IBB impacted Nigeria in ways no other leader has, Tinubu says

President Bola Tinubu has described former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida as a leader whose eight-year rule left enduring marks on Nigeria’s political, economic and geographic landscape.

Tinubu made the assessment while congratulating Babangida, who turns 85 on Monday.

The President said Babangida’s contributions to Nigeria’s development remained significant, despite the controversies that surrounded his administration.

“Like him or not, former President Babangida impacted Nigeria in ways no other leader has,” Tinubu said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday.

He said Babangida “expanded the nation’s economy, established lasting infrastructure, and created several agencies and institutions that continue to serve the national interest.”

Tinubu also credited the former military ruler with playing a significant role in the creation of states, saying his “foresight, wisdom, and sense of equity and fairness” helped shape Nigeria’s current geographical structure.

Babangida became military president in 1985 following a coup that removed Muhammadu Buhari from power and ruled until 1993.

Tinubu said Babangida’s contributions had secured him an “indelible” place in Nigeria’s history, adding that the former military president continued to offer valuable counsel to the country even in retirement.

“Even in retirement, living a quiet life at his Minna Hilltop residence in Niger State, General Babangida continues to offer valuable counsel and guidance to the nation,” he said.