Former Military President IBB Reveals What Is Keeping Nigeria Together
- Former military president Ibrahim Babangida says prayers from Christians and Muslims have kept Nigeria united as he marked his 84th birthday
- He urged religious groups to continue interceding for peace while President Tinubu praised his contributions to national development
- Tinubu also lauded Babangida’s reforms, infrastructure projects and the creation of key security institutions
Former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has said the survival of Nigeria owes much to the constant prayers of both Christians and Muslims.
He made the remark at his Hilltop residence in Minna while receiving a delegation of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State chapter, who paid him a visit to mark his 84th birthday.
Source: Twitter
IBB highlights significance of religions
The former leader noted that the intercession of the two major faiths has been instrumental in keeping the country together despite its challenges. He urged religious groups not to relent in their prayers for national peace and stability.
“I really appreciate you for the prayers. I must tell you that the prayers of both faiths, the Christians and Muslims have been very effective and it is what is keeping the country. I urge you to maintain the relationship in the general interest of the country and the people of the country,” he said.
Babangida further called for stronger ties among adherents of both religions. According to him, unity and peaceful coexistence remain vital to Nigeria’s growth and survival.
“I want you to maintain the sustained relationship because it is very important for the betterment of our development as a country. And the unity and existence of the country lies in the hands of Christians and Muslims,” he added.
The state chairman of CAN, Bishop Bulus Yohanna, represented by Rev. Joshua Markus, described Babangida as a leader whose vision and contributions continue to resonate across different sectors.
He prayed for God to grant the retired general good health and fulfilment in the years ahead.
Tinubu hails ex-head of state
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also extended warm congratulations to the former military ruler on his 84th birthday.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised Babangida’s service to the nation and his impact on Nigeria’s development.
Source: Twitter
The President recalled Babangida’s military career, where he rose through the ranks to serve in key command positions before eventually becoming Chief of Army Staff.
He also pointed to the retired general’s eight-year rule, which he said left a lasting mark on Nigeria’s socio-economic and political landscape.
Tinubu highlighted landmark achievements under Babangida’s administration, including the construction of the Third Mainland Bridge, the relocation of the Federal Capital Territory from Lagos to Abuja and economic reforms that reshaped the national economy.
He also commended him for establishing institutions such as the State Security Service, National Intelligence Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency and the Federal Road Safety Corps.
The President prayed for Babangida’s continued good health, noting that his years in power remain among the most defining in Nigeria’s modern history.
June 12: IBB apologises to Abiola family
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Lekan Abiola, one of the sons of the late Moshood Abiola, confirmed that Babangida had apologised for annulling the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election.
Speaking on Thursday, June 12, at the MKO Abiola Memorial Symposium in Lagos, Lekan revealed that Babangida had previously extended a private apology to the Abiola family, but had now made his admission public.
Addressing journalists during the event, Lekan explained that the family felt a sense of relief following Babangida’s acknowledgement.
Source: Legit.ng
