TheCable

Ibrahim Babangida, former military president and a retired general, says Nigeria is in “safe hands” with President Goodluck Jonathan as leader.

He was speaking at his Minna home on receiving Jonathan, who had gone to Niger to campaign.

Babangida thanked Jonathan for visiting him despite his busy schedule.

He said: “I was touched when you visited me in Germany after nine hours of surgery and you came again‎ to visit me after I returned to see how I am faring.

“You have made a very good decision to visit Minna during your presidential campaign because Minna is known for producing presidents, beginning from your namesake President Azikiwe, who was born in Zungeru.

“And since then most of the presidents of Nigeria have one thing or the other, they come here to ask for blessing and I will offer this blessing to you Mr. President.

“When we were doing nocturnal activities for the PDP, this house held several meetings.

“My family and I are proud of this. I commend the party for being very strong.

“I see in PDP a party, an organisation devoid of religion, division. You have shown leadership even when others are breaking up you have remain strong.

“Jonathan and I share a common passion which is Nigeria remains strong, united and indivisible. I wish you well. Nigeria under Jonathan is in safe hands.”

Jonathan said Babamgida “has taken me as a son since my days as deputy governor”.

Last year, Babangida had said anybody who loved Nigeria would support Jonathan, in what was interpreted as an endorsement of the president for a second term.

But weeks later, Muhammadu Buhari, also a former head of state, paid Babangida a visit in Minna and his running mate, Yemi Osinbajo, tweeted that Babangida had endorsed Jonathan’s challenger in the presidential election.