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Former Vice President Atiku Abubaka has hailed former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida as a patriot and statesman, saying he “planted nation-building trees that are currently providing shades to generations of Nigerian leaders.”
In a message to mark IBB’s 85th birthday on Monday, Atiku described the former military leader as one of Nigeria’s most senior citizens whose contributions remain “indelible.”
He said, “To be candid, 85 candles will never be adequate in celebrating the birth anniversary of one of Nigeria’s most senior citizens, patriot and statesman of the calibre of former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.”
He commended IBB’s role in keeping Nigeria united and cited his “massive investment in infrastructural and socio-economic developments, plus the visionary leadership of moving the nation’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.”
“Thank you for planting the nation-building trees that are currently providing shades to generations of Nigerian leaders. Your mentoring acumen and administrative prowess are both legendary and indelible,” Atiku added.
Atiku also highlighted what he called IBB’s “unique mantra on anger management,” describing it as “evergreen and advisorily remarkable.”
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He quoted the former leader: “Do not fight your seniors, because elders are not to be insulted; do not trade insults with juniors, because they don’t have the experience that you have; and don’t fight your mates, because there will always be places to meet.”
The presidential candidate of African African Democratic Congress (ADC) said, “The pathfinder role of Your Excellency in the spheres of socio-economic and political lives of our countrymen and women showcased great vision, bravery and patriotic courage of a rare genius.”
He further noted IBB’s communication style, saying “despite being a military Head of State, your public relations driven interactions and persuasive engagements with people is a case study in intentional communication strategy. Our nation needs more of such wisdom.”
With general elections due next year, Atiku urged IBB to continue praying for the country.
“Therefore, as the world celebrates your unique birth anniversary today, please continue to pray for the unity and prosperity of our dear country, especially in view of the precarious situations in our nation today, barely a few months from the general elections holding next year.
“At 85, I would want to thank you for your immense and impactful contributions to the history and heritage of our dear country. I also pray to Allah, that your existence continues to enjoy abundant blessings, longevity and wealth of good health,” he said.
