…Salutes Gen Babangida at 80

The Vice Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2019 elections, Mr Peter Obi, has expressed warm felicitations to former military President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Babangida, as he marks his 80th birthday.

Speaking at Gen Babangida’s birthday celebration in Minna, Obi expressed gratitude for Babangida’s economic plan which laid emphasis on a private sector driven economy. Obi mentioned that his economic policies freed the economy from excessive government involvement.

‘I speak here as a trader and not as a politician. Under Gen Babangida the private sector thrived. Businesses and manufacturing industries sprang up all over the nation, even in Nnewi, Onitsha, Aba. Such economic policy is needed today for our economic growth,’ Obi said.

Obi equally described Babangida as a detribalised Nigerian whose desire for a more united Nigeria and integrated development of the nation burned high. Speaking of him as a resourceful leader, Obi said he was courageous, broad-minded and accommodating.

‘As he celebrates his birthday today may God protect, bless him and his family always. I wish him a Happy 80th birthday,’ Obi said.