IBB @ 73: ‘Why Boko Haram will not survive’

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, is 73 years old today. In this interview to mark the occasion, Babangida, fondly called IBB, speaks on some critical issues in the country,   including the continuous detention of the Chibok girls by the Islamist group, Boko Haram, the power situation in the country, the 2015 general elections, among others.

Many Nigerians have said that the past leaders have not been saying much or advising the present administration especially on the challenges confronting the country,  the impeachment processes, the Boko Haram issue and kidnapping. This is an opportunity for you to say a word and advise government. Secondly, one of the major problems confronting this nation now is poor power supply. I don’t know if you are part of the Nigerians feeling the pinch. As a former Military President, what is your suggestion to the Federal Government on how to get out of the challenges?


The first question about us the older generation, what are we doing? I can tell you we are doing a lot. If there is any set of Nigerians who understands the problems of this country, it is those of us who were opportune to be at the helm of affairs at various times in this country. We know what the problems are,   we appreciate what the president is doing, and the best we can do and we are always doing is to be of help to him in terms of advice, meetings, interactions, and so on. I think this is one of the luckiest countries that have got seven living heads of state, people who headed government and have always interacted with the president and we also appreciate the problems the president is facing because we were once there. So the best we can do is to always sit with him and give him advice; and I am glad to say we are doing just that.

Nigerians are saying for how long are we going to be patient? Is the president making use of the advice given to him?
Well I have always said there will be Nigeria in 1,000 years’ time and, therefore, every administration, from Alhaji Tafawa Balewa to the present administration, will be faced with one  challenge or the other. This one cannot be the end, the next administration will have its own challenges also. The important thing is that we the people should strive hard to overcome the problems and move forward. What is happening to us is not new in any developing country. I am following what government is doing about power. I must say it is not doing badly. However, it is a matter of patience; we have the machinery, the framework has been set up. When it takes off, the problem will be history.

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