By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Nigeria's former President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has explained why leaders, eminent Nigerians, groups and ordinary citizens flock the Minna residence of Nigeria's former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB).
Jonathan made this disclosure last week Sunday (August 17, 2025) when he paid a visit to Babangida in Minna, Niger state capital on the occasion of his 84th birthday celebration. He described IBB as one of the best leaders the country has produced since independence.
Speaking in an interview after a closed door meeting, and later presented a birthday card to his host, Dr Goodluck Jonathan described IBB as one of Nigeria's finest and committed leader who believes so much in her unity in diversity.
The former President who extolled the salient virtues of IBB especially during his days as military president and notwithstanding critics of his then administration, said, "IBB did his best for the country".
Contrary to beliefs in some quarters, former President Jonathan said, "IBB did his best as a Military Head of State, that's why till today people still visit regularly. His house is Mecca of sorts, that tells you a lot about the character of IBB".
The former Nigerian leaders who had a closed door with IBB said, "One thing is that General Babangida stands out very clearly as one of those committed leaders that wants the best for this country".
"He takes Nigeria, the whole country as his own. IBB is not a sectional leader, he is somebody who believes in the unity of this country. He has his friends that cuts across all the corners of this country".
"IBB is one person we will continue to celebrate", Goodluck Jonathan said as he pray that God continues to grant strength to former leader to continue to mentor younger generations.
IBB is not just a leader but believes in the indivisibility of Nigeria, adding that, "He has done well and we will continue to celebrate him. We pray for his longer life for him to continue to mentor the younger ones". NNL.