By Bada Abraham
In a recent article by Punch Newspaper, former military intelligence officer and CEO of Goldwater Consults, Captain Aliyu Babangida (retd.), discussed President Bola Tinubu’s involvement after the coup in Niger. During the interview, Captain Babangida was asked about the recurring military takeovers in West Africa. He attributed this to the prevalence of irresponsible and exclusive governance among West African politicians, regardless of their language backgrounds.
Captain Babangida raised concerns about the idea of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, suggesting it may not be inclusive. He highlighted the issue of politicians coming into power for short periods, while military personnel, who have risked their lives for their country for decades, may feel disregarded or insulted by such a ticket. He emphasized that conflicts based on ideologies, whether between Nigerians and Nigeriens, anglophone and francophone groups, or different religions like Islam and Christianity, can have long-lasting and devastating consequences. Ideology-driven conflicts, he stated, can persist for as long as 500 years if not properly addressed.
In the context of Nigeria’s sensitivity, Captain Babangida pointed out that President Tinubu expects Christian Generals in the army to risk their lives loyally, but he questioned whether they are genuinely content with the situation. He expressed concern that silence on such issues is detrimental to the country and urged for more open dialogue. Captain Aliyu Babangida’s observations shed light on the complexities of governance and conflicts in West Africa. His critique highlights the importance of inclusive policies and understanding the potential repercussions of ideological conflicts. The interview offers valuable insights into the challenges faced in the region and the need for thoughtful leadership to address them effectively.
Hear him: “Now, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expects the Generals who are Christians in his army, to go and be chasing bullets loyally, right ? Let him keep playing. I know some people do not have the courage to say these things, but that is what is finishing us in this country. If Bola Ahmed Tinubu believes that the Christian Generals in his army are happy, let him think twice.”
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