By Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong
Former Nigerian military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has appealed to Northern politicians, traditional rulers and elders to urgently come together to save the region from what he described as a looming collapse and gradual extinction of its influence in national affairs.
Speaking during an address on Thursday morning, Babangida expressed deep concern over the steady death of prominent Northern figures, including respected Islamic clerics, political leaders and elder statesmen, warning that the region may lose its unity and direction if younger leaders fail to rise to the challenge.
“You can see that many of the region’s respected elders are passing away, including top religious scholars, politicians, and others. Even I myself feel weak, and I am not sure whether I will survive beyond this year. Our prayer is to end our lives in faith,” he stated.
The former military president said his generation made sacrifices to strengthen the North’s political and economic relevance in Nigeria, pointing to the relocation of the Federal Capital Territory from Lagos to Abuja as one of the strategic decisions that brought development closer to the region.
“If I had left the Federal Capital in Lagos and not moved it closer to our Northern region, perhaps today the North would not even be recognized as it is. Alhamdulillah, we have done our part, and now our time is coming to an end. I appeal to Northern leaders to unite and reclaim this region of ours, because we have no other like it,” Babangida added.
He stressed that unity among Northern leaders remains critical to preserving the region’s identity, influence and future generations.
