By Ayo Ayodele
The family of former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), has strongly denied widespread reports claiming that his son, Muhammed Babangida, rejected his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A purported letter attributed to Muhammed Babangida had circulated online, suggesting that he declined the appointment due to personal and professional reasons. The letter read, in part: “After careful reflection and consultation, I have decided, with utmost respect, to decline the appointment…”
However, the Babangida family has now dismissed the report as entirely false and a fabrication by “mischief makers.” In a statement issued by Mr. Determine Saka, Lead Partner of Lambert and Curtis Nigeria Limited, the letter was described as fake and aimed at stirring public confusion.
“Our attention has been drawn to a certain letter currently in circulation, indicating that Mr. Muhammed Babangida declined his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Chairman of Bank of Agriculture. Not only is the letter fake but mischievous, and only the imagination of mischief makers seeking personal selfish interests over and above our collective national interest,” Saka said.
He further emphasized that Muhammed Babangida holds President Tinubu in high regard and views his appointment as a great honour and a rare privilege to serve Nigeria.
“Muhammed believes strongly in the bold reforms of Mr. President, which are the hallmarks of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement added.
The appointment of Muhammed Babangida to head the Bank of Agriculture had been announced as part of a series of strategic leadership changes in key federal agencies aimed at boosting productivity, especially in the agricultural sector.
As of press time, neither the Presidency nor the Bank of Agriculture has issued an official comment on the controversy.