Tinubu celebrates IBB at 83, praises his role in ‘sculpting modern Nigeria’

President Bola Tinubu has commended Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, a former military ruler, for his role in the “sculpting of modern Nigeria”.

The president spoke in a message celebrating the 83rd birthday of the former head of state.

Babangida, popularly known as IBB, was military head of state from 1985 to 1993 before he stepped aside for Ernest Shonekan, who took over as interim president of the country.

IBB is also remembered for annulling the June 12, 1993, presidential election. It is widely acknowledged that Moshood Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was tipped to win the poll until Babangida nullified the process.

In the birthday message signed by Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, Tinubu praised IBB’s endeavours towards the “development of the nation.”

The president credited Babangida with “the completion of the Third Mainland Bridge, which at the time was the longest bridge in Africa,” and hailed him for his “service” to Nigeria.

The president then wished the former head of state many more years in good health.

Tinubu was a member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a pro-democracy group that sprang up after the annulment of the June 12 election and Abiola’s imprisonment by the late Sani Abacha a few years later.