Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has said that the former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida who has clocked 76 years is a precious gift to mankind and to the country, describing him as a true champion of peace, unity and togetherness of Nigeria.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Governor Sani Bello expressed gratitude to the former president for his relentless contributions to the growth and development of the state and country.
The Governor felicitated with the former military leader whom he said for over seven and half decades lived an impactful life that has endeared him to many people across the length and breath of the country.
“We are proudly celebrating a strategic and unrepentantly nationalistic leader and human manager with an uncommon passion in the service of fatherland and humanity in general. Indeed, he holds his country very dear in his heart”.
According to Governor ,General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has over the years become an household political lexicon as a result of his impactful contributions to the socio-political and the economy of the country. His contributions have made him politically relevant decades after he left office.
“Years after he left office, his sociopolitical wizardry and intelligence as well as the numerous, visibly useful people-oriented developmental projects remain monumental. Some of the political reforms he introduced include; the Two Party System, Options A4 and Open Ballots system as well as the establishment of Political Bureau, MAMSER, Code of Conduct Bureau, National Electoral Commission and the promulgation of the then new(1989) Constitution among others”
According to the Governor, General Babangida has not only supported the enterprising commitment of an indivisible Nigeria but is directly responsible for the political re-engineering of the country.
Governor Sani Bello, who further described the former military president as an Apostle of progressive ideology, presidentialism and federalism, said the celebrant is a father with an accomodating and philanthropic heart.
“It is on record that as a military officer, General Babangida exhibited high sense of professionalism that singled him out as a unique officer whose quality decisions and advice at critical moments of our national live have made his Minna country home a ‘Political Mecca’ for the country’s political class.
” The enigma has built bridges across the six geo-political zones of the country and these have made him the nation’s most sort for living leader.
While congratulating the General, Governor Sani Bello prayed Allah to grant him many more years in good health and wisdom to relentlessly continue to offer his indispensable fatherly advice as a grandmaster who accurately knows the demand of leadership.
” On behalf of myself, the government and people of Niger State, I wish to felicitate with our father and leader; mentor and role model as you celebrate your 76th birthday today. You are indeed a precious gift to mankind and this great country.
“It is my fervent prayer that Allah (SWT) will continue to preserve you for many more years, so that the younger generation and indeed the country can continue to draw from your wealth of experience and guidance even at this critical moment in the political history of this country”
