Ibrahim Babangida
Former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has recounted how a seer predicted that his long time friend, General Ibrahim Babangida, aka IBB, will one day rule Nigeria.
Somehow, the prophesy rubbed off on him too as both men at different times became Heads of state.
He also recalled how he and Babangida were lured into the military by Yakubu Gowon, another successful Army officer who ruled the nation.
Abubakar said what he and IBB ever dreamt of was to attain the rank of captain before retiring. He spoke at a book launch in Abuja in honour of Babangida. The book titled A JOURNEY IN SERVICE is an autobiography of the man who transited from military Head of State to Military President and annulled an election considered by most Nigerians to be the most credible in the nation’s democratic history.
Abubakar said: “Let me go back memory lane. While we were growing up in the little town of Minna about 80 years ago, as far back as 1952, a soothsayer told us that IBB was going to be the head of state of this country. We never believed him. Then Captain Gowon, a young smart officer, lured us to join the military. When we joined the army, all our hope was to get to the rank of a captain and retire. God in his mercy propelled us to become generals and by the grace of God, both of us later became heads of state.
“My relationship with Ibrahim has gone a long way—over 80 years. Ibrahim, I want to thank you again for your friendship and brotherhood. No moment goes by when we remember our escapades without bringing smiles to our faces. May these smiles continue during our twilight”, Abubakar recalled.
In his remark, another former Head of State Yakubu Gowon thanked Babangida for helping him, restoring his rank and contributing to Nigeria’s development.
Gowon said: “I had a very rough time in government, I was even charged for treason. Later on, President Shagari rescinded that order, and you (IBB) in the end restored my rank and honour. You did quite a lot for the country.”
Former President Goodluck Jonathan at the event called on the Federal Government to help in the management of presidential libraries. He lauded Babangida for writing the book.
Jonathan believes the project will add to the documentation of Nigeria’s rich history.
“So, if you contribute to the documentation of the history, it makes your history stronger, more relevant,” the ex-president said.
Former presidents, vice presidents and other dignitaries graced the occasion where humungous amount was raised for his Presidential Library project.
President Bola Tinubu was among the special guests at the book which shut down traffic in Abuja.
