Buhari at 76: Babangida, in surprise statement, acknowledges Buhari is achiever, says President remains focused, vibrant in running Nigeria’s affairs
“I wish to congratulate you for all the achievements you have recorded in your lifetime and particularly for your humility, deep sense of honesty and faith you have shown in the various aspects of governance, politics and democracy as our President.”
Nigeria’s former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (Rtd), on Saturday, made a surprise commend on his former boss, President Muhammadu Buhari as he heaped praises on him, acknowledging that the man he toppled in a coup d’etat in 1985 has remained focused and shown tremendous energy and vibrancy in running the affairs of Nigeria since 2015.
Babangida also acknowledged Buhari’s patriotism and commitment to serve the nation diligently with honesty and sincerity of purpose.
Babangida poured the accolades on Buhari in a statement, ahead of the President’s 76th birthday on Monday, 17th December.
The “gap-toothed general”, believed to be one of two major chief advisers to politicians who have frustrated Buhari’s presidency since 2015, may have decided to make a truce with the man who made him his Chief of Army Staff during his first coming as kaki wearing Nigerian ruler (1984 – 1985) as he succeeded in being the first to so wish his former boss well two days ahead of his 76th birthday.
In the statement, Babangida noted that Buhari has been “an excellent role model to many young aspiring politicians and even to the not-so-young, because of the way and manner you have managed to sustain the survival of our country as an indivisible one nation albeit in the face of many daunting diversions.”
“You achieved great success in the fight against corruption, terrorism and other forms of insecurity in addition to getting our country out of economic recession.
“I wish to congratulate you for all the achievements you have recorded in your lifetime and particularly for your humility, deep sense of honesty and faith you have shown in the various aspects of governance, politics and democracy as our President.
”As
we get over our mid-seventies, we can say with all sense of modesty that we
should celebrate every birthday anniversary with prayers in order for us to
thank Allah for all the blessings and the bounties He showered upon us.
“It is only fair that we pause and reflect in our own different ways on all the
life’s challenges we face day by day and the positive strides we have been
blessed to attain.
“A typical day in the life of a Nigerian President requires faith, poise, patience, tenacity, experience, strategic thinking and quality character for one to get through it.
“I join the first lady, Aisha and all your children and grandchildren in wishing you many happy returns of your birthday.
”Aisha’s loyalty and support, as the home front commander, is invigorating since by our age we require much comfort, care and affection at home. Welcome to our club of the over 75,” he said.
