“I Contributed to Freedom of Expression in Nigeria” – IBB

Former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) has asserted that his administration played a crucial role in promoting freedom of expression and media liberalization in Nigeria.

In his newly released autobiography, *A Journey In Service*, Babangida highlighted the policies his government introduced to facilitate media ownership, emphasizing that these measures contributed significantly to the country’s democratic development.

“Our media remains a source of strength and pride to all of us. We may have had differences in information management practices among our media, but no one can deny that Nigeria’s robust media remains a source of strength,” Babangida wrote. He maintained that Nigeria’s strong democratic credentials are partly due to the freedom of expression championed by the media.

He further stated that his administration not only liberalized media ownership but also demystified the process, allowing for broader participation in the industry. According to him, the initiatives implemented during his tenure led to an expansion of media enterprises, fostering investment and talent growth in the sector.

“Today, counting the number of radio stations, television stations, and online and real-time print media in our country is hard. In repetition of the famous Chinese saying, ‘Let a million flowers bloom,’” he said.

Babangida also underscored his continued openness to media engagements since his retirement, stating that he has granted numerous interviews and participated in national debates. He described the diversity of opinions in Nigeria as a crucial element of the nation’s progress.

Babangida served as Nigeria’s head of state from 1985 to 1993. His tenure remains controversial, particularly regarding the assassination of Dele Giwa, the founding editor-in-chief of *Newswatch Magazine*, who was killed by a parcel bomb in 1986. Despite lingering accusations, Babangida has consistently denied involvement in Giwa’s death.