ABUJA — The Northern Senators Forum has described former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, as a leader who provided stability, direction and national cohesion during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent periods.
The senators made the assessment in a birthday tribute marking Babangida’s 85th birthday, highlighting what they described as his administration’s lasting contributions to Nigeria’s political and administrative development.
The Forum said Babangida assumed leadership at a time of deep political and social uncertainty and credited his administration with providing the stability and sense of direction the country needed.
Among the major achievements highlighted by the senators was the creation of 11 states between 1987 and 1989. The states were Akwa Ibom, Katsina, Enugu, Jigawa, Abia, Osun, Taraba, Yobe, Delta, Kebbi and Kogi.
The Northern Senators Forum said the creation of Katsina, Jigawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Yobe and Kogi significantly reshaped the administrative structure of northern Nigeria by bringing government closer to the people and widening political representation.
According to the Forum, the restructuring addressed longstanding demands for greater inclusion and representation while creating opportunities for rural development and strengthening Nigeria’s federal structure.
Abuja capital relocation
The senators also singled out Babangida’s role in the development of Abuja as Nigeria’s federal capital, describing the relocation from Lagos as one of the defining decisions of his administration.
They noted that Babangida completed and inaugurated Abuja as the nation’s capital in 1991, describing the move as a strategic decision aimed at promoting national integration, neutrality and cohesion.
The Forum said Abuja has since developed into Nigeria’s political and diplomatic centre and a symbol of the country’s diversity, bringing together citizens from different parts of the federation.
The senators said Babangida’s legacy should be assessed within the context of the stability, direction and national cohesion his administration sought to promote during a critical period in Nigeria’s history.
“As we celebrate you at 85, the Northern Senators Forum prays for continued strength, wisdom and good health for you, General,” the senators said.
They also expressed the hope that Babangida’s counsel would remain available to the nation and that the ideals of a stable, united and prosperous Nigeria would ultimately be realised.
The tribute was signed by Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, who prayed for the former military president’s continued good health and long life.
