President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated former President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on his 78th birthday.
This is according to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Saturday.
In a message to the former Head of State, President Buhari said:
“On behalf of the Federal Executive Council, my family and all Nigerians, please accept my warm felicitations on your 78th birthday.
“On this special day of your life, the reminiscences of your courage and invaluable service to the army in protecting the sovereignty of the country come to the fore. Thank you for the role of statesman you are playing in the affairs the nation.
“As you age gracefully, the country will continue to look up to you for guidance and wisdom. May Allah continue to increase your health and grant you the strength to give your best to your family and the nation,” Buhari said.
The DEFENDER reports that Babangida was the Chief of Army Staff who removed General Muhammadu Buhari as Military Head of State for a reason yet to be justified till present, despite repeated challenges by the former boss now as elected President asking him to “explain to Nigerians why you overthrew my government in 1985”.
Records have it that Buhari granted an interview years back long before his first election that he had only forgiven Babangida but would never forget his bad treatment towards him.
“But in the spirit of brotherhood as enjoined by Islam, President Buhari as an unpretending, sincere Muslim, has continued to behave well towards Babangida despite his past experience with him and roles he notably played with the Olusegun Obasanjo-led Third Force Coalition against his 2019 re-election,” a respondent moved by the President’s birthday message to IBB told The DEFENDER.
