Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, Saturday, hailed President Muhammadu Buhari, acknowledging that he has remained focused and shown tremendous energy and vibrancy in running the affairs of Nigeria since 2015.
President Buhari was born in Daura on 17 December, 1942 and after his early education in both Daura and Katsina, he joined the army in 1961, one year ahead of Babangida, who joined in 1962.
Babangida, who recent has rated the performance of President Buhari low, also lauded the patriotism and commitment of the man he toppled in a coup d’etat in 1985 in serving the nation diligently with honesty and sincerity of purpose.
In a statement released to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Minna hilltop-based army general noted that the President has been “an excellent role model to many young aspiring politicians and even to the not-so-young, because of the way and manner you have managed to sustain the survival of our country as an indivisible one nation albeit in the face of many daunting diversions.”
“You achieved great success in the fight against corruption, terrorism and other forms of insecurity in addition to getting our country out of economic recession.
“I wish to congratulate you for all the achievements you have recorded in your lifetime and particularly for your humility, deep sense of honesty and faith you have shown in the various aspects of governance, politics and democracy as our President.”
“As we get over our mid-seventies, we can say with all sense of modesty that we should celebrate every birthday anniversary with prayers in order for us to thank Allah for all the blessings and the bounties He showered upon us.”
“It is only fair that we pause and reflect in our own different ways on all the life’s challenges we face day by day and the positive strides we have been blessed to attain.
“A typical day in the life of a Nigerian President requires faith, poise, patience, tenacity, experience, strategic thinking and quality character for one to get through it.
“I join the first lady, Aisha and all your children and grandchildren in wishing you many happy returns of your birthday.” Aisha’s loyalty and support, as the home front commander, is invigorating since by our age we require much comfort, care and affection at home. Welcome to our club of the over 75,” he concluded.
Buhari was toppled by Babangida on August 25, 1985. Buhari retreated into civilian life after several years of restriction by the Babangida junta and came out to serve as chairman of Petroleum Trust Fund during Sani Abacha era.
In 2003, Buhari had his first shot at the presidency. He did not win. He tried again in 2007 and 2011 and also failed to win. On his fourth attempt in 2015, he made the record as the first challenger to defeat an incumbent in the presidential election in Nigeria.
