Nigeria’s presidency has denied remarks by a former vice president, Yemi Osinbajo that General Ibrahim Babangida tormented President Bola Tinubu during the military regime.
Recall that Osinbajo while reviewing the autobiography launched by Babangida in the past week said the former Head of State was among those who tormented Tinubu during the military era.
However, in an interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, the special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga said Babangida was a major influence on Tinubu’s political journey.
He said, “I think the former Vice President got it wrong. Babangida was not really a tormentor of President Tinubu. Don’t forget that in his own speech at the event, Tinubu acknowledged that Babangida inspired him to go into politics.”
Onanuga also stated that Tinubu’s challenge during the military era began under the regime of the late General Sani Abacha.
He noted that the call for younger and fresh breed of politicians by Babangida in the 80s and 90s was what inspired Tinubu in politics.
“The military president had talked about bringing in fresh faces, and many professionals, including Tinubu, heeded that call. So, he went there (the book launch) to pay homage,” Onanuga said.