Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida said yesterday Nigeria is in safe hands under President Goodluck Jonathan.
He stated this when he received the President and his delegation at his Minna Hilltop residence, after the presidential campaign rally at the Trade Fair Complex in Minna.
Babangida thanked Jonathan sincerely for visiting him despite his busy schedule. The General said he shared the same passion with Jonathan, a passion which he said was the genuine zeal to transform Nigeria and keep Nigeria united.
Babangida said: “I felt touched when you visited me in Germany after nine hours of surgery and you came again to visit me after I returned to see how I am faring.
“You have made a very good decision to visit Minna during your presidential campaign because Minna is known for producing presidents, beginning from your name’s sake, President Nnamdi Azikiwe, who was born in Zungeru.
“And since then, most of the president’s of Nigeria have one thing or the other, they come here to ask for blessing and I will offer this blessing to you, Mr. President. When we were doing nocturnal activities for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), this house has held several eetings. My family and I are proud of this. I commend the party for being very strong.
“I see in PDP, a party, an organisation devoid of religion, division. You have shown leadership even when others are breaking up you have remained strong. Jonathan and I share a common passion which is Nigeria remains strong, united and indivisible. I wish you well. Nigeria under Jonathan is in safe hands,” he said.
Earlier, Jonathan said he was pleased each time he came to see Babangida, saying, ‎”you have taken me as a son since my days as deputy governor. You have been a pillar and supportive of me.
“I have come to present myself and Vice President Namadi Sambo, to you because we are seeking to return to office. You are a leader of our party, you are stabilising factor of our country and party and have been encouraging the young ones to grow.
“We sincerely thank you for this reception. We pray for long life so that you will continue to mentor us,” Jonathan said.
In his address, National Chairman of the PDP, Adamu Muazu, said Jonathan and his entourage came to visit Babangida because “his leadership has motivated and encouraged a lot of us to what we are today and what we do. We have not had an opportunity to thank you as a visionary government.
“The work you did has remained unparalleled in Nigeria’s history. Jonathan from a different religion and tribe has found you to be behind him to strengthen him today. We are here to pay homage, for you to give us encouragement, prayers for us to attain where we want to be. Being one of the founding fathers of our party, you have encouraged us in the party, you have continued to stabilise our country.
“We pray for sound health and God to protect you so that you will continue to avail us of your intelligence,” he said.