Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida | Image: Punch Newspapers
By Valentine Amanze
Nigeria’s former Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has condemned the current precarious socio-economic and political challenges in the country, stressing that only prayers had kept the nation alive so far.
Babangida made the lamentation, while receiving the leadership of the Niger State Christian community, who visited him in Minna, the state capital, at the weekend to commemorate his 84th birthday.
The former head of state also called for sustained prayers by religious bodies, Christians and Moslems in particular, for divine intervention to avert further deterioration of the situation, which he said was capable of ending Nigeria’s existence.
Babangida, still in the euphoria of his 84th birthday celebration, thanked the Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna -led Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State for the visit and prayers.
His words: “I really appreciate you [CAN] for your earnest prayers.
“I must tell you that the prayers of both Christians and Muslims have been very effective and that is what is still keeping this country till now.
“I urge you adherents of Christian faith and the Muslims to maintain the friendship and religious harmony in the overall interests of Nigeria as a country and her citizenry”.
Though heterogeneous, Banangida said that the unity and continued existence of the most populous black nation in the world lies in the hands of Nigerian Christians and Muslims.
Also read: IBB among Nigeria’s finest, committed leaders – Jonathan
Gen. Babangida with members of CAN during the visit.
The state CAN Chairman, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, commended Babangida for being a role model that younger generations will continue to tap from his wealth of experience as not only one of Nigeria’s finest pillars of support but enriched by the show of love and admiration to everyone.
The CAN chairman, represented by his Deputy, Rev. Joshua Markus, said that Babangida’s remarkable vision and contributions resonate across various sectors, and prayed that Almighty God grant him good health and fulfilment in the years to come.
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