Serving senators under the aegis of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) on Monday celebrated former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, as he marked his 85th birthday, commending his contributions to Nigeria’s political and administrative development.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the forum, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua (Katsina Central), the Northern senators described Babangida’s legacy of state creation as one of the enduring contributions to Nigerian federalism.
The senators said the creation of 11 states between 1987 and 1991 — Akwa Ibom, Katsina, Enugu, Jigawa, Abia, Osun, Taraba, Yobe, Delta, Kebbi and Kogi — responded to longstanding demands for greater inclusion and equitable representation.
“Your legacy of state creation remains one of the most enduring gifts to Nigerian federalism. With the creation of 11 states between 1987 and 1991, namely: Akwa Ibom, Katsina, Enugu, Jigawa, Abia, Osun, Taraba, Yobe, Delta, Kebbi, and Kogi, you responded directly to decades of agitation for inclusion and equitable representation,” the senators said.
According to them, the creation of Katsina, Jigawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Yobe and Kogi states in the North brought government closer to the people, facilitated rural development and created opportunities for new voices to participate in national affairs.
“For the North, the creation of Katsina, Jigawa, Taraba, Kebbi, Yobe, and Kogi brought the government closer to the people, opened up rural development, and gave new voices a seat at the national table. That bold restructuring eased tensions and strengthened the unity of the federation we all swore to protect,” they said.
Senators Recall Abuja’s Creation
The Northern lawmakers also recalled what they described as Babangida’s far-reaching decisions and policies between 1985 and 1993, particularly the relocation of Nigeria’s Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja in December 1991.
The senators described the completion and inauguration of Abuja as the nation’s capital as one of the former military leader’s most significant administrative decisions.
“Perhaps no single administrative decision bears your imprint more than the movement of the Federal Capital from Lagos to Abuja. You completed and inaugurated Abuja as Nigeria’s capital in 1991, giving the nation a purpose-built, centrally located seat of government,” they said.
According to the lawmakers, the relocation was more than a geographical adjustment, describing it as a statement of national integration, neutrality and long-term planning.
“That move was more than geography. It was a statement of national integration, neutrality, and long-term planning. Today, Abuja stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s unity in diversity, and as host to government, diplomacy, and enterprise from every part of the country, including the 19 Northern states we represent,” the senators said.
‘Nigeria Remained United Through Turbulent Times’
The Northern Senators Forum said Babangida assumed leadership at a period when Nigeria was in need of stability, calm and direction.
“As you attain this milestone, we honor not just the years, but the weight of history you carried for Nigeria at a defining moment. You assumed leadership when our nation yearned for stability, for calm, and for a sense of direction,” the statement read.
The senators said Nigeria remained united through turbulent periods during Babangida’s leadership and that some of the foundations laid during his tenure continued to influence the country’s national life.
They described his commitment to national unity, restructuring of the federation and repositioning of governance as important aspects of his legacy.
“As we celebrate you at 85, the Northern Senators Forum prays for continued strength, wisdom, and good health for you, General,” the lawmakers said.
They added: “Your commitment to national unity, your boldness in restructuring the federation, and your vision in repositioning governance have earned you a place in history.”
The senators prayed that Babangida would continue to make his experience and counsel available to the nation and expressed hope that the ideals of a stable, united and prosperous Nigeria would ultimately be realised.
