Two top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – the National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus and the Vice Presidential candidate of the party in the 2019 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi – on Tuesday joined other admirers and associates of the former Military President, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), to eulogise him at his 80th birthday reception at his Hiltop residence in Minna.

Prince Secondus, who led some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party to the Niger State capital, said the party is happy to be part of the 80th birthday ceremony as they always identified with great leaders who served this country well.

“Gen Babangida is our father, he is the father of the Nation, we will continue to identify with him,” Secondus said.

The PDP leader said that Babangida served this country wholeheartedly and his record of achievements speak for itself.

In a special Christian prayer during the prayer session for the celebrant, Prince Secondus asked God to grant Babangida more years ahead on earth so that the country can continue tap on his wisdom and talent.

He said that more than ever before this country needs the deep wise counsel of General Babangida at this time and prayed God to grant him and his household the peace that is needed for his longevity.

In his own remarks, the former Obi, the immediate past Anambra State Governor, said that IBB’s economic policy during his time is what is needed to salvage this country now.

Obi said that traders and bankers like him had their best moments during the era of Gen Babangida because under him Aba and Onitsha flourished and that meant a lot for them.

Obi also prayed God to grant Babangida more years as he, Obi desires to return to Minna to celebrate his 90th birthday.

Former Head of State, Gen Abdulsami Abubakar, former Senate President Senator Bukola Saraki, former National Security Adviser, Gen Aliyu Gusau, and state governors, among others graced the occasion.