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CONTROVERSY TRAILS APPOINTMENT GIVEN TO IBB’S SON BY TINUBU
The Presidency has refuted claims that Muhammed Babangida, son of ex-military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, IBB, rejected his recent appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture.
In a letter shared by Dele Momodu on Monday, Muhammed said he rejected the appointment.
However, in a post on X, a presidential media aide, Olusegun Dada said Babangida dismissed the reports of the rejection as false.
“Muhammed Babangida Accepts BOA Chairmanship. Thanks President Tinubu
“Muhammed Babangida has officially accepted his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), expressing deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust reposed in him.
“In a press statement released Monday, Babangida dismissed as false and malicious the reports circulating online suggesting he had rejected the appointment. He described such claims as a deliberate attempt 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,” parts of Dada’s statement read.
The Presidency 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 concluded with a call for Nigerians to remain discerning and to verify information from credible sources.
“Muhammed Babangida’s appointment was among several strategic appointments approved by President Tinubu to strengthen leadership across key government institutions,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, a letter dated July 21, 2025, Muhammed purportedly rejected the appointment.
The letter, allegedly authored by Muhammed, was shared by publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu.
The letter said Muhammed declined the appointment due to personal and professional considerations.
The letter titled ‘Declining Appointment as Chairman, Bank of Agriculture’ reads, “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.
“Your Excellency, I remain fully committed to the vision of a prosperous and self-sufficient Nigeria under your leadership. I continue to hold your administration in the highest regard and stand ready to support national development in other ways where my expertise may be of service.
“Thank you once again for your confidence in me. I am deeply appreciative.”
Reacting, Momodu, who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), wrote on Instagram:
“Well done, Muhammed, for rejecting a Greek gift.”
Recall that Muhammed Babangida was among the fresh appointments by Tinubu barely two days ago.
Reacting, ADC slammed Tinubu for attempting to buy Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.
