By Awwal Umar Kontagora Former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has cautioned Nigerians against placing the blame for the...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
Former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has cautioned Nigerians against placing the blame for the country's problems solely on its leadership. Speaking in a special interview for the maiden edition of ANALYST TODAY magazine, marking his 83rd birthday, IBB emphasized that the issues facing Nigeria are more complex than just leadership failures.
IBB pointed out that resolving the country's challenges requires collective commitment from all citizens. "You and I are the problem," he stated. "We don’t seem committed—committed to the country, committed to the people, committed to our ideals. Once we begin to show real commitment, most of these problems will disappear."
When asked if Nigeria's struggles could be attributed to leadership, IBB disagreed, saying, "Not leadership, really. If you blame leadership, you are oversimplifying. Leadership means putting yourself out there to practice the beliefs you hold dear."
He also highlighted the challenge of instilling strong values in future leaders. "People must be trained for leadership," IBB said, stressing the importance of providing individuals with the kind of training that fosters deep commitment to the values they are taught.
On the topic of insecurity, IBB argued that it should not be viewed solely through the lens of military action. "The real problem is that our values have changed, and what some consider good might not be beneficial for other Nigerians," he explained. He advocated for a return to fundamental principles, citing the ethical revolution that began in 1979 as a model for addressing the nation's security issues.
IBB also emphasized the need to assure soldiers and their families of their well-being, particularly when they risk their lives for the country. "Those who fight like soldiers should be guaranteed social security. If they die, their families must be well taken care of, and if they are wounded, they should be well catered for," he said. He added, "A leader must secure these guarantees to instill confidence in his troops, so they know the country has their backs. After all, it's not the gun but the person behind it that truly matters."
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