The former Nigeria Head of state, Ibrahim Badamosi Babaginda has tackled President Muhammadu Buhari on his decision to ban the usage of Twitter in Nigeria stressing that the president cannot intimidate Nigerians.
Speaking on Arise Television, the federal authorities’ measures against press freedom, Twitter, as well as the threat to prosecute social media users triggered local and international condemnation.
Babangida said the Buhari administration was wasting its time with actions targeted at free press and access to information.
“Nigerians are wonderful people, I always say this. You cannot intimidate them”, he said.
IBB, however, strongly denied the widespread view that he muzzled the media during his regime.
Babangida stressed that he deserves credit for breaking the monopoly in the broadcast industry.
“I didn’t stifle the media. I liberalized the media. That is why today you have several private media stations.”
Reacting to his nicknames, Babangida again blamed the Fourth Estate.
“I did not call myself evil genius or Maradona, the media did,” he said.
“But I am happy with the meaning of Maradona. The definition, according to the media, is someone with deep political moves.”
……..Why he annulled June 12 election
Babaginda has cited the possibility of a deadly coup and pressure from both the military and civilians as the reason he annulled 1993, June 12 presidential election won by Moshood Kashimawo Olawale, M.K.A, Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
“It didn’t happen, thank God for the Maradonic way we handled you guys in the society.”
He added that the election “could have given room for more instability in the country.”
Asked further if he was pressured by the military or civilians to annul the election, Babangida said: “Both.”
“Both, the Military, they can do it because they have the weapons to do it. The other is the social agitation.”
………….I fought corruption better than Buhari – Ibrahim Babangida
Babangida has also criticized President Muhammadu Buhari’s handling of corruption.
IBB said individuals who worked under him were saints compared to those in power.
He recalled how he moved against a former military governor “who embezzled N313,000”.
“Those who stole billions are walking freely”, Babangida fumed.
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