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IBB:The Abstruse Of The Autobiography Of An Aptitude

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By Bala Ibrahim.

32 years after leaving office, former military President, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, popularly referred to as IBB, has today launched his long-awaited autobiography in Abuja. Titled, “A Journey In Service”, the event was originally billed to be chaired by his boss, former president Olusegun Obasanjo, but for some reasons, he was visibly absent at the venue. However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was physically present as the special guest of honour. In attendance also was the former President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, who delivered the keynote address, while former Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, played the reviewer of the autobiography. As expected, the event brought forward eminent members of the society, amongst whom are former Head of state Gen.Yakubu Gowon, former Head of state Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, and former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

The book and Presidential Library were launched by the duo of the former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, ably represented by Gen. Martin Luther Agwai and the Chairman of BUA Group, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu. As at the time of writing this article, the biggest donation of N5 billion came from Alhaji Abdussamad Rabiu of BUA, followed by the generous donation of N3 billion from Gen. T. Y. Danjuma, the co-launcher. But dramatically, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Chairman of Dangote Group, announced the donation of N2 billion each year for the next four years. And if the project exceeds four years, he would continue to pay N2 billion every year, he pledged. Technically, he is the largest donor.

A Journey In Service is a book that is coming after three decades of waiting, and as the publisher put’s it, there is a world of difference between engineering a nation and ruling a nation. According to the publisher, he never ruled a nation, he only engineered a nation. And that to me, is an abstruse, or, one of the complications I anticipated in IBB’s account of his journey in service. Hate him or like him, IBB is an enigma. Yes, a person or thing that is mysterious or difficult to understand.

Although he had since dissociated himself from the widely held view that he is an evil genius, because of his demonstrative skill and cleverness in political manoeuvring, in his days as military president, the minds of many is still filled with questions on the abstruse of this autobiography. Like former President Muhammadu Buhari, who Babangida pushed out of power in 1985, once said, “There is hardly any major episode in Nigeria’s short history where your name and contribution does not feature.” Undoubtedly, IBB is an aptitude that had repeatedly said he is a trustworthy person with an excellent background.

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Years back, at a press briefing held in Minna, as part of activities to mark his 75th birthday, Babangida told newsmen thus, “I am not the evil genius that a lot of people think I am. I have an excellent background and by my training I am trained to love people.” One may be forgiven if he comes confused, in differentiating between whether IBB is an intelligent person or simply an aptitude, because he possesses the two qualities in quantum. While intelligence test measures your current cognitive skills, on the other hand, an aptitude test measures whether you have the potential to develop skills in specific areas in the future. And IBB is excellent in both.

In reviewing the book, former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo said, the book is a story of stories of the journey of Nigeria as a nation. Although the book had touched on many areas, but the section that watered the appetite of every reader most, is what he has to say about June 12. Yes, the annulment of the Presidential election that took place in 1993, who annulled it, why was it annulled? etc. Characteristically, IBB devoted a segment of the book to what he called, the events that shock his administration to its foundation. He listed events like the death of Dele Giwa, the Vatsa coup, the Orka coup, OIC palaver, SAP riots, the C130 Air force plane crash in Lagos and of course the June 12 saga.

With a sober sense of responsibility, and in a solemn manner, IBB said and I quote, “with regards the June 12, mistakes and misteps were taken, and I deeply regret them, but take full responsibility. There was no doubt that based on the recorded votes, MKO Abiola won the election. Undoubtedly that decision was the most challenging moment of my life. With hindsight, if I have to do it again, I would do it differently. The book dwelled on how as a Lt. Colonel, he played a role in the coup that toppled the man who lured him into the military- Gen. Gowon. And today, Gen. Gowon admitted in person, to that episode, but showered encomiums on IBB, for a number of reasons, including the restoration of his rank, his salary areas and his dignity, after their withdrawal by a previous regime. In all, A Journey In Service is the abstruse of an autobiography of an aptitude. And the aptitude is IBB, otherwise called, “The Maradona”.

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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Holds Exclusive Prerogative to Choose Deputy – Malam Inuwa Waya

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Malam Inuwa Waya, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, has reaffirmed that the constitutional prerogative to appoint a new Deputy Governor rests solely with His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Speaking to journalists in Kano, Malam Waya cautioned against undue interference from individuals on social media who have been attempting to dictate the Governor’s choice following the resignation of the former Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.

“It is only Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf who has the prerogative to choose his deputy. People should stop coming to social media to tell him who to appoint. The constitution does not mandate him to select from any particular zone; it is entirely his decision,” Malam Waya stated.

He further explained that while political balancing may encourage consideration of candidates from Kano North or South since the Governor hails from Kano Central, such arrangements remain political strategies rather than constitutional requirements.

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Malam Waya also commended Governor Yusuf’s infrastructural strides, noting that within two years, the administration has revived water projects, advanced public-private partnerships in power, and accelerated development across education, agriculture, and investment.

“The Governor has revived the glory of Kano. With the infrastructure projects ongoing, it will be an easy sail for all of us as we prepare for 2027. He has put Kano first, and that is what matters,” he said.

On the issue of inclusivity, Malam Waya emphasized that all stakeholders, including former APC members, are being carried along in governance. He urged the people of Kano to unite behind the Governor’s vision.

“We, the old APC members, have no problem with Governor Yusuf. We are knit together in Kano, and our priority is Kano first, not any individual. The Governor knows who he will pick as his deputy, and we trust his judgment,” he concluded.

Malam Waya also extended prayers for the acceptance of Ramadan fasting and congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Kano for celebrating Sallah peacefully.

 

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ADC Reports Surge in Membership Following Kwankwaso’s Defection, Calls Him ‘Game Changer’

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has officially welcomed former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso into its fold, touting his defection as a pivotal move that strengthens a growing coalition for political realignment in Nigeria.

In a statement released for immediate effect, the party described Kwankwaso as a “game-changer,” announcing that he has directed his network of supporters nationwide to join the ADC. According to the party, this call has already triggered a significant uptick in registrations on its online platform over the past 24 hours.

The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, framed the defection as part of a broader recognition among Nigerians of the need for a credible political alternative. The statement emphasized Kwankwaso’s experience in governance, grassroots influence, and capacity to unify as assets to the party’s ambition to “rebuild Nigeria.”

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Notably, the ADC highlighted the presence of several high-profile leaders at the defection event, including the party’s National Chairman, Senator David Mark; National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; and leading presidential aspirants such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, and Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi. Their attendance, the party stated, reflects a united front and growing momentum.

The party characterized the surge in online registrations as evidence that Nigerians are aligning with what it called a “different path forward.” In its appeal to Kwankwaso’s supporters and the broader public, the ADC positioned itself as a vehicle for restoring dignity, opportunity, and public trust in governance.

“Change does not happen by chance,” the statement concluded. “It happens when people come together with purpose.”

The development marks a significant realignment in Nigeria’s opposition political landscape, with the ADC seeking to position itself as a converging point for influential politicians and their followings ahead of future elections.

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Foreign Affairs Minister Resigns to Pursue Bauchi Governorship Election

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from his position in the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue the governorship of Bauchi State in the 2027 election.

Tuggar submitted his resignation on Monday, in compliance with a presidential directive requiring all political appointees with electoral ambitions to vacate their posts by the March 31, 2026, deadline.

The directive, issued through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). It affects ministers, advisers, and heads of federal agencies intending to contest in the 2027 general elections.

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Reports have it that his resignation positions him to seek the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Bauchi State gubernatorial race.

Tuggar’s entry is expected to significantly reshape the state’s political landscape, intensifying an already competitive contest for the APC nomination. His background as a career diplomat and serving minister is seen by political observers as a potential advantage, offering national visibility and extensive political networks.

With less than 24 hours remaining before the deadline, additional resignations from the Federal Executive Council are anticipated as other appointees move to formalize their electoral ambitions.

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