Tinubu salutes Babangida at 83
By Jeffrey Agbo
President Bola Tinubu has felicitated Nigeria’s former head of state, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd), on his 83rd birthday.
The president’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, conveyed the message in a statement on Saturday.
Babangida ruled as military president of Nigeria from 1985 when he orchestrated a coup d’état against his military and political arch-rival Muhammadu Buhari, until his resignation in 1993 as a result of the post-12 June 1993 election which he illegally nullified.
Tinubu noted efforts made by Babangida towards the development of the nation, especially in infrastructure and other areas.
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The president lauded the celebrant’s efforts in the completion of the Third Mainland Bridge, which at the time was the longest bridge in Africa.
“The President acknowledges the role of General Babangida in the sculpting of modern Nigeria, and commends him for his services to the nation.
“President Tinubu wishes the former head of state many more years in good health,” said Ngelale.
Babangida rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army fighting in the Nigerian Civil War and at various times being involved in almost all the military coups in Nigeria, before advancing to the full-rank of a general and ultimately as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces; and as an unelected president and military dictator from 1985 to 1993, ruling for an uninterrupted period of eight years.