Buhari Reveals why Babangida Overthrew him in ’85

President Muhammadu Buhari has come clean as he gave reasons why he was impeached in a palace coup in August 1985.

The then General Buhari was ousted from power in a coup led by his then chief of Army staff, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. Buhari stated that his “trusted allies” removed him because he had uncovered some fraudulent activities perpetrated by one of them (Gen. Aliyu Gusau).

In an exclusive interview published in the current edition of The Interview magazine, Buhari challenged Babangida and Gusau to tell the truth on why they carried out the coup against him.

“I learnt that Aliyu Gusau, who was in charge of intelligence, took import licence from the ministry of commerce which was in charge of supplies and gave it to Alhaji Mai Deribe.

“It was worth N100,000; a lot of money at that time. I confronted them and took the case to the Army council in a memo… I wanted Gusau punished.”

However Babangida while speaking in the December edition of The Interview had said that there was nothing in the memo which Buhari said he submitted to the Army council.

“Don’t forget that I was one of Buhari’s closest aides. I was the chief of army staff. So, I had an important position, an important role to play within that administration. I don’t think it had to do with a memo,” Babangida said.

But in a tone which suggests the President still harbours some grudge against the two ex-military men, Buhari challenged Babangida and Gusau to come clean on why they removed him, asking The Interview to choose whose story to believe.

The President was also asked questions on varying issues; his health, the 2016 Budget, the pace of his government, former President Goodluck Jonathan and why Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola was handed three ministerial portfolios.

President Buhari has launched an attack against perceived corruption perpetrated by the Goodluck Jonathan administration in which investigation revealed that funds meant for procurement of arms were allegedly diverted by the Office of the then National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki.