{HMMM} Nigeria In Safe Hands With Jonathan - General Ibrahim Babangida

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, yesterday told Nigerians that the country is in safe hands with President Goodluck Jonathan. He spoke in his Minna residence when he played host to President Jonathan who was in Niger State in continuation of his nationwide campaign. Babangida said he shared same passion with Jonathan in making sure Nigeria becomes a peaceful, stable and developed nation.



According to him, “whenever I discuss with him (Jonathan), I see a young man who has passion for Nigeria. Under Jonathan, Nigeria is in safe hands. “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.”
He also commended the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for going on the right path as the party is devoid of religion and ethnicity. Earlier, President Jonathan described his host as a dependable pillar that has continued to ensure the stability of the country.

“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 give rightful direction to us.”

The president later went into a closed-door meeting with his host and some chieftains of the party on his entourage. Among those present at IBB’s house with President Jonathan were his vice, Namadi Sambo; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mohammed Sada; Minister for Special Duties, Aminu Turaki; Minister of State for Agriculture, Hajia Asmau Asabe Ahmed; the Director General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Dr. Ahmadu Alli; former Minister of Information and Orientation, Prof. Jerry Gana, and PDP National Chairman, Adamu Mu’azu.

Also, the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago, assured President Jonathan that royal fathers in the state will support and pray for him, adding that he has done a lot to better the lives of Nigerians. “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.

Earlier, President Jonathan had told the Emir that in the last four years, his administration has done well in the area of agriculture and transportation. “If given the opportunity, I promise to take the country to a greater height by making it a country of taking in and not taking out,” he added.

Meanwhile, President Jonathan has said that the PDP is the only party that is paving the right path for Nigeria, adding that it encourages and believes in the youth and women of the country. The president, who spoke at the PDP presidential rally in Minna, the Niger State capital, said that it is the young people who will lead Nigeria to greater heights. He said: “PDP through my administration pledges to empower the youth and give them more opportunities because we are paving the right path for the country.

“My administration will create opportunities for the youth and give them leadership positions to prepare them for the future. “We need youths who will lead the country to where it should go. Young people will bring glory to the country. We are going to create opportunities for them, especially leadership opportunities.” He commended the state governor for his developmental strides in the state, adding that Niger State is known for producing great Nigerians. The rally was held at the Trade Fair Complex in Minna.