*Saraki hails former military president
Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna
Former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) who turned 82 yesterday, opted for low key celebration as a result of the present mood of the country.
Babangida therefore discouraged his children and we’ll wishers from organising any birthday ceremony.
“In fact General Babangida did not come down to the sitting room from his bedroom until about 1.30pm,” a close aide told THISDAY.
The aide said prayers were however held for the good health and long life of the former military Head of State with the in- house Imam, Mallam Musa Hadeija leading the prayers.
Babangida according to the source did not cut any birthday cake
However, all the children of General Babangida, Mohammed, Aisha, Aminu and those of Halima, were present at the Minna uphill residence to rejoice with their father and grand-father.
It was however learnt that some very close associates of the celebrant also came to the residence to join the former military Head of State in the celebration among whom were former Senate President, Senator David Mark; former Senator representing the FCT, Mr. Philip Aduda; former National Security Adviser, General Mongunu as well as a Supreme Court Judge, Justice Musa Dattijo.
The visitors it was gathered left the residence immediately after the prayers.
In a related development, former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, yesterday, dispatched a 5-member delegation to Minna, to deliver his birthday message to Babangida.
A statement from Atiku’s media office stated that the delegation, which was led by former Niger State governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu met with the former president and delivered a letter of congratulations personally signed by Atiku.
Other members of the delegation included Amb. Ibrahim Maisule; Hon. Abdullahi Hussaini MaiBasira; Atiku’s Media Adviser, Paul Ibe and Atiku’s son, Mohammed.
The letter read in part: “It is with a heart full of felicitations and gratitude to the Almighty Allah that I write to congratulate you on your 82nd birthday anniversary. In all of the great battles that you have fought, it is to the glory of the Almighty Allah that you remain standing with a life fully decorated by numerous accomplishments.
“Your longevity is an undeniable favour, which manifests the fulfilment of Allah’s eternal blessings and mercies upon you as attested to by the Holy Books.
“In these your very many years on earth, Your Excellency has positively touched uncountable lives, including mine, and has made all the difference in the lives of our people and, indeed, our nation.
“Let me therefore take this special moment to doff my hat and congratulate you for clocking the 82nd anniversary of your birth. It is the prayers of my family and I that Allah will grant you peace and happiness as you continue to spread your blessings upon our people and our country. May the Almighty grant you many more years to keep guiding our nation to greater heights.”
Also, the former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, felicitated the former military President as he marked his 82nf birthday.
In his verified Twitter handle Saraki wrote: “Throughout his leadership journey, General Ibrahim Babangida has consistently displayed the courage to confront challenges head-on.
“Whether in his role as a military officer or as our former Head of State, General Babangida consistently dedicated himself to the service of Nigeria and the preservation of our unity.
“This is why, on this special occasion of his 82nd birthday, I extend my heartfelt wishes for an abundance of blessings from Almighty Allah (SWT), along with excellent health and protection. Ameen.”
