By Oscar Okhifo
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has congratulated ex-Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd) on the occasion of his 83rd birthday.
IBB as he is fondly called, was born on August 17, 1941 in Minna, the Niger State Capital.
Hated and loved in equal measures by Nigerians, the gap-toothed General ruled Nigeria from August 1985 to August 1993 when the political tension ocassioned by the annulment of the June 12 Presidential election forced him to step aside.
In a congratulatory message he personally signed ahead of Babangida’s birthday anniversary, Atiku lauded the retired General for his role in the socio-economic and political development of Nigeria.
The statement read in part: “As we commemorate General Ibrahim Badamasi 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.
“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 a veiled reference to the inclusiveness of the military regime of the Minna-born general, Atiku noted that “IBB serves as a reminder of the importance of striving for unity in diversity.”
Not unaware of the the diverse opinions on Babangida held by Nigerians during his turbulent political transition programme which earned him the nickname Maradona; Atiku had this to say:
“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.”
In an apparent shot fired in the direction of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, the former Vice President added: “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.
“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.”