Nigeria won't break up in 2015 – IBB
FORMER Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (Rtd), has added in to calm the apprehensions of Nigerian about 2015.
He has this word for those fearful about the future of Nigeria after 2015: the country would not disintegrate despite the political hiccups and myriads of challenges bedeviling it in recent times.
Speaking at a media briefing at his Hill Top mansion in Minna as part of the activities to commemorate his 72nd birthday that comes on Saturday (today), the former head of state gave the impression that the fears are often exaggerated.
He said, 'when you were not in Nigeria and you hear the noise, you will think that the country will break, but when you come into the country, you will see people relating well with one another.
'In spite of the claim by alarmists who want to instill fear into the people, Nigeria is a blessed country that can never break up. Forget about disintegration because of 2015 campaign. People say all sorts of things to instill fear. You may think the country is about to disintegrate. Nigeria does not look like that.
'Nigeria is an amazing country. When you live outside the country, you think Nigeria will break due to the noise you hear. But when you enter, you see the people laughing heartily together.'
Babangida disagreed with the recent comment by another former President Olusegun Obasanjo that the younger generation of Nigerians were a disappointment
In the opinion of Minna general, there are younger generation elements in the country that are doing remarkably well in their chosen careers that should be encouraged and not derided.
But when he was asked to mention some of those achievers, the elder statesman said he would not mention names, but acknowledged their positive contributions to the peace, unity and development of the country.
He, however, pleaded with Nigerians to allow peace and tranquility to dominate the affairs of Nigeria, insisting there can never be growth and development in an atmosphere of rancor and acrimony.
Babangida said that Nigerians should give credit to Obasanjo for his role and stand for unity of the country, describing him as a leader worthy of emulation.
'We have gone through a lot of things as a nation, which included struggle for independence, struggle to stabilize the polity after the independence. We went through the civil war; so many things, and these were all in the process of making the country great as serviced by our founding fathers.
'And in any developing country, there are ups and downs and I think our leaders are doing well. I only keep arguing to ensure that the citizenry remain steadfast and in peace, love one another and keep on working harder. I am very optimistic about this country,' he concluded.
Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated the former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on his 72nd birthday today, commending his untiring efforts at preserving the unity of the nation.
In a congratulatory letter to Babangida issued in Abuja on Friday, Jonathan praised the retired General for his life of outstanding accomplishments, rejoicing with him on behalf of the First Family, the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.