The absence of former President Muhammadu Buhari at the book launch of General Ibrahim Babangida’s autobiography has been linked to the lingering resentment over the 1985 coup that removed him from power.
Jonathan Vatsa, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, disclosed that Buhari’s no-show was not surprising, adding that the coup led by Babangida was a personal betrayal that left a lasting impact on him.
According to Vatsa, Buhari’s absence also indicates his alleged grudge against Niger State, which is considered Babangida’s stronghold.
He said despite the state’s overwhelming support for Buhari during his presidential campaigns, he neglected it, and abandoned critical federal projects.
“The whole world knows that Niger State was made a scapegoat by former President Buhari because of IBB. For eight years, he did not pay any serious official visit to the state, and no single federal project was executed there.
“The Baro Port project, which recently generated political heat in the state, was abandoned by Buhari, along with several federal road projects,” Vatsa stated.
He further alleged that the people of Niger State suffered the consequences of Buhari’s long-standing grudge with Babangida.
“The people of the state were made to pay for a sin they knew nothing about. It was a case of when two elephants fight, the grass suffers. Buhari sidelined the state just because of one person,” he added.