Muhammad Babangida, son of Nigeria’s former military president, has officially refuted claims circulating on social media that he turned down his recent appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA). He described the reports as completely false, fabricated, and aimed at misleading the public.
The controversy began after a purported letter surfaced online alleging that Babangida had declined the appointment due to “personal and professional considerations.” The letter quickly went viral, prompting confusion and debate among political analysts and social commentators.
However, Babangida has now cleared the air through a public statement, confirming that he has accepted the federal appointment and is ready to take on the responsibilities attached to the position. He also expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation in such a significant capacity.
“We wish to clarify that Muhammed gratefully accepts the appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, as announced by the federal government, and extends his sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him,” the statement read.
An insider close to the Babangida family also verified the authenticity of the acceptance, urging Nigerians to disregard fake news and seek confirmation from reliable sources before sharing unverified information.
Babangida further emphasized that those behind the viral misinformation would not go unpunished. He warned that investigations are already underway to uncover the origin of the fake letter and bring the perpetrators to book.
“We also want to assure the public that those spreading these falsehoods will be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and fostering unity within our nation,” he added firmly.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), presidential aide Olusegun Dada also weighed in, backing Babangida’s statement. He reiterated that Muhammad Babangida had never rejected the appointment and had already begun preliminary briefings for his role.
“There is no truth to the claims making rounds. Muhammed Babangida is ready and willing to serve. Nigerians should disregard false reports being peddled online,” Dada wrote.
The presidency also appealed to citizens and media outlets to remain vigilant and responsible, especially in an era where fake news can easily spread. They urged the public to always verify sensitive political information through official and trustworthy channels.
Muhammad Babangida, aged 53, is the first son of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), the former military head of state who ruled Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Public Relations and Business Communication from the European University in Montreux, Switzerland. He also enhanced his leadership credentials by completing an executive programme in Corporate Governance at Harvard Business School in 2002.
His appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) comes as part of a series of strategic leadership placements by the Tinubu administration to reform and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural finance sector.