72 today, at a special pre-birthday press briefing in Minna Friday,
reflected on the nation's problems and dismissed pessimism about the
2015 elections, noting that despite the numerous challenges facing the
country, "the elections in 2015 will be peaceful".
On the same day, tributes poured in for the former military president,
with President Goodluck Jonathan and Senate President, David Mark,
amongst several other Nigerians, eulogising him.
Babangida, who spoke at his Hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State,
also expressed optimism that the Nigerian nation will not disintegrate
in 2015 as being feared in some quarters.
Said Babangida: "2015 will come and pass like everyother year. Nigeria
is one of the most amazing countries in the world. If you leave
outside it, and hear all the things happening in it, you will think
the country is coming to an end only to come and see people happy,
laughing and attending matches and so on. That is Nigeria for you. So,
people are just crying wolf where there is none.
"Honestly, I think you should forget about disintegration in 2015, I
can't see it happening. It is just out of question. People say all
sorts of things to instil fear in people."
He urged Nigerians to elect leaders wisely asking them not to elect
leaders who are religiously biased adding that they should elect only
leaders who have the unity of the nation at large.
"A man who stands out either in war or in peace as a result of his
good deeds will always be a leader and we need to follow people who
believe in what we stand for; people who believe in the aspiration
ofthis country and who are accessible during times of crisis.
"Anyone who believes in the unity of Nigeria at any level is a leader.
We need to follow leaders who have a good understanding of what we
want to achieve and look for people who share the same view and work
with them. That is how we can bring about astrong leadership."
The ex-general called on the federal government to ensure the
completion of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Centre, Zungeru, adding
that "it is not just a waste of resources to allow the place lie waste
but unfair that an edifice named after a nationalist and a former
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can be allowed to lay
waste."
When asked if he might still contest for the presidency, Babangida
reiterated his resolve never tocontest for any political position
adding that he is only concerned about the stability of the country.
"The question of political ambition is not there. I have told you
before in this hall and I stand by it but if you talk about working
for the stability of this country, yes; I'm in for that for the rest
of my life."
When asked if there is anything he misses at 72, Babangida said: "As a
very strong believer of my faith, I don't have anything I miss but to
be grateful to God for His mercies because He has been kind to me. If
there is anything I miss, it is loosingsomeone very important to me
but again my faith makes me know that one day, one of us must give
way. I feel old but in very high spirit because God have been faithful
and I enjoy robust health."
In his congratulatory message, Jonathan praised IBB's "life of
outstanding accomplishments."
Said the President: "I join your family, numerous friends and many
well-wishers to thank Almighty God for His continued guidance,
protection and provision for you in the past seventy-two years of a
life of outstanding accomplishment."
The President wished Babangida a very happy birthday "and many more
years of good health and personal fulfillment."
In his goodwill message, Mark described the former military ruler "as
a quintessential statesman whose leadership qualities remain a
reference point in contemporary history of Nigeria."
According to him, Babangida's goodwill cut across ethnic and religious
boundaries adding that"General Babangida remains a true statesman and
a nationalist who believes in one indivisible, united,peaceful and
progressive Nigeria."
Mark also said Babangida has remained steadfast and always making his
rich knowledge and wealth of experience available to the new
generationof leaders and prayed that "the Almighty God grantsBabangida
good health, wisdom and courage so that the present and future leaders
continue to draw from his fountain of experience and knowledge in the
task of moving the nation forward."
No comments:
Post a Comment