Former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida on Saturday returned to the country after two months medical treatment in Germany.
Babangida expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their concern and care during the period of his medical challenge.
The former military leader, who arrived in a chartered flight, landed at the Minna International Airport at about 2:50pm, spotting a navy blue Kaftan with golden stripes and a cap to match.
His son and daughter – Mohammed, Halimat – a grandchild and some of his close friends and associates, mostly retired military officers, were at the airport to receive the former leader.
Efforts by newsmen to have snap shots of his arrival were barred, but when pressed for an interview at the airport, Babangida simply said: “Alihamadulillahi.
“I am coming up well.
“I am grateful to all Nigerians.”
Babangida was then driven home in a BMW black car with registration number ABJ O1 RY.
He arrived his Uphill residence at about 3:15pm and was received by four of his grandchildren.
Among those at the airport to receive him were the Minister of Defence, General Aliyu Gusau; Air Vice Marshall Hamzat Abdullahi, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory; General Halilu Akilu, a former Director of Military Intellegence; Colonel Habibu Shuaibu, a former Niger State Military Administrator; Alhaji Umar Ndanusa; and Alhaji Sani Ndanusa, a former Minister of Sports.
Others were Alhaji Hassan Jalo, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Party; Alhaji Abubakar Muye, a former Minister of Finance; and a Justice of Supreme Court, Justice Musa Datijo.
A short prayer session, led by his childhood friend, Alhaji Mohammed Tako, was held shortly on arrival to thank Allah (SWT) for His mercies.
Those gathered also prayed for the quick recovery, renewed strength and long life in good health for Babangida.
Babangida, who looked fresh and in high spirit, told journalists that he is good condition
Hear him: “I am feeling better.
“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate all my compatriot Nigerians for the goodwill and gestures they expressed during my absence.
“I have been deeply touched by their (Nigerians) love and their affection and their prayers.
“I want to use this medium to thank each and every one of them.”
When asked how he will cope with the pressure of the build up to the 2015 general election, an highly elated Babangida said he has been following political events in Nigeria while in Germany, adding: “I missed all of you that welcome me, especially my local champions (journalists).
“I look forward to all of you to sit and chat, talk about politics as we always do.
“For now, I want to rest.”
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