Date Published: 05/22/10

Friends, PDP, Vice President, shun IBB's book launch in Abuja

Attempts  in image laundering by former military dictator retired General Ibrahim Babaginda (IBB)   in furtherance of his presidential ambition in 2011  suffered a set back as associates and allies stayed away from a publicity stunt targeted book launching held in his honour in Abuja.

At the launching, of the book titled, "Impression and Facts: Nigeria under General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, 1985-1993." An IBB associate, Chidi Amuta had harsh words for former camp followers of the former dictator who seemed to have turned their backs on his political aspiration.

Amuta, a journalist and adviser to Babaginda had himself authored a book on the retired General. He also reviewed the nine-chapter, 342-page book, packaged by what is seen as the think-tank unit of Babaginda’s aspirations to run for  the presidency in 2011, Centre for Democratic Development, Research and Training,  (CEDDERT), Zaria, Kaduna State

 Amuta wondered why people who have benefitted from the widespread corruption that characterized Babaginda’s eight years in power keep sealed lips when their benefactor is taken to the cleaners in the media and criticized for his misdeeds in office. He urged them to come to Babaginda’s defence.

The event which advertised Vice-President Namadi Sambo as guest of honour had as the only notable names,  former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji M.D. Yusuf,  and a former minister of information during Babangida’s administration, Chief Alex Akinyele. None of  People Democratic Party (PDP) stalwarts were seen as the event

Editor of the book, Mr. Abubakar Mohammed, described the book as an attempt to analyze and re-examine  Babangida years described as the period  corruption, graft and indiscipline were institutionalized in the country.

Courtesy Times Of Nigeria