SAN FRANCISCO, June 09, (THEWILL) – Former Military President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, IBB, has spoken from Germany, saying he is alive, thus putting an end to rumours of his death that had spread across Nigeria.
All through Wednesday, the rumour of IBB’s death filtered everywhere with many people believing that the one-time general has died.
However, IBB broke the silence on live programme on Television Continental, TVC, in the evening, saying “I am alive.”
Speaking with the anchor person on the programme, ‘Journalist Hangout,’ the former president said he is hale and hearty and not dead as being speculated.
The ex-military leader told Babajide Otitoju of the TVC that he would soon return to the country and that he enjoyed viewing the station and commended them for a job well done.
In a related development, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) was reliably informed that Babangida was actually Ill and was receiving treatment abroad.
“Yes, Babangida is sick and has gone to Germany for treatment. Everybody knows this tradition of his going for medication in Germany.
“As we talk now, he is already on his way from Germany. He had a stopover somewhere in a European country. But, by Friday he will be back in time for the Friday prayers,’’ the source said.
Another source at the palace of Chairman of the Niger State Traditional Rulers Council, Etsu Nupe Yahaya Abubakar, told NAN that the rumors were baseless.
“I left the palace (in Bida) this morning for Minna, and nothing of such was discussed between us. The Emir will definitely be among the first to be contacted in case of such an event.
“You know when a Muslim dies there must be the prayers before burial on the same day. The Etsu Nupe has been attending such prayers of prominent sons and daughters of the state,” he told NAN.
Similarly, another source from the palace of the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Farouk Bahago, debunked the death rumors.
“It’s already late afternoon if anything of such has happened I will not hesitate to tell NAN. For now, no such things, but don’t quote me yet,” the source said.
A visit to the uphill mansion of Babangida revealed nothing to indicate such tragedy has happened.
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