Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has said that the country still needs elder statesman and former military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Retd.), around for his wise counsel at this critical period.

Gov. Sani Bello, who welcomed the former military leader back from a medical trip to Germany, said that the wise counsel of leaders who have weathered the storm and distinguished themselves is needed to bail the country out from the woods.

The governor who spoke in Minna on Friday was full of praises to Allah (SWT) for preserving the life of the former military leader.

Gov. Sani Bello said: “Despite unfounded rumour about the life of our national icon, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, we are grateful that it pleases Allah (SWT) to preserve his life and bring him back safely and healthier to continue in the good work of nation building.

“General Ibrahim Babangida remains one of the few leaders in this country that we still need around to tap from their wealth of experience and knowledge and we are grateful he is back and kicking like the old soldier he is.

“Your safe return has finally put a lie to the rumour and the evil machinations of those who are playing God. We are grateful to Allah (SWT) that He has silence them.”

Babangida returned on Friday to Minna International Airport at about 3:30 p.m. after a three weeks medical trip to a German hospital.

The rumour of his death was awash in the social media last week before it was refuted by his son Mohammed Babandgida.

Gov. Sani Bello advised the media, especially the new media, to be cautious in spreading death rumour, stressing that such practice was not only unethical but also uncultured and immoral.

He said: “It is high time media practitioners, especially those in the social media refrain from broadcasting or publishing falsehood. Aside from questioning the integrity of the media, it portends danger for the society that the media cannot be trusted.

“The media should be guided by the ethics of the profession. If you are not sure, don’t share. The social media purported death of General Babangida was reckless, unethical and unwarranted.”

•Photo shows IBB.