By Ayomide Otitoju
Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday joined other Nigerians in celebrating former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), on his 84th birthday.
Jonathan, who visited Babangida at his Hilltop residence in Minna, described the former leader as a nationalist and one of Nigeria’s most outstanding statesmen.
“We thank God that since independence, this country has produced many leaders, but General Ibrahim Babangida stands out as one who gave his best as a military Head of State. His residence has become like a Mecca for Nigerians from all parts of the country, which speaks volumes about his character,” Jonathan said.
He added that Babangida was not a sectional leader but one committed to the unity of Nigeria. “We will continue to celebrate him and pray for his long life so that he can keep mentoring the younger generation,” he noted.
Jonathan was accompanied by Segun Showunmi, former Ogun State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ex-spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar in the 2019 presidential election.
Showunmi praised Babangida as a visionary leader whose experience remains vital to Nigeria’s development. “God has given Nigeria leaders with the audacity and courage for big ideas, and certainly General Babangida is one of them,” he said.
