Former vice president Atiku Abubakar has said former military president Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s nature is alien to ethnic and religious bigotry and bias, adding that it is one of the finest virtues which has earned him wide respect.
Atiku stated that this is a statement to commemorate the former head of state, popularly called IBB, on his 84th birthday, August 17.
In a statement he personally signed, Atiku said it’s difficult to write about Nigeria’s journey to progress and development without mentioning the role the former military president played in shaping its destiny.
Regarding national infrastructure, Atiku said Babangida’s legacy is still standing tall despite time, adding that he gave Nigeria visionary and purposeful leadership.
Stressing that the foundation the former president laid is worthy of emulation, the former vice president said Babangida is widely respected because of his humble leadership style.
“As one of those Nigerians privileged to know him closely enough, let me say without any fear of contradiction that it’s impossible to interact with him without being instantly inspired by his erudition, intelligence, and extraordinary wisdom. His magnanimity and understanding of our national diversity are among his finest virtues. Even his stubborn critics may automatically change their perception of him once they meet him. This is a widely held testimony about IBB.
“As I said before, Babangida’s understanding of our national diversity is one of the reasons why he is held in high esteem. The massive attendance at the recent launch of his memoirs in Abuja revealed how Nigerians respect him. Truly, he has significantly impacted.
“IBB is a household name in Nigeria, and this may not be unconnected with the impact of his leadership. Rarely do I come across a public figure with such broad-based national respectability. No wonder he is perceived as a phenomenon in Nigeria and beyond. He is a military man with a democratic disposition, and this is one of the great virtues that define him.
“Paying tribute to a remarkable leader like IBB is one of the hardest tasks because one may ultimately run out of adjectives to do justice to his shining virtues. The former military President’s recruitment of Nigeria’s best and finest to implement his administration’s policies stands him out as a visionary leader. Ethnic and religious bigotry and bias are alien to his nature. This is one of the finest virtues for which he is widely respected. His commitment to our unity is laudable. Indeed, he is a nation builder.”
Atiku added that IBB is a bold and decisive leader who never hesitates to make difficult decisions.
“Moreover, he never hesitated to take responsibility for difficult decisions. He didn’t sacrifice his subordinates for his own mistakes. At every point, Nigeria faced challenges to its unity and survival, and he didn’t hesitate to be part of the efforts to find solutions to those challenges.
“As one of those inspired by his visionary leadership, I am proud to recall his efforts towards African stability and unity. His role in bringing peace and stability to Liberia is well noted. IBB is respected by AU and ECOWAS leaders because of his contributions to the stability of Africa. His role in bringing the apartheid system in South Africa to an end is no less remarkable,” the former vice president said.
