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Former Governor of Abia State and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Kalu has congratulated former President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Babaginda (rtd) on the occasion of his 81st birthday anniversary.
Describing the former President as a highly detrabilized statesman and bridge builder, Kalu stressed that the former military ruler contributed to the growth and progress of Nigeria in various capacities.
The former Governor stressed that Babangida is a strong advocate of a united and indivisible Nigeria, adding that leaders at all levels will continue to tap from the vast knowledge of the former President.
In a congratulatory message, the Senate Chief Whip urged the former president to sustain his extraordinary leadership qualities, noting that Babangida remains a rallying point for his contemporaries and the younger generation.
“On behalf of my family and the good people of Abia North Senatorial district, I felicitate with former President Ibrahim Babangida as he clocks 81.
“During his stint as President, many landmark projects were executed for the benefit of Nigerians.
“The former President has continually contributed to nation building in different capacities.
“In view of his outstanding leadership qualities, Babangida has sustained friendship and relationships across the nooks and crannies of Nigeria. I wish the former President longer life in the service of humanity.”
Kalu prayed to God to strengthen Babangida in his endeavours.
•Embodiment of patriotism
The Northern Governors Forum described Nigeria’s former military president as an embodiment of patriotism.
The chairman of the forum and Governor of Plateau, Simon Lalong eulogised Babangida in a congratulatory message on his 81st birthday.
He described Gen. Babangida as a leader who had remained consistent in his desire for Nigeria to remain united, peaceful and progressive inspite its challenges, saying his service and honor to the country was remarkable .
“The NGF appreciates Babangida’s visionary service to the nation and in particular, his interest in the development of the Northern Region.
“This is through his interventions and wise counsel and engagement with leaders at various levels.
”The legacies of Gen. Babangida’s leadership have continued to endure and remain a reference point to current and many young leaders”.
According to Lalong, the forum will continue to consult with the former president,from his wealth of knowledge and experience in tacking the challenges of the region and the nation at large.
•Detribalised Nigerian
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, described him as one who contributed greatly to Nigeria’s development, through his economic plan which laid emphasis on a private sector driven economy.
He specially noted that the former Nigerian leader took very giant steps in opening up the country’s economy, while he was leading Africa’s most populous nation, which lifted many Nigerians out of poverty.
“With a strong private sector participation in the economy, it became freed from excessive government involvement and cut off the wastages and unproductivity associated with the public sector,” Obi said.
Obi also described Gen Babangida as a detribalised Nigerian who sought for a more united and progressive Nigeria. He stated that such spirit of unity and cohesion lacked in the present day Nigeria.
He prayed God to grant Gen Babangida more health of mind and body. Obi also called on him to continue to play a fatherly role to the nation, especially at this critical time when the nation needs to get its leadership right, revamp the economy and reunite the country.
