In a statement by Femi Adesina, his Special Adviser (Media & Publicity), President Buhari joined family, friends and associates to celebrate with the elder statesman, stressing that his services to the country will always be remembered and praying that the Almighty God will continually strengthen and grant him good health and longer life.
Atiku Abubakar, in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Mr. Paul Ibe, on Sunday in Abuja, said that Babangida’s intelligence, wisdom, charisma, understanding and respect for Nigeria’s diversity had stood the test of time.
“Babangida is amazingly gifted, he is a strategic thinker and a true believer in national unity and national integration, qualities for which history and posterity will deliver a favourable verdict on him.
“One of the reasons Babangida charms and arouses the interest of the world is his unique capacity to learn, and listen to others, even if he disagrees with them,” he said.
Abubakar noted that apart from being decisive and bold in taking major decisions at the right time, every sincere Nigerian would commend Babangida’s broad mindedness which reflected in the structure of his government.
He recalled Babangida’s women emancipation agenda, the Better Life For Rural Women, which was powered by his late wife, Mariam, saying that the scheme improved the living standard of many women.
While wishing Babangida more years in good health, Abubakar appealed to Nigerian politicians to emulate his philosophy of inclusive government, a prerequisite for reducing tension and separatist tendencies in the country.
Senate President Lawan on his part, rejoices with Babangida who, he said, can be proud of his contributions to the defence of the territorial integrity, unity, and political and sociology-economic development of Nigeria.
The Senate President in his statement by Ola Awoniyi, his Special Adviser (Media),
noted that President Babangida has remained passionate about Nigeria more than two decades after his exit from active public service.
Lawan urged the elder statesman to continue to avail those in leadership positions the benefits of his experience and wise counsel for the unity, stability and progress of the nation.
The Senate President wished the General many more years of good health and peace of mind.
In his message, Mark described Babangida as an inspirational leader, noting that he stimulated many Nigerians to the peak of their careers through good leadership.
The statement, signed by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, and made available to newsmen in Minna, stressed that “His wealth of experience and leadership dexterity will remain priceless and indeed evergreen to generations of leaders to tap from.”
Recalling his days at the helm of affairs in Nigeria, Mark stated that Gen. Babangida demonstrated patriotism and statesmanship.
“Babangida believes and works for the sanctity of our unity as a nation. For him, the territorial integrity of Nigeria, the welfare and well being of Nigerians must not be compromised.
“IBB’s government created Akwa Ibom, Katsina, Abia, Enugu, Delta, Jigawa, Kebbi, Osun, Kogi, Taraba and Yobe states,” he recalled.
“Creating the states was a measure to give all Nigerians a sense of belonging and guarantee peace needed for development and national cohesion.”
He also recalled that IBB restructured the national security apparatus by creating the State Security Service, National Intelligence Agency and Defence Intelligence Agency to ensure efficiency.
Mark praised the elder statesman for availing the younger generation of leaders his reservoir of knowledge in leadership and experience to learn from, and prayed God to grant him good health, wisdom and peace in the years ahead.
Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, on Sunday in Asaba, commended Babangida’s commitment to the unity and growth of the country.
He also thanked him for his contributions to nation building, recalling that it was during his administration that a number of states, including Delta, were created.
“At 79, your contributions to nation building reverberates across the nooks and crannies of our great nation, and as Delta residents in particular, we can’t thank you enough for creating our state in 1991.
“As we mark the 29th 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 manifested tremendously in the lives of our people; it has impacted positively in the economic, infrastructural and human capital development of our people.
“I must also commend you for your fearless contributions to national issues and your strategic support to the genuine efforts towards making our nation great.
“As a military officer, you had an illustrious career, which culminated in your becoming Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“As a national icon and elder statesman, we hold you in high esteem for granting the most important wish of Delta people 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, on your 79th birth anniversary.
“It is my prayer that the good Lord will continue to uphold and guide you in all your future endeavours.’’
