Former
military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) has expressed
confidence in the ability of President Muhammadu Buhari to get Nigeria back on
a sound economic and social footing. He described the Buhari administration as
focused, having identified the problems plaguing the country and strategising
on how best to proffer enduring solutions to them.
He gave
the assessment yesterday at a news conference to mark the anniversary of his
74th year birthday. Gen. Babangida, who turns 74, spoke at his Hilltop residence
in Minna, Niger State.
He said: “I am confident that they (the government) are doing
well. They have identified the problems and they look resolute in confronting
these problems head-on and there are a lot of people in the society who are
offering a lot of sound advice on how to move the country forward and are not
relenting.”
“I must commend the present leadership for identifying even before
and after the election some of the problems facing this country. We should
support the President towards achieving these objectives of ensuring security,
wiping out corruption and economic development.”
On the
war against terror, the former military leader said that the Federal Government
must fight Boko Haram and tackle other militant groups head-on and stamp
terrorism, even as he cautioned against negotiating with wrong leaders of the
outlawed group.
Gen. Babangida called for public understanding of government
policies and programmes at a time he described as a ‘trying period for the
nation.’
“The people and the government must come together. People should
support the government and government too should come up with solutions to
ameliorate the problem that every government faces,” he advised.
Recounting how he survived the botched military coup staged by
Gideon Okar against his administration, Gen. Babangida said: “I can remember
fairly well; I had some loyal officers who are supposed to be my protectors and
my body guards. Initially they told me to leave but I told them no, I am not
leaving for anywhere but they remained stubborn and later I took my family
outside Dodan barracks and joined my guards.
“So, we went out of Dodan barracks and we went to a safe house
where we got in contact with loyal troops. May God bless Sani Abacha (late Head
of State). The late Gen Sani Abacha was the Chief of Army Staff, he got
in touch with me. I got in touch with him and we sat down and talk on what we
were going to do.
“Abacha and I rallied round the loyal troops and then I left my
State House and joined Abacha in his house. That is what happened.”
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