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Ibrahim Babangida is one Nigerian leader I wish every Nigerian can meet and listen to him talk. You n 2010, I had written an opinion article titled: IBB’s Declaration And His Hawks Of Goons And Sycophants. It immediately drew the attention of IBB and he sought to know who I am!
I arrived Nigeria for the second time in 2010 and decided to call a friend of mine who recently served as a Minister in Buhari’s first term. Soon as he got my call, he asked “you are in town? I need to see you now.” I obliged him and told him what hotel I was staying.
In less than an hour, I got a call from the hotel reception that I have a visitor. I knew it was him and I immediately went down to the reception. My friend was sitting down and waiting patiently for me. Soon as he saw me, with his agbada, we hugged and shook hands with smiles!
We took the elevator to my room. As soon as we sat down, he said to me Jackson, you have done it again. I said what? He said that article on IBB, kai Jackson, why, why the hatred for IBB. I said well, from all I have read about him, there is nothing palatable about him.
I said and for IBB to be declaring to run for President again after all we have heard and read about him, is an insult to this country Nigeria. He looked straight into my eyes and said “Jackson, you don’t know IBB. He wants me to bring you to him.” I said me, he said yes you!
He immediately placed a call to IBB and told him he is currently with Jackson Ude, that Journalist from America. IBB asked him to give me the phone. “Jackson, how are you, when did you arrived, how is America, your family and George Bush.” I was almost frozen!
The thoughts of even talking to IBB brought chills and goose pimples to my body. I have heard so much and read so much about him enough to make scared of talking to the “Evil Genius.” I got myself composed and we talked. He invited me to his Hilltop Mansion the next day.
Soon as my friend left, I called my parents and told them of the IBB invitation. My mother was so scared she asked that I don’t go. She love me so much she wouldn’t want anything happen to me. My father laughed and was bold enough to encourage the trip to IBB. He said go, no fear
After speaking to my parents, I called my good friend and bro @akunnachux and asked if he can accompany me to go see the “evil genius.” He was elated and agreed to join me. The next day, we hopped into his Peugeot and headed straight to Minna to see IBB for the first time!
Once we got to the Hilltop Mansion in Minna, my friend was on ground to receive us. I was shocked to see the compound not platted with gold. It did not represent the Hilltop mansion I had always read on the pages of the Newspapers. It was just a regular bungalow with plenty rooms
“Welcome Jackson. How are you doing, hope your journey here was smooth. Sit down let me finish reading this newspaper I will join you soon,” IBB said as we were ushered into his room where he reads. He had almost all the newspapers in front of him and books. He reads a lot!
While waiting, we were offered coffee. I almost said no but my friend @akunnachux was quick to grab a cup and it gave me confident to join. I was scared we might be poisoned. I didn’t mention to Chuks all that was going through my mind. But then, he poured the coffee and we drank
IBB joined us few minutes later and then the gist began. He talked off the record about everything. His late wife, his new girlfriend whom he recently married, his children, his regim, Dele Giwa, Obasanjo, Buhari, TY Danjuma, the first coup. Men, it was a loaded gist!
The journalism instinct kicked in and Chuks immediately asked to be recorded. IBB didn’t want an interview but then he also enjoyed our company. We showed him we were prepared and smart enough. We didn’t want him to use his maradonic skills on us. We were equally skillful.
Once the interview rolled on, he would tell us areas he doesn’t want recorded. He spoke about Buhari and how he joined the Army. He spoke off the record. But the crux is that Buhari has no credential. He joined the Army with no WASCE. He spoke about Obasanjo and their friendship!
He spoke about obasanjo’s leadership skills. He said Obasanjo is deep but then added through a whisper that Obasanjo is an “asshole.” He said that with a laughter. And he wouldn’t want to say why he described the man he had spoken glowingly about in that manner. We laughed too!
He spoke about Buhari’s personality and why they kicked him out in 1985. He said Buhari is very vindictive, an extremist. He said Buhari cannot be a good leader because of his mindset. All he said of Buhari that day is not different from what Buhari has become today.
He spoke about the Gloria Okon saga and the drugs. He said there was no one like Gloria Okon and that he is not a drug baron and never into drugs. He said Gloria Okon was the imagination of the media. Shockingly, IBB knows almost all the journalists in Nigeria by their first name
He spoke about the Orkar Coup and how he escaped through a General who recently retired from the Army. He wouldn’t mention the name of the General. He said the General escaped him and his wife from Dodan Barracks. He was full of praise for his late wife for being alert that night
He spoke about Dele Giwa and his death. He said he did not kill Dele Giwa. He said when you are a leader, those who believe and love you would take actions on your behalf and then as a leader, you will have no choice than to fall in line with those actions no matter how painful!
He would not want to give up the names of those involved in the killing of Dele Giwa. He would rather accept the tag of being the killer as price you pay as a leader. He said leadership comes with a lot including accepting the wrongs of your followers. But he regretted the death
IBB’s knowledge of Nigeria and it’s leadership is deep. For the 9 and half hours we sat with him. It was like sitting in a four year degree program. We laughed, he joked and told us stories of events that we never knew. Most of those stories shaped the way I see some Nigerians.
In all, IBB exuded that sense of patriotism. He loves a two party state and believes that Nigeria needs a leader who is detribalized, a leader who is not an extremist. He believes all Nigerians are equal and hopes that one day, Nigeria would find a leader that can bridge the gaps
At the end of the hours of talking and laughing, I realized that I am actually taller than IBB. He is about 5’6 or shorter. As we were about to take a picture, he said he would like to put on his shoes so he doesn’t look too short. We took pictures and he saw us off to our car! 
That memory and all I learnt in that meeting would forever remain in my head. I would never forget that encounter. Me and my bro and friend @akunnachux became better informed after that encounter.
