The re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan Tuesday received a big boost as former
Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, again enjoined Nigerians to support him.
Babangida said in Minna that the country was very safe in the hands of the President going by the stability presently being enjoyed.
He spoke at his Minna Uphill residence when he played host to President Jonathan, who was in Niger State in continuation of his nationwide campaign.
IBB said, “I share same passion with Jonathan in making sure of a peaceful, stable and developed Nigeria.
“Whenever I discuss with him (Jonathan), I see a young man who has passion for Nigeria.
“Under Jonathan. Nigeria is in safe hand.
“All Presidents that this country has produced have come to Minna for blessing and today that you (Jonathan) have come. I will offer you that blessing.”
Babangida also commended the party for going on the right path as the party is devoid of religious and ethnicity.
Speaking earlier, President Jonathan had this to say about his host, “As a deputy governor, you took me as a son and since I came on board as vice president till date, you have been a pillar and a charismatic leader.
“You have been a stabilising factor in this country in many ways.
“You are not like some other past leaders.
“We pray for long life for you so that you can continue to mentor the country and you give rightful direction to us.”
The President later went into a closed door meeting with his host and some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party on his entourage.
Jonathan arrived in Babangida’s house at 5:15pm.
On the President’s entourage to Babangida’s residence were Vice President Namadi Sambo; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mohammed Sada; the Minister for Special Duties, Saminu Turaki; the Minister of State for Agriculture, Mrs. Asmau Asabe Ahmed; the Director General of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, Ahmadu Alli; Prof. Jerry Gana; and the PDP National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu.
Also, the Emir of Minna, Umar Farouk Bahago, assured President Jonathan that royal fathers in the state will support and pray for him.
Bahago added that Jonathan has done a lot to better the lives of Nigerians.
He said: “By the special grace of God, you are our number one citizen and leader.
“We appreciate your enormous works.
“We will lend our necessary support and pray for your success.
“You have tried to make Nigeria excel with your transformation programmes.
“We therefore owe you a duty to support you.
“But know this: power belongs to God.
“He gives it to whoever He pleases and takes it from whoever He pleases.”
