By Oluwafemi Popoola
Former Nigerian Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, popularly known as IBB, has commended the renowned journalist and ‘Inside Sources’ host on Channels TV, Laolu Akande, for his professionalism during a recent exclusive interview with him.
The interview, which was broadcast on Friday, January 12, 2024, at the fourth edition of Channels TV’s “Inside Sources” anchored by foremost journalist and a former presidential aide, Laolu Akande, delved deep into Babangida’s personal and political experiences as the former military president, where he shed light on diverse issues affecting the country.
Babangida, after answering the final question at the end of the session, expressed his deep admiration for Akande’s journalistic prowess, saying enthusiastically, “Thank you for your soul-searching questions,” the former military president remarked.
During the 40-minute long conversation, Babangida, took a trip down memory lane, reflecting on his tenure as Nigeria’s military leader from 1985 to 1993.
One of the key moments of the interview was when the ex-military President assured Nigerians that the days of military intervention in the country’s politics were over, as the Army General expressed confidence that there wouldn’t be any more interruptions from the military that could hinder the progress of democracy in Nigeria.
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In a candid and introspective manner, the former military ruler conceded that military involvement in governance played a great role in destabilizing Nigeria’s democratic process as he described that era as an aberration that should never have happened.
Giving his perspective on his reflections on the consequences of military rule, Babaginda expressed deep regret over the military interventions that disrupted Nigeria’s democratic process.
He acknowledged that the military incursions in the country hampered Nigeria’s progress toward a stable and flourishing democracy and in proffering solutions, stressed the importance of continuity, stability, and adherence to democratic principles as key drivers for sustainable development.
Akande who is regarded as the only Nigerian journalist to have interviewed a sitting American President in the White House, known for his incisive and thought-provoking interviewing style, engaged Babangida in a series of insightful questions, eliciting candid responses that provided valuable insights into the General’s journey as one of Nigeria’s military dictators.
The host skillfully navigated the conversation towards topics such as leadership, economic restructuring, national unity and the challenges faced by Nigeria during IBB’s tenure.
These thought-provoking questions allowed Babangida to share his vision for Nigeria and reflect on the immense responsibility that comes with leading a diverse and complex nation.
