A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has felicitated former Military Head of State Retired Gen.Ibrahim Babangida (IBB ), on his 84th birthday

George congratulated Babangida  in a statement in Lagos on Monday

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Babangida was Nigeria’s eighth Commander-in-Chief from 1985 to 1993.

George, a retired Commodore, was Military Governor of Old Ondo State from 1987 to 1990 ,during the Babangida years.

He described Babaginda as a patriot, visionary and selfless leader ,who contributed immensely  to national development

He said  the leadership style of the octogenarian was defined by “persuasion, charisma and a high intelligence network.

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George said Babaginda articulated a vision for the future by mobilising Nigerians toward a desired goal.

He  added as Head of State, Babangida was” bold, resolute, persistent, communicative, inspirational, magnetic, open-minded, innovative, imaginative, collaborative, resolute and goal-oriented”.

The PDP chieftain said he learnt  so much  as a military governor under IBB  and in other military postings.

George said Babaginda  was  instrumental in stabilising democracy in the West African sub-region.

He cited  use of ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) troops by Babangida to restore stability in Liberia after civil war erupted in that country.

‘I join millions of your admirers to celebrate you as you clock 84 years. I want to boldly say, as my boss, that you have made invaluable contributions to the economic and political development of this country.

“This was right from when you joined the Nigerian Army in the 1960s. Even today, you are still mentoring the younger generation to always add value to our democratic system.

“That.is  why I strongly believe you deserve to be celebrated on your 84th birthday. Becoming Head of State at a young age of 44, you shaped the political and economic development of Nigeria in a dynamic way.

“You set out concrete steps to achieve your administration’s specific goals. When you assumed office in 1985, you met 19 states but on Sept. 23, 1987, you created Akwa Ibom and Katsina states.

“On Aug. 27, 1991, you also created nine more states: Abia, Enugu, Delta, Jigawa, Kebbi, Osun, Kogi, Taraba and Yobe, bringing the total number of states in Nigeria then to 30.

“You also created many agencies to spread development across the country.”

 (NAN)