Mohammed Babangida, the eldest son of former Nigerian military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has strongly refuted claims that he rejected his recent appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The clarification comes in response to a viral letter that circulated over the weekend, allegedly signed by Babangida, in which he was said to have declined the presidential appointment on “personal and professional grounds.” The letter, widely shared on social media platforms, triggered public speculation and media reports suggesting discord between the Babangida family and the current administration.
However, in a firm and clear statement released on Monday and during an exclusive interview with DiscovererNGR.com, Mohammed Babangida dismissed the letter as “entirely fake, malicious, and politically motivated.”
“It is a concocted letter from disgruntled elements,” he said. “I did not author any such correspondence, and I am fully prepared and committed to serve as the Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture. I consider this appointment a call to national service.”
A Commitment to Public Service and Agriculture Reform
Babangida, a respected businessman, philanthropist, and strategic investor, emphasized that his focus is on delivering meaningful reforms and fostering growth in Nigeria’s agriculture sector through the Bank of Agriculture.
“I understand the strategic importance of agriculture in our nation’s economic stability and food security. The Bank of Agriculture is a critical institution, and I’m determined to bring in transparent leadership, innovation, and impact-driven policies to support farmers and agro-entrepreneurs nationwide,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with such a key role, adding that he was honored to contribute to the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda, especially in a sector as vital as agriculture.
Political Undercurrents and the Fake Letter Saga
The now-debunked resignation letter, which bore an unverified signature and lacked any official seal or confirmation from the Presidency, claimed that Babangida had declined the appointment due to his desire to “focus on private ventures” and avoid “partisan entanglements.” Political analysts believe the forged letter was part of a broader campaign to stir division and discredit loyal technocrats aligning with the Tinubu administration.
A source close to the Babangida family confirmed that the fake letter was viewed as a calculated move by certain political actors to drive a wedge between the Tinubu government and powerful Northern elites.
“It’s clearly a targeted attempt to undermine the appointment and sow seeds of distrust. But Mohammed has handled it with maturity and clarity,” the source added.
Support from Family and Associates
Associates of the Babangida family have also thrown their weight behind Mohammed’s decision to accept the appointment. They described him as a calm, strategic thinker with vast experience in leadership and governance, who will bring competence and integrity to the BOA.
A senior official at the Bank of Agriculture who spoke under condition of anonymity said the institution is “looking forward to his leadership” and “welcomes the opportunity for a new direction.”
Presidency Yet to Comment
As of press time, the Presidency has not issued an official statement on the forged letter. However, sources within the Presidency confirmed that no letter of rejection had been received from Babangida, and that he remained the President’s choice to lead the BOA board.
The Bank of Agriculture plays a critical role in Nigeria’s efforts to modernize and commercialize agriculture by providing credit, input financing, and other financial services tailored to the sector.
Conclusion
Mohammed Babangida’s rejection of the false claims not only puts an end to the swirling rumors but also underscores his readiness to serve and support the Tinubu administration’s developmental agenda. As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges and rising food insecurity, the Bank of Agriculture, under new leadership, is expected to be at the forefront of transformative policy implementation.
“I remain committed to serving my country to the best of my ability. This is not about politics—it’s about progress,” Babangida affirmed.
