Prominent Nigerians from all walks of life have sent goodwill messages to the former military head of state, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida as he marks his 80th birthday today.
Among them are President Muhammadu Buhari, former vice president, Mr. Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, state governors as well as his business associates.
Buhari, in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Garba Shehu Buhari, in a goodwill message wished the army general long life and good health.
Buhari noted that as former military commanders during the Nigerian civil war, both retiring as generals, they have mutual interests, great hopes and expectations in a strong and united Nigeria.
He expressed hope that privileged Nigerians, like Babangida and others, will recommit to ongoing efforts to help the nation attain more glory, progress, and prosperity.
“President Buhari sends birthday greetings to former President Ibrahim Babangida, wishing him a ‘long and healthy life’, as he marks his 80th birthday.
“President Buhari notes that as former military commanders during the (civil) war, both Generals have mutual interests, great hopes and expectations in a strong and united Nigeria.
“President Buhari expresses hope that privileged Nigerians, like President Babangida and others like him, will recommit to ongoing efforts to help the nation to reach more glory, progress, and prosperity,” Garba said.
Abubakar in his goodwill message described IBB, as he is fondly called, as a pillar of unity and a firm believer in one Nigeria.
He said in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Paul Ibe that the military president established an inclusive government that reflected Nigeria’s ethnic and religious diversities.
“You can’t deny IBB the credit for his sincere efforts to build a viable federation founded on equitable representation,’’ Abubakar said.
He noted that even Babangida’s “most stubborn critics’’ could not deny the fact that the former military leader had built a solid national infrastructure for the country which was still standing and visible around the country.
Abubakar also extolled Babangida for assembling one of the best and most formidable cabinets in Nigeria’s recent history because of his commitment to excellence.
He commended Buhari’s remarkable childhood history, saying the general lost both his parents at an early age and had to struggle to pull himself up in life.
He described IBB as a man of vast knowledge, wisdom, wealth of experience and broad outlook on life.
Iwuanyanwu also eulogized Babangida’s intellectual capacity, saying this makes him relevant in the present political dispensation of the country.
The businessman said in a stated that the political vision of the former military president, which made him to approve only two political parties based on ideologies, remains evident in the current political development in Nigeria.
Senate chief whip and former governor of Abia State, Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu described IBB as a bridge builder with passion for a united and indivisible Nigeria.
He acknowledged the contributions of the celebrant to nation building describing him as an “accomplished and dedicated elder statesman.”
Kalu said Babangida had, over the years, sustained relationships across the country by building and strengthening ties among family, friends and associates.
He said the former president is a strong advocate of peaceful co-existence among all ethnic groups in Nigeria.
“On behalf of the people of Abia North Senatorial District, I felicitate with former President of Nigeria, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
“The former president has contributed immensely to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria. The former military ruler is a selfless, patriotic and highly detrabilised statesman. The country will continue to benefit from his wealth of experience in leadership,’’ the lawmaker added.
Similarly, the senate president, Mr. Ahmad Lawan, rejoiced with Babangida’s family, friends and associates as they celebrate the army general’s remarkably fulfilled life.
“President Babangida has attained this milestone in good health of mind and body, and with his legacy well established in the political history of our great country, Nigeria.
“President Babangida is a patriot and firm believer in the Nigerian project, which he promoted with courage and great wit as a soldier and a political leader.
“While in government, he worked to keep Nigeria united and to make it stable and prosperous.
“Even out of power and in well-deserved retirement, IBB has continued to promote our democracy and national unity,” Lawan said.
For his part, the governor of Delta State governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, expressed appreciation to Babangida for creating the state in 1991 and commanded the octogenarian for his commitment to the unity of Nigeria.
“Your Excellency, your life has been that of service to the people of Nigeria, and as Deltans, we remain grateful for your effort in ensuring that our dear state, Delta, was created in 1991.
“As you join the Octogenarian club, we commend you for your remarkable contributions to nation-building. As you mark 80 years of your life’s journey today, we celebrate you and all that you have accomplished through your humble beginnings to your illustrious career in the military, culminating to your attainment of military President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“As we mark the 30th anniversary of the creation of Delta, we recall with gratitude your exemplary and legendary contributions in making it a reality.”
“The benefits of state creation have no doubt, manifested tremendously in the lives of Deltans and others, who live and do business in the state and have been impacted positively in economic, infrastructural and human capital development.
“I must also commend you for your fearless contributions to national issues and your strategic support to genuine efforts towards making our nation great. As a national icon and elder statesman, we hold you in very high esteem for granting the most important wish of Deltans at the time you did.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I heartily congratulate you, our great leader and elder statesman, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR, on your 80th birth anniversary,” Okowa said.
For the governor of Niger State, Mr. Bello Sani, the former head of state is a true patriot and nationalist who gave his all for the unity and survival of Nigeria.
In a statement by his media aide, Mrs. Mary Noel-Berje, the governor said “memories of your courage and invaluable service to the Nigerian army in protecting the country remain indelible.”
“Your exemplary leadership qualities have indeed been helping and stimulating the younger generations for better service to the county.”
Also the governor of Imo State, Mr. Hope Uzodinma in a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Oguwike Nwachuku, said Babangida had paid his dues in all areas of human endeavours and would not be forgotten in a hurry.
He said Nigeria is lucky to have a statesman like Babangida who believes in the nation’s unity and is still around and ready to advise those in authorities on the myriad political and socio-economic challenges facing the country.
The PDP described Babangida as a “quintessential statesman, a highly courageous and detribalised leader with outstanding legacies in office and inexorable steadfastness to the unity, stability, national cohesion and development of our dear nation”.
In a statement by its spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said “IBB stands tall as a highly resourceful leader; a living legend that serves as a strong lesson in humility, tolerance, broadmindedness, respect for others and pursuit of the good and welfare of all.”
Babangida was born on August 17, 1941.
He was Nigeria’s military president between August 1985 and 1993.
He led the coup of August 1985 to topple Buhari who was then the Head of State from December 31, 1983.
Following the success of the coup, the new Babangida administration detained Buhari for a very long time.
His administration also conducted the 1993 presidential election, which the late M.K.O Abiola, candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), was said to be winning until Babangida cancelled it for no obvious reason.
Abiola’s challenger in the election was Mr. Bashir Tofa, candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC).
Babangida later ‘stepped aside’ from government in 1993 and handed over the reins of power to an interim government led by Ernest Shonekan from Ogun State.
