Buhari, Lawan, northern govs greet IBB at 79

President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, on his 79th birthday.

Buhari, in a statement on Sunday by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, joined family, friends and associates to celebrate with the elder statesman.

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Buhari said his services to the country will always be remembered as the former military leader turned a new age.

He prayed that the Almighty God continually strengthen Babangida, grant him good health and longer life.

Similarly, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, in a statement by his spokesman, Ola Awoniyi, rejoiced with Babangida on his 79th birthday.

Lawan said the former Nigerian leader could be proud of his contributions to the defence of the territorial integrity, unity, and political and sociology-economic development of Nigeria.

He noted that Babangida had remained passionate about Nigeria more than two decades after his exit from active public service.

Lawan urged the elder statesman to continue to avail those in leadership positions the benefits of  his experience and wise counsel for the unity, stability and progress of the nation.

The Senate president wished Babangida many more years of good health and peace of mind.

In the same vein, the Northern Governors Forum joined other Nigerians as well as Babangida’s family to rejoice with him on his 79th birthday.

The chairman of the forum and governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong, in a message signed by his spokesman, Dr Makut Simon Macham, described Babangida as a loyal and patriotic Nigerian leader who had continued to serve the nation.

Lalong said Babangida, over the years, had made sacrifices towards the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria and also impacted the political landscape by offering wise counsel particularly on critical national issues.

He stated: “As you clock 79, we cannot forget your contributions to the human and infrastructural development of Nigeria as well as in mentoring of many persons who are today serving Nigeria in different areas”.