In Candid Interview, Ibrahim Babangida Opens Up About Pursuit of Friendship with Gani Fawehinmi During His Reign as Head of State

Ibrahim Babangida’s Candid Admission: Pursuing Friendship with Gani Fawehinmi

In a recent interview on Channels Television, Ibrahim Babangida, the former Military Head of State, disclosed his earnest efforts to establish a friendship with the late human rights lawyer and activist, Gani Fawehinmi.

During his tenure as Head of State, Babangida shared that he employed various means to cultivate a friendship with the outspoken and influential activist.

Failed Friendship Attempts Narrated by Babangida

Babangida revealed that Gani Fawehinmi shared a close friendship with one of his ministers, the late Alex Akinyele.

Akinyele, in his capacity, attempted to bridge the gap and foster a strong bond between Babangida and Fawehinmi.

However, these attempts were ultimately unsuccessful, and Babangida acknowledged the challenges in forming a connection with the activist.

Fawehinmi’s Role in Policy Formulation and Criticism

Despite the difficulties in establishing a personal connection, Babangida acknowledged Fawehinmi’s significant influence on his decision-making processes.

The former Military President highlighted that he often sought the opinions of Fawehinmi and valued his critical perspectives on national issues.

Babangida went on to share that when formulating policies, he routinely questioned his inner circle about Fawehinmi’s potential reactions.

Appreciating Fawehinmi’s Role as a Critic

Babangida described Gani Fawehinmi as a “good critic” and expressed his admiration for Fawehinmi’s comments on various national issues.

Despite the challenges in forging a personal connection, Babangida emphasized his respect for Fawehinmi’s views and the importance he placed on listening to the late activist’s opinions.

The Complexity of Friendship: Perceptions and Challenges

Babangida acknowledged the delicate nature of attempting to befriend someone with a public image, stating, “He (Fawehinmi) didn’t want to be seen with someone that people already perceived as ‘an evil genius.’”

This insight into the dynamics of their potential friendship sheds light on the complexities of interpersonal relationships, particularly in the context of public figures and their public images.