read also: ‘Arewa Made You President, You Have No Electoral Value,’ Atiku Tells Obasanjo
