Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello
has said the country still needs elder statesman
and former military President, General Ibrahim
Badamasi Babangida around for his wise counsel
at this critical period.

Bello, who welcomed the former military leader
back from a medical trip to Germany, said wise
counsel of leaders who had weathered the storm
and distinguished themselves was needed to bail
the country out from the woods.

The governor who spoke in Minna on Friday was
full of praises to Allah (SWT) for preserving the life
of the former military leader.

Bello said: “despite unfounded rumour about the life of our national icon, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, we are grateful that it pleases Allah (SWT) to preserve his life and bring him back safely
and healthier to continue in the good work of nation building.

“General Ibrahim Babangida remain one of the few leaders in this country that we still need around to
tap from their wealth of experience and knowledge
and we are grateful he is back and kicking like the
old soldier he is.

“Your safe return has finally put a lie to the rumour
and the evil machinations of those who are playing
God. We are grateful to Allah (SWT) that He has
silence them”.

Babangida returned on Friday to Minna International Airport at about 3:30pm after a three
week medical trip to a German Hospital.

The rumour of his death was awash in the social
media last week before it was refuted by his son
Mohammed Babandgida.

The governor then advised the media, especially
the new media to be cautious in spreading death
rumour, stressing that such practice was not only
unethical, it was un-cultured and immoral.

He added that, “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 portend
danger for the society that the media cannot be
trusted.

“The media should be guided by the 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”.