There seems to be an ongoing attempt to clothe the recent appointment of the scion and heir apparent of the Ibrahim Babangida dynasty, Muhammed Babangida as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) by President Bola Tinubu in a cloud of uncertainty. It will be recalled that the appointment has led to brick-bats between the nascent ADC and spoke persons of the presidency. The recent development is the conflicting signals that point to an acceptance of the appointment by the younger Babangida. On the other hand, another letter purportedly signed by Babangida rejecting the appointment is also in circulation.
According to one of the letters, Muhammed Babangida has officially accepted his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), expressing deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust reposed in him.
In a press statement released Monday, Babangida dismissed as false and malicious the reports circulating online suggesting he had rejected the appointment. He described such claims as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and tarnish the image of the Tinubu administration.
“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 in part.
It further assured the public that those behind the fake reports would be identified and held accountable.
“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,” it added.
The statement concluded with a call for Nigerians to remain discerning and to verify information from credible sources.
But the contrary second letter alleged that Mohammed Babangida has formally declined his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, citing personal and professional commitments that would prevent him from serving with the required focus. In a letter dated July 21, 2025, and addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which has been dismissed as fake, the son of former military leader Ibrahim Babangida expressed gratitude for the honor while respectfully turning down the strategic position.
“After careful reflection and consultation, I have decided, with utmost respect, to decline the appointment,” Babangida wrote in the letter. He explained that his decision stemmed from “a convergence of personal and professional considerations which, at this time, would not allow me to serve with the level of focus and commitment the position rightly demands.”
The appointment rejection comes as an unusual move in Nigerian politics, where presidential appointments are typically accepted as prestigious opportunities. Babangida acknowledged the significance of the role, describing it as “a true privilege to be thought worthy of such a strategic role in advancing the nation’s agricultural and economic development.”
Despite declining the specific position, Babangida assured the President of his continued commitment to national development. “I remain fully committed to the vision of a prosperous and self-sufficient Nigeria under your leadership,” he stated, adding that he stands ready to support national development in other capacities where his expertise may be of service.
Muhammed Babangida’s appointment was among several strategic appointments approved by President Tinubu to strengthen leadership across key government institutions.
