Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has congratulated former military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, on the occasion of his 83rd birthday.
In a congratulatory message posted on Saturday, via his official account on X, Atiku said Babangida’s qualities “distinguish him as a unique statesman”.
He said Babangida’s inclusive leadership in his time as military leader is one to be emulated by the present day leadership in Nigeria, adding that division and ethnic bigotry has no place in the Nigerian society.
Atiku said, “It is a rare quality to possess a personality that captivates the attention of all who encounter it.
“For General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, the allure of his name and his hospitable demeanour distinguish him as a unique statesman.
“IBB’s distinguished military career and his role as a politician who embraced inclusive politics are defining aspects of his enigmatic persona.
“In an era overshadowed by the divisive forces of ethno-religious prejudice in our national politics, IBB serves as a reminder of the importance of striving for unity in diversity.
“While some scholarly works draw parallels between IBB’s statecraft and the strategies outlined in Niccolo Machiavelli’s writings, highlighting his prowess as a strategic thinker, I hold a contrasting view. I believe that the IBB administration pursued altruistic goals in its moral quest for a nation where our diversity could be effectively managed through a shared commitment to unity. IBB’s federalist orientation is evident in the composition of his administration.
“Today, unlike in the past, we witness the troubling display of bigotry and ethnocentric divisions in our nation, with individuals in positions of authority often promoting such divisive behaviours.
“Regrettably, contemporary politics has become polarized as some politicians hold the misguided belief that power must be pursued at any cost.
“As we commemorate General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida on his 83rd birthday, let us reflect on our values regarding national unity and the promotion of Nigeria as a nation where primordial tendencies have no place for growth.
“It is the desire for such a rebirth that I am again calling on opposition political parties in the country to come together and make our democracy worth its name,” Atiku said.
Who Is Babangida?
Babangida, who was Nigeria’s head of state between 1985 to 1993, is no stranger to controversies.
In 1985, Babangida orchestrated a coup against General Muhammadu Buhari, using his strategic alliances within the military. The coup was executed on August 27, with Babangida taking over as head of state and justifying the takeover as a response to Buhari’s rigid regime. Babangida restructured the government and created new security agencies.
In 1989, Babangida began transitioning to a civilian government by introducing a two-party system and setting up elections.
However, the 1992 presidential primaries were annulled, and the transition council was established. The June 1993 presidential election, which was won by Moshood Abiola, was annulled by Babangida, leading to widespread unrest.
Babangida resigned in August 1993, and an interim government was formed, eventually leading to General Sani Abacha’s takeover. Continue>
