Activist Omoyele Sowore has slammed everyone who celebrated Nigeria's former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd.), on his 85th birthday.

President Bola Tinubu was among those who celebrated the former military dictator for his impact on Nigeria's economy.

“Like him or not, former President Babangida impacted Nigeria in ways no other leader has. His eight-year reign left enduring marks on our political, economic, and geographic landscape,” Tinubu said.

He added: “He expanded the nation’s economy, established lasting infrastructure, and created several agencies and institutions that continue to serve the national interest. But for his foresight, wisdom, and sense of equity and fairness, many states in the federation might not exist today.”

Also celebrating Babangida was Peter Obi, who described him as a man with commitment to national unity.

He said on X, "Your Excellency, Mr President, Our Leader, & Our Dear Father,

"​On behalf of my family, I join numerous well-wishers across the nation to most sincerely congratulate you today on your 85th birthday anniversary.

"​As an elder respected statesman and a significant figure in our nation's political history, your enduring insights, commitment to national unity, and wisdom remain invaluable as we collectively strive to build a more secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria.

​"May Almighty God grant you continued good health, joy, peace of mind, and many more years of fruitful life."

However, Sowore slammed Babangida and blamed him for the woes Nigeria is facing today. He also said the celebratory messages the former military dictator received on his birthday came from his cronies.

He wrote on X, "Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, the man who did Nigeria dirty, is being celebrated by his cronies on his 85th birthday.
He lived long but is no longer living well; but had he not been so wicked and selfish in the exercise of power, Nigeria would not be where it is today.

"His legacy is not one of nation-building, but of decisions that deepened corruption, undermined democracy, and left generations of Nigerians paying the price.

"History should remember not just the birthday celebrations, but the consequences of the choices he made while holding power that ruined Nigeria."

ASA