Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, praised former Military President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) as he marked his 83 birthday.
Atiku said the former military head of state possesses a rare quality that captivates the attention of all who encounter him.
In a felicitation message on Saturday, the former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stated that IBB has a hospitable demeanour that distinguished him as a unique statesman. 
Atiku said as military head of state, IBB pursued altruistic goals in his moral quest for national unity. He added that IBB’s federalist orientation was evident in his administration.
He said, “IBB’s distinguished military career and his role as a politician who embraced inclusive politics are defining aspects of his enigmatic persona.
“In an era overshadowed by the divisive forces of ethno-religious prejudice in our national politics, IBB serves as a reminder of the importance of striving for unity in diversity. I believe that the IBB administration pursued altruistic goals in its moral quest for a nation where our diversity could be effectively managed through a shared commitment to unity.
“IBB’s federalist orientation is evident in the composition of his administration.
“Today, unlike in the past, we witness the troubling display of bigotry and ethnocentric divisions in our nation, with individuals in positions of authority often promoting such divisive behaviours.
“Regrettably, contemporary politics has become polarized as some politicians hold the misguided belief that power must be pursued at any cost.”
The former vice president called on Nigerians and political leaders to emulate IBB in promoting national unity. He further called on opposition political parties to unite and rescue the nation.
“As we commemorate General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida on his 83rd birthday, let us reflect on our values regarding national unity and the promotion of Nigeria as a nation where primordial tendencies have no place for growth.
“It is the desire for such a rebirth that I am again calling on opposition political parties in the country to come together and make our democracy worth its name,” Atiku Abubakar added.
