Abdusalami, Obasanjo, Saraki, Others in Minna for IBB’s 80th Birthday

Notable Nigerians converged in Minna, Niger State, yesterday, to celebrate with former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, marked his 80th birthday.

Leading the pack of prominent Nigerians, who paid homage to IBB on his birthday is a former military and civilian President of the country, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who called early at the Hilltop residence of the general.

Obasanjo had flown to Minna from Abuja and on arrival at IBB’s residence, the main sitting area was cleared of all guests to allow the duo to have a private discussion.

Even another former military head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who had been with IBB before the arrival of Obasanjo, also excused the two leaders.

No one was, however, privy to the discussion between the two generals.

The press was also prevented from moving beyond the first security post in IBB’s house, resulting in those who had arrived at the gates as early as 8 am being asked to leave.

Others who visited IBB were former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; National Chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Seconds; Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state and Senators Rochas Okorocha, Ben Obi, Philip Aduda and former Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State.

The list also included General Aliyu Gusau, who was National Security Adviser during the administration of the celebrant; a media mogul, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, diplomats and members of the organised private sector.

Virtually all those that came presented gifts to the former military president.

Secondus, who led some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to Minna, Niger State capital, said the party was happy to be part of the 80th birthday ceremony as they always identified with great leaders, who served this country well.

“Gen Babangida is our father. He is the father of the nation, we will continue to identify with him,” the PDP leader said, adding that Babangida served the country wholeheartedly and that his records of achievements would continue to speak for themselves.

In a special Christian prayer during the prayer session for the celebrant, Secondus asked God to grant him more years so that the country could continue to tap on his wisdom and talent.

He said more than ever before, the country needed the deep wise counsel of Babangida at this time and prayed to God to grant him and his household the peace that was needed for his longevity.

Obi, in his remark, said IBB’s economic policy during his time was needed to salvage the country now.

Obi said traders and bankers like him had their best time during the era of Babangida because under him, Aba and Onitsha flourished and that meant a lot for them.

He too prayed to God to grant Babangida more years as he, Obi desired to return to Minna to celebrate his 90th birthday.

On Monday, a lecture and presentation of a book on Babangida took place in Minna, where the Publisher of BluePrint Newspaper, Alhaji Ibrahim Malagi, who was represented by his Media Aide, Alhaji Jibrin Ndace, said people should be celebrated, when alive to serve as motivation to the upcoming generation.

Titled, “The pyrography of A General”, the book was authored by Ibrahim Mohammed Muye and the lecture was organised by the Youth Congress of Niger State.