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Ibrahim Babangida Reveals Why He Ousted Buhari In 1985 Coup

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Babangida and Buhari

Ibrahim Babangida Reveals Why He Ousted Buhari In 1985 Coup

Ibrahim Babangida reveals why he ousted Buhari in 1985 coup. Former military ruler, General Ibrahim Babangida, has shed light on the reasons behind the 1985 coup that removed then-Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, and his deputy, Tunde Idiagbon, from power.

In his newly launched autobiography, Babangida criticized Buhari’s leadership style, describing it as draconian and authoritarian.

According to Babangida, Buhari and Idiagbon isolated themselves from the broader military leadership, adopting a “holier-than-thou” attitude that alienated both the armed forces and the general public.

He accused Buhari’s government of widespread human rights violations and economic mismanagement, which led to nationwide hardship and fear among citizens.

“Fundamental rights and freedoms were routinely infringed upon. People were thrown into indefinite detention for minor infractions under draconian decrees,” Babangida stated.

He further described the economy under Buhari as severely mismanaged, with essential goods scarce and arbitrary controls worsening the situation.

Babangida explained that growing discontent among senior and mid-level military officers led to a consensus that a leadership change was necessary.

He emphasized that the coup, executed on August 26, 1985, was completed without bloodshed.

However, Buhari has previously offered a different account of his removal. In a 2016 interview, he claimed that the coup was orchestrated to halt his anti-corruption drive, which had begun to target top military officials.

Babangida and Buhari

Babangida and Buhari

Buhari recounted how he confronted intelligence chief General Aliyu Gusau over an alleged financial scandal, insisting on punitive measures.

He suggested that this move angered powerful figures within the military, leading to his overthrow.

With both leaders presenting conflicting narratives, the debate over the true motivations behind the 1985 coup continues to spark interest in Nigeria’s political history.

Economy

UNICEF Supports Establishment Of Family Court In Kebbi

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UNICEF

UNICEF Supports Establishment Of Family Court In Kebbi

UNICEF supports establishment of family court in Kebbi. The United Nations Children’s Fund on Tuesday announced that it will support the establishment of a family court in Kebbi to expedite justice at the grassroots level.

The United Nations Children’s Fund on Tuesday announced that it will support the establishment of a family court in Kebbi to expedite justice at the grassroots level.

Michael Juma, UNICEF’s chief field officer in Sokoto, disclosed this at the End of the Year Review Meeting 2025 held in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

The meeting was organised by UNICEF in collaboration with the Kebbi Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

The chief field officer assured that he had discussed with the Kebbi Commissioner for Justice the necessary steps to follow in establishing a court responsible for issues related to children.

“On the establishment of a family court, of course, yes, I have talked to the Commissioner of Justice on this, and I have said that it’s something the UNICEF will support. Because this is what the UNICEF is supporting globally, because it is a way to ensure quick justice at the rural levels,” he stated.

Speaking about the availability of adequate data on children, Mr Juma observed that correct information about the child population would enable the government and teachers to have accurate figures for planning, especially for adequate budgeting of their needs.

The chief field officer commended the Kebbi House of Assembly for passing the Child Protection Bill, stating that such a move would lead to the release of some children from detention. He added that it would also lessen the rigorous trials being faced by children and assist them in being reintegrated into the larger society.

Mr Juma lauded the state government for releasing the N500 million counterpart fund for nutrition, while declaring the readiness of UNICEF to continue collaborating with the state on poverty surveys, social protection, and nutrition interventions.

Commenting on the issue of out-of-school children and the cholera outbreak, the chief field officer stressed the urgent need for all stakeholders to collaborate towards eradicating the menace.

UNICEF

UNICEF

He advocated for a roadmap on the WASH programme to ensure that other local government areas join Arewa and Mayama LGAs in the fight against open defecation across the state.

The executive chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Kebbi, Suleiman Khalid, cautioned various organisations at the meeting to be careful when implementing policies that might conflict with the culture, religion, and traditions of the people.

He stated that the menace of the out-of-school children and Almajiris was mainly caused by social-cultural and religious factors.

Mr Khalid decried how children and youths were migrating from villages to the urban centres in the name of seeking Islamic knowledge or in search of livelihoods.

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Economy

Obasanjo, Jonathan, Others Grace Reuben Abati’s Book Launch On 60th Birthday

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Reuben Abati

Obasanjo, Jonathan, Others Grace Reuben Abati’s Book Launch On 60th Birthday

Obasanjo, Jonathan, others grace Reuben Abati’s book launch on 60th birthday. Reuben Abati, the ace journalist and ex-special adviser on media to former President Goodluck Jonathan, has marked his 60th birthday with the launch of three books.

The book launch, held at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos, brought together bigwigs across Nigeria’s political and traditional landscape.

The three books are ‘How a Goodluck Jonathan Became President’, ‘Portraits: People, Politics, and Society’, and ‘A Love Letter and Other Stories’.

Mathew Kukah, Catholic bishop of the Sokoto diocese, delivered the keynote speech at the event.

Speaking at the ceremony, former President Olisegun Obasanjo praised @abati1990 for upholding the virtues of life and standing for the truth.

Recalling his 30-year relationship with the TV host, Obasanjo expressed his delight “for finding a son in Abati”.

The former president urged the Abati to pursue success as the completion of his progress.

“I am happy that in my lifetime, I have found a son in Reuben Abati, who has matured, who has progressed, and is on the path of success,” Obasanjo said.

Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine; Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo III, Alake of Egbaland; Maiden Alex-Ibru, the publisher of Guardian Newspapers; Nduka Obaigbena, founding chairman and editor-in-chief of ThisDay Media Group and AriseTV; and Mohammed Bello Adoke, the former attorney-general of the federation, were present at the ceremony.

Reuben Abati

Reuben Abati

Other dignitaries include Alex Otti, governor of Abia state; Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos; Simon Kolawole, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Cable Media and Publishing Limited, and actress Shaffy Bello.

Louis Odion, the ace journalist, delivered the review of the three books, while Ayo Arowosegbe gave the publisher’s remarks.

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Economy

Osimhen Set New Record Beats Haalan, Mbappe, Kane

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Osimhen Set New Record

Osimhen Set New Record Beats Haalan, Mbappe, Kane

Osimhen Set New Record Beats Haalan, Mbappe, Kane. VICTOR OSIMHEN BEATS ERLING HAALAND, KYLIAN MBAPPE AND HARRY KANE TO IT

With his 3 goals against Ajax in the UEFA Champions League, Victor Osimhen now has 3 Player Of The Match (POTM) awards in a row. No other player has achieved such this season in the champions league.

Victor Osimhen has more goals and better goals ratio per minute (6 in 225mins) this season in the champions league than Erling Haaland(5 in 343mins) , Kylian Mbappe(5 in 351mins) and Harry Kane(5 in 311mins).

Victor Osimhen is the first player to score a hat trick for Galatasaray since Burak Yılmaz against CFR Cluj in 2012.

Victor Osimhen is the leading goal scorer in the UEFA Champions League this season, one more than Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane.

Osimhen Set New Record

Osimhen Set New Record

Victor Osimhen is one of the three players to have scored a hat trick this season in the champions league. Others are Kylian Mbappe and Firmin Lopez.

Victor Osimhen is the second Nigerian to score a hat trick in the UEFA Champions league, behind Yakubu Aiyegbeni who scored for Maccabi Haifa in a 3–0 win over Olympiacos on September 24, 2002.

Victor Osimhen is unrivalled

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