Former Nigerian military dictator, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd), has returned home from a medical trip to Germany.
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State welcomed Babangida back home yesterday from the trip, saying that wise counsel of leaders and elder statesmen who have weathered the storm and distinguished themselves like the former military president are needed to bail the country out of the woods.
Sani, who spoke in Minna, Niger State capital, emphasised that Babangida is still very much needed around for his wise counsel at this critical period, and he (Sani) was full of praises to Allah (SWT) for preserving the life of the former military leader reputed for canceling Nigeria's freest and fairest Une 1993 election.
"In spite of the unfounded rumour about the life of our "national icon," General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, we are grateful that it pleases Allah to preserve his life and bring him back safely and healthier to continue the good work of nation-building.
"General Ibrahim Babangida remains one of the few leaders in this country that we still need around to tap from their wealth of experiences and knowledge, and we are grateful that he is back and kicking like the old soldier, who he is.
"Your safe return has finally put a lie to the rumour and evil machinations of those who are playing God. We are grateful to Allah (SWT) that He has silenced them."Babangida returned today to Minna International Airport at about 3:30 pm after a three-week medical trip to a German hospital. The rumour of his death was awash in the social media recently before it was refuted by his son, Mohammed Babangida.
Meanwhile, the governor urged the media, especially the new media to be cautious in spreading death rumour, stressing that such practice is not only unethical but uncultured and immoral.
"It is high time media practitioners, especially those in the social media refrain from broadcasting or publishing falsehood. Aside from questioning the integrity of the media, it portends danger for the society that the media cannot be trusted.
"The media should be guided by ethics of the profession. If you are not sure, don't share. The social media purported death of General Babangida was reckless, unethical and unwarranted."
