By Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
Presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Prince Adewole Ebenezer Adebayo, has congratulated former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, on his 85th birthday, describing him as a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political history.
In a congratulatory message issued on Monday, Adebayo said Babangida’s decades of service as a soldier, military leader and elder statesman had made a lasting impact on Nigeria’s political and institutional development.
He said the former military president’s 85th birthday offered Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on his role in some of the defining moments of the nation’s history.
“General Babangida has lived through some of the most defining chapters of our nation’s history. His journey as a soldier, military leader and elder statesman provides an important part of the story of Nigeria and the continuing evolution of our nation,” Adebayo said.
The SDP presidential candidate noted that the milestone should also prompt reflection on the responsibilities associated with leadership and public service.
According to him, Nigeria must continue to learn from its past, preserve the lessons of its political history and strengthen institutions capable of securing a better future for generations to come.
Adebayo extended his goodwill on behalf of his family, the SDP and Nigerians who recognise the contributions of the country’s elder statesmen. He wished Babangida continued good health, peace and wisdom.
He also called on Nigerians to respect the experience and wisdom of the nation’s elder statesmen while ensuring that lessons from the country’s political history continue to shape its democratic development.
“I therefore celebrate General Babangida on this important milestone and wish him many more years of good health, peace and wisdom. May his remaining years continue to be marked by opportunities to contribute to national dialogue and the advancement of Nigeria,” he said.
Adebayo further prayed that Almighty God would grant Babangida strength, good health and longevity.
General Babangida served as Nigeria’s military president from 1985 to 1993 and remains one of the country’s most prominent and widely debated figures in political history.
