Posted by Former Military Head of State of Nigeria, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), has stated that the late civil rights lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi, never wanted to be seen with him because he was regarded as a “evil genius.”
Babangida claimed that when in power, he tried everything imaginable to make Fawehinmi his friend but was unsuccessful.
IBB described the late activist as a fine man and stated that a member of his cabinet, Alex Akinyele, tried unsuccessfully to foster a connection between them.
During an appearance on Channels Television, IBB stated, “He (Fawehinmi) is a good critic, and he does not want to be seen with someone who is already perceived as ‘an evil genius.'”
“I enjoy listening to him.” I made it a point to be his friend. He was quite friendly with one of my former ministers, the late Alex Akinyele; they were very good friends, and he attempted to make us very good friends.
“If we come up with a policy, my first question to my staff was: What would Gani Fawehinmi say?”
He stated his passion for Fawehinmi was born out of his attraction to bright minds, and he constantly told members of his cabinet that joining his administration was in the best interest of Nigeria.