Following weeks of speculations on the state of health and “death” of former military ruler, Ibrahim Babangida, he has returned to the country on Friday after a medical trip to a German Hospital.
On arriving at the Minna International Airport around 3:30pm, he was received by close associates.
Commenting on the return of the elder statesman, Abubakar Bello, governor of Niger state, said Nigeria still needs Babangida around.
He said the wise counsel of leaders, who have weathered the storm and distinguished themselves, are needed to bail the country out from the woods.
“General Ibrahim Babangida remain one of the few leaders in this country that we still need around to tap from their wealth of experience and knowledge and we are grateful he is back and kicking like the old soldier he is,” he said.
There were rumours about his death, but Bello said God preserved IBB, as he is fondly called, to prove those behind the fake report to shame.
“Despite unfounded rumour about the life of our national icon, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, we are grateful that it pleases Allah (SWT) to preserve his life and bring him back safely and healthier to continue in the good work of nation building,” he said.
“Your safe return has finally put a lie to the rumour and the evil machinations of those who are playing God. We are grateful to Allah (SWT) that He has silence them.
“It is high time media practitioners, especially those in the social media refrain from broadcasting or publishing falsehood. Aside from questioning the integrity of the media, it portend danger for the society that the media cannot be trusted.
“The media should be guided by the ethics of the profession. If you are not sure, don’t share. The social media purported death of General Babangida was reckless, unethical and unwarranted.”
