Jonathan, Saraki, Bello Congratulate Babangida at 75

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Niger State Government and the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have congratulated former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) on his 75th birthday anniversary, describing him as a great leader and statesman who has displayed ample commitment to the nation’s unity and growth.

In a letter of felicitation personally signed by Jonathan, he noted that Nigerians would continue to pray for Babangida’s good fortune because of his exemplary service to his fatherland.

“You served your nation in various capacities as a distinguished officer and military head of state to the best of your abilities for which Nigerians would continue to pray for your good fortune.

“May the Almighty God grant you more fulfilling years as an eminent statesman in order to continue to lend your experience, knowledge and wisdom to our dear nation as it seeks to make progress in all facets of national development. Happy birthday Your Excellency!”

Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said Babangida’s contributions to the socio-economic development of the country remains legendary and visible across the landscape.
“From the political engineering that his administration introduced into the country which encouraged many young people, particularly, professionals, those in the private sector and Nigerians in the diaspora, to join politics, to the two-party system which sought to eliminate ethnicity in politics and encourage manageable political platforms with national spread, the foot-prints of Babangida remain visible everywhere.

On his part, Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, in a statement described Babangida as “an indispensable leader.”

The state governor whose statement was signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Jibrin Ndace, said the former Nigerian leader “will continue to remain relevant in the Nigeria project.
“Babangida has remained a good man, a father, a role model and a pride to Nigerlites in particular and Nigerians in general.

“The roles he has been playing towards the consistent growth and development of this country in general and Niger State in particular are unquantifiable. His dogged commitment to the corporate existence of Nigeria as one indivisible country has been unique and unparalleled.”

In his remarks, the state Chairman of the PDP, Tanko Beji, said Babangida “is a patriotic leader.” in a statement, said: “Babangida is a committed patriot; a lover and believer in one Nigeria and a soldier per excellence
‘ IBB, as he is fondly called, has been a stabilising force in the project Nigeria, his advice to various generations and the political leadership of the country has assisted not only to entrench democracy but brought about peaceful coexistence and less rancorous politicking in the land.”

Special prayer for the good health of the former military president was offered at his residence in Minna while people from all walks of life also joined him in the celebration.

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