Muhammed Babangida, son of former Nigerian military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd), has announced his acceptance of his appointment as the Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA).
This is coming hours after reports of Babangida rejecting the appointment given to him by President Bola Tinubu.
As contained in a now viral letter allegedly issued by Babangida on Monday and shared on X by @emmaikumeh, the son of the former Nigerian military leader was claimed to have rejected the appointment following personal and professional considerations.
“I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the honour of being considered and appointed as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture. It is a true privilege to be thought worthy of such a strategic role in advancing the nation’s agricultural and economic development.
“After careful reflection and consultation, I have decided, with utmost respect, to decline the appointment. This decision was not made lightly.
“It stems from a convergence of personal and professional considerations which, at this time, would not allow me to serve with the level of focus and commitment the position rightly demands.” the letter partly read.
Babangida would however dismiss the letter, labelling his alleged rejection of the appointment as false and malicious.
He expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the trust reposed in him as he officially accepted the appointment.
The new BOA Chairman described the claims as deliberate attempts to mislead the public and tarnish the image of the Tinubu administration.
“We wish to clarify that Muhammed gratefully accepts the appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, as announced by the federal government, and extends his sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him,” the statement read in part.
He further assured the public that those behind the fake reports would be identified and held accountable.
“We also want to assure the public that those spreading these falsehoods will be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and fostering unity within our nation,” the statement added.
NPO Reported that Babangida had alongside seven others emerged on the list of President Bola Tinubu’s fresh appointment last week.
As announced in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Babangida was appointed as the chairman of the revamped Bank of Agriculture.
Babangida’s appointment by Tinubu had since raised controversies which were in borne out of his father’s history during his military leadership.
Ibrahim Babangida took over Nigeria’s mantle of leadership in 1985 after orchestrating a successful bloodless coup against late former military head of state and later civilian president, Muhammadu Buhari.
Babangida was renowned for his infamous annulment of the June 12, 1993, election won by later Nigerian businessman, Moshood Abiola.
The former military president would however put the controversies surrounding the annulled to rest earlier this year as he finally admitted to Abiola’s victory at the poll.
