Why I didn’t retire Abacha before I left – IBB

Why I didn’t retire Abacha before I left – IBB

IBB

He was involved in all but one military coup in the country.He was in the thick of action at the battle front during the civil war  with a bullet lodged in his body resulting in the famous radilocupathy.Then he rose to become Chief of Army Staff and later Nigeria’s first military President until he “stepped aside” to use his own words  in 1993. General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida turned 71 yesterday, and, as part of the activities to mark  the  low keyed birthday celebration, he hosted journalists at  his  residence in Minna. He fielded  questions on national issues, including the June 12, state police, the Boko Haram insurgency and other national challenges. JIDE ORINTUNSIN was there.

Excerpts:

How do you feel at 71?

I thank God I am ageing gracefully. Well,  this is another opportunity to appeal to all of us to strive to live in peace with one another.That is the only way our country can move forward. The only way for us to channel our God- given opportunities is to live harmoniously with one another. This is the only way to be a great country, not only the present generation but also the  generations to come. Nigeria has a lot of potential; a  lot of good people; but without peace, we cannot move anywhere.