An associate professor of Political Sociology, University of Abuja, Dr Abubakar Umar Kari, has said the former military president deliberately courted controversy with his position on Buhari’s corruption fight, Atiku and Tinubu’s purported quest for the 2023 presidency.
In an interview with Daily Trust, Kari said, “He was very much aware that his positions on all the issues raised are highly debatable and contestable, would definitely ruffle feathers and would not go down well in certain quarters.
“But then, the IBB of today is too old hence can afford to take a swipe at anyone.
“Some of the things he said are in keeping with his spirited efforts at any given opportunity to defend some actions he took or failed to take, which have come to define his much-vilified administration,” he said.
According to him, IBB’s justification of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election has become a mantra, such that ironically, the more he repeats it, the fewer people who believe him.
“Also, his claim that corruption is worse under democratic leaders smacks of an attempt to counter those who accuse him of institutionalising graft.
“The claim was a direct hit on President Buhari’s anti-corruption credentials, which have been badly dented, particularly in recent times,” he added.
The university don said Babangida’s statement on Atiku and Tinubu was not strange, adding that while in power, the retired General promoted the philosophy of “new-breedism.”
“He serially banned those he dismissed as old politicians from vying for elective positions under the two parties he founded and funded while in power.
“His position may also be in sync with his known populist posturing. He is aware that many Nigerians yearn for a generational change and a clean break from the old guard that Atiku and Tinubu represent,” he added.
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