The Presidency has dismissed claims that Muhammed Babangida, son of former military Head of State Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, rejected his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA).
Reports circulated online on Monday, including a letter shared by media personality Dele Momodu, alleging that Babangida had declined the appointment. However, presidential media aide Olusegun Dada, in a post on X, stated that the reports were false and clarified that Babangida had formally accepted the role.
“Muhammed Babangida Accepts BOA Chairmanship. Thanks President Tinubu.
“Muhammed Babangida has officially accepted his appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), expressing deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust reposed in him.
“In a press statement released Monday, Babangida dismissed as false and malicious the reports circulating online suggesting he had rejected the appointment. He described such claims as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and tarnish the image of the Tinubu administration.
“We wish to clarify that Muhammed gratefully accepts the appointment as Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, as announced by the federal government, and extends his sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him,” the statement read.
The Presidency further assured Nigerians that those behind the reports would be investigated and prosecuted.
“We also want to assure the public that those spreading these falsehoods will be thoroughly investigated and brought to justice. We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and fostering unity within our nation.
“The statement concluded with a call for Nigerians to remain discerning and to verify information from credible sources.
“Muhammed Babangida’s appointment was among several strategic appointments approved by President Tinubu to strengthen leadership across key government institutions,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the letter shared by Dele Momodu, dated July 21, 2025, purportedly showed Babangida declining the appointment due to personal and professional considerations.
The letter, titled ‘Declining Appointment as Chairman, Bank of Agriculture,’ read: “I wish to express my sincere gratitude for the honour of being considered and appointed as chairman of the Bank of Agriculture. It is a true privilege to be thought worthy of such a strategic role in advancing the nation’s agricultural and economic development.
“After careful reflection and consultation, I have decided, with utmost respect, to decline the appointment. This decision was not made lightly.
“It stems from a convergence of personal and professional considerations, which, at this time, would not allow me to serve with the level of focus and commitment the position rightly demands.
“Your Excellency, I remain fully committed to the vision of a prosperous and self-sufficient Nigeria under your leadership. I continue to hold your administration in the highest regard and stand ready to support national development in other ways where my expertise may be of service.
“Thank you once again for your confidence in me. I am deeply appreciative.”
Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine who recently defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reacted on Instagram, writing: “Well done, Muhammed, for rejecting a Greek gift.”
Babangida’s appointment, confirmed just two days earlier, has since stirred political reactions, with the ADC accusing President Tinubu of attempting to court Northern Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Would you like me to also rewrite this in **a shorter, punchier version for PUO-Reports’ breaking news style**, or keep it as a **full-length feature for online readers**? Or both?
