- Confined to Minna Hilltop Residence
- Sambo pays him solidarity visit
- Returns to Germany in the new year

FORMER Military President Ibrahim Babangida's recent medical trip overseas is causing serious concern to his friends and associates, especially those from the Northern part of the country. IBB as he is popularly called was seriously ill recently and had to be rushed to Germany for treatment. Their concern was heightened by the information that the former president may have been advised by doctors to restrict his presence at public functions and to quit political activities.

However, contrary to the impression being giving that he went on his yearly medical examination overseas, National Daily competent sources said that the former military ruler's health may have taken a turn for the worst as he was not really himself at the time of departure until few days after intensive medical care by a team of doctors at the hospital. “It is true that Babangida suffered from radiculopathy, an ailment associated with disease of the bone which was said to have been aggravated by a gunshot wound during the civil war, but along the line he became stricken by yet another ailment which has allegedly slowed him down so much, an inside source said, adding that “Babangida was not able to walk by himself; he was carried by his aides into the chartered airplane that flew him to Germany for urgent medical treatment.

Cause for concern

During his eight year tenure, Babangida visited France and Germany several times to receive treatment over his worrisome disease of radiculopathy and returned seemingly hale and healthy.

“But that is not exactly the true situation, throughout his time in office he constantly complained of his leg problem. He suffered excruciating pain in the leg which made him sometime not to stay too long in office during official duty hours. Sometimes, he needed a more quiet time to himself so that the pain will abate.”

National Daily learnt that before his latest trip overseas, Babangida was feeling dizzy and wobble when he walks. The situation got to appoint that he collapsed one day when he was in the midst of his associates in his Hilltop mansion, Minna.

“Let me tell you the truth, IBB has not been feeling well for sometimes, in the past four months he cut down on his public outing and the frequency of his business meeting. The symptoms of his latest ailment started during the jostle for the endorsement of Northern political forum as the single presidential candidate from the North; when we noticed that IBB was slowing down at a speed between his spritely movements.”

Competent sources said Babangida initially consulted with his personal physician who after examining him recommended that he goes oversea for comprehensive medical treatment.

Sources said that Babangida traveled oversea for about a month and according to the advice of his personal doctor demanded that a thorough examination should be carried out on his vital body organs such as kidney, liver and intestine. A team of doctors using the most modern sophisticated medical equipment were said to have cautioned the retired General after the examination to tone down his social, political and business commitments in other to safeguard his health which is not “too sound” anymore.

However, another competent source close to Babangida, re-assured that there is no cause for alarm stressing that Babangida travels oversea regularly for medical treatment. “You know that he suffers a very serious leg injury which is a result of a gunshot during the civil war. He is managing it very well.

Moreover, IBB is no longer a young man. He is 70 years old. So as an old man, he may not escape the degenerative disease of old age. There is no ominous cloud; Baba is just observing house rest after his medical trip overseas.”

Babangida sources said plans to return to Germany early 2012 for continuation of medical treatment as recommended by his foreign doctors.

IBB slows down

However, Mohammed, Aisha and other offspring of the former military ruler are said to be worried about their fathers poor health condition and allegedly advised him to “slow down” and learn to take things “easy”.

“Since his return from Germany, Babangida has not honoured any invitation to a social functions or attend to end of year meeting of his vast businesses rather he has mandated his son, Muhammed to represent his interest. It is true that most of Babangida's businesses are managed by appointed proxies, but before now he personally presided over meetings held in his Hilltop, Minna, residence for thorough briefing on the state of his businesses, but it seems that his son Mohammed is in charge now,” an inside source said.

Notable members of the Arewa Consultative Forum including the president Alhaji Aliko Mohammed and the secretary, Colonel Musa Shehu were said to have visited IBB expressing their joy on his return from medical treatment overseas. Former head of state, General Abdulsalam Abubakar has been sighted several times at the Hilltop mansion. Northern governors, including Alhaji Babangida Aliu of Niger State, Usman Dakingari of Kebbi State were said to have also paid solidarity visit to the aging former president at his Hilltop mansion in Minna. Retired military officers, including former Director of Military Intelligence (DMI) Brigadier-General Halilu Akilu and Business mogul Mike Adenuga were sighted at IBB's residence recently.

Competent sources said that northern leaders are secretly worried about Babangida's poor state of health given his role as the former military president who mostly protected the interest of the North when he was office and one of the northern rulers with enormous contacts across the country and in the international community. They allegedly believe that having a former president like Obasanjo from the South in the ruling People's Democratic Party, it is necessary that the north has another person of stature like Babangida.

“If Babangida curtails his political activities it will not be in the interest of the north. Forget about the fact that he was not selected by NPF, when he aspired for president; he is still revered by the north. Babangida is one of the northern leaders living today that can credibly speak for the north. He has enormous clout and influence across the country even the whole world.”

Presidential ambition

National Daily learned that the activities of the past one year in which IBB forth to become president of Nigeria again, may have adversely affected the retired amour military officer severally. He was also said to be devastated that he failed in his ambition which he deeply desired to correct his past mistakes and restore his legacy in the anal of Nigeria history.

“He gave his presidential aspiration everything he had, His funds, ideals, strategy and contact. Some Nigerians wanted him to return to power but Northern political leaders Forum betrayed him. IBB was blocked by his own Arewa's brothers who rigged the outcome of the selection process between him and Atiku (Abubakar). Naturally, he felt bad, he is a human being.”

Babangida has been under intense pressure from his friends to take another wife after the death of his wife, Maryam. Apart from needing someone to sooth his old age; it is important to have a companion who will act as step another to his children.

However, IBB was said to be humiliating to contract a second marriage again especially in his old age. He allegedly argued that he had a very intimate relationship with his late wife who he said was loyal and obedient to him throughout her life time. So, he would not want to do anything to offend her memory.

“His friends make reference to (Chief Olusegun) Obasanjo who is only separated from his wives but in other to have a companion, picked a new wife recently. They advised IBB to make a choice from some of his female friends who visit him at the hilltop mansion” our source said.

However, it was learnt that IBB's children are not in totally in support of their father taking a second wife. They are afraid that a new woman will cause a decision between them and their father in other to gain his full attention and to take country.

“They want to jealously guide what it theirs. They don't want another woman to come and reap where she did not sow. Another woman to come and reap where she did not sow. Another woman may give birth to her own children who could support their mother in causing skirmishes and demand their own share of Babangida's estate if he is no more”

Sambo visits

Vice President Namadi Sambo last week visited Babangida's Hilltop residence in Minna. Competent sources said that his visit may not be unconnected with the information about the former military ruler's state of health.

“Sambo was sent by President Goodluck Jonathan to pay solidarity visit to IBB. He was concerned when information filtered into ASO Rock that IBB is very ill.

The president appreciates that IBB is an elder states man and former Nigeria's Head of state. He has contributed enormously to the peace, Unity and development of this country. Sambo was said to have conveyed Jonathan's message to IBB during his visit. It is also important to note that Sambo also visited in his capacity as a northern leader. It is his responsibility to pray for the soonest recovery of a fellow leader of the north who is sick.”

Sources said that on arrival on IBB's residence, a feeble and the vice president who remained with him for about an hour.

The vice president before leaving for Abuja also conferred with the emir of Minna Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago on issues suspected to brother on Boko Haram and IBB's poor health.

Babangida was rushed overseas in November for an urgent medical treatment in a German Hospital sources said that Doctors recommended that Babangida gets admitted for a long time to enable a team of doctors monitor his recent ailment and thoroughly give him medical treatment.

However, after the initial treatment it was agreed that Babangida will return to German early in the New Year to continue treatment.

http://www.nationaldailyngr.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2391:ibbs-health-troubles-north&catid=310:current-edition&Itemid=542

Nigeria still need the general for his fatherly advice to building of one united Nigeria

chino11:

Nigeria still need the general for his fatherly advice to building of one united Nigeria

The same fatherly advise he could not give for 8 years? I still wish him good health though. He needs to be alive to see what Nigeria becomes or not become in at least the next 10 years.

they should have improved the health sector when they have the chance,looting and stashing away in foreign accounts is not a clever thing,and IBB was the spare head of corruption in Nigeria,and now he has to fly to abroad every 3 months for treatment ,sad really,
greed is a bad thing,

May God slaughter IBB very fast. Amen.

ak47mann:

they should have improved the health sector when they have the chance,looting and stashing away in foreign accounts is not a clever thing,and IBB was the spare head of corruption in Nigeria,and now he has to fly to abroad every 3 months for treatment ,sad really,
greed is a bad thing,

I understand what you mean but how would an improved health sector make him not be ill? The man is getting old and with that comes all sorts of poor health issues. If we have good hospitals in Nigeria, he will still have to go to them ''every 3 months for treatment''.

To be sincere I think the man meant well the last time he wanted to be president. He wanted to use that opportunity to re-write his ugly past which he really felt bad when he looks back. I think Nigerians should give him another chance to do things right, and am sure he is gonna out-perform all the presidents we have ever had in the time past. I see a man who willing to sacrifice alot to mend fences, a man who will do so much to correct so many ills associated with his 8years iron-fisted regime.

Rhino.5dm:

May God slaughter IBB very fast. Amen.

All these wicked internet warriors sef. They wish Ojukwu dead, they wish Jonathan dead, they wish IBB, Abacha, etc dead. Others should die and only you people should live.

Please let us not digress. Stay on the topic. Biko nu.

Nchara:

I understand what you mean but how would an improved health sector make him not be ill? The man is getting old and with that comes all sorts of poor health issues. If we have good hospitals in Nigeria, he will still have to go to them ''every 3 months for treatment''.

hw old is IBB?compare to OBJ,if the hospitals were there since early 90s, he will be going there for regular check up,so they can dictate any organ failure in early stage b/4 it get worst,i have seen old white men/women in their 90s going for shoppings,holidays and all that cos of regular check ups they live longer.

ak47mann:

hw old is IBB?compare to OBJ,if the hospitals were there since early 90s, he will be going there for regular check up,so they can dictate any organ failure in early stage b/4 it get worst,i have seen old white men/women in their 90s going for shoppings,holidays and all that cos of regular check ups they live longer.

Before one goes to any hospital (in Nigeria or abroad) for check up, it means they are sickly. The presence of a hospital will not make you not sick. Obasanjo appears to be growing old in good health.

chino11:

To be sincere I think the man meant well the last time he wanted to be president. He wanted to use that opportunity to re-write his ugly past which he really felt bad when he looks back. I think Nigerians should give him another chance to do things right, and am sure he is gonna out-perform all the presidents we have ever had in the time past. I see a man who willing to sacrifice alot to mend fences, a man who will do so much to correct so many ills associated with his 8years iron-fisted regime.

Maybe. Nonetheless, for where we need to go as a Nation, gambling with those who failed woefully in the past, while accumulating vast personal fortunes for themselves, should not be an option. I say from now henceforth, we must look towards those who eschew materialism and are pro-people in leaning.

Rhino.5dm:

May God slaughter IBB very fast. Amen.

Out of every ethnic group, your people are always the ones to wish death on or brag about the killings of others. Wicked people.

Chyz*:

Out of every ethnic group, your people are always the ones to wish death on or brag about the killings of others. Wicked people.

Good that people are noticing that.

@Chyz, as I said before I don't want this topic to be tribalised. Lets for once talk with one mind Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba to successfully choose our leaders and save ourselves from the political menace.

I understand why you people are complaining. She bi IBB help the Igbos to take corruption to international level?

Cant you see this year is the year of EVIL men? Gaddafi,Osama Bn Laden,Kim Jon IL,Ojukwu, are all gone?

May God make IBB's owm very fast ank quick. Amen

Chyz*:

Out of every ethnic group, your people are always the ones to wish death on or brag about the killings of others. Wicked people.

Nchara:

All these wicked internet warriors sef. They wish Ojukwu dead, they wish Jonathan dead, they wish IBB, Abacha, etc dead. Others should die and only you people should live.

Nchara:

People are noticing that.

Chyz*:

Out of every ethnic group, your people are always the ones to wish death on or brag about the killings of others. Wicked people.

You guys please carry on your discussion. My bad to think one could ever discuss on some threads as a Nigerian without the usual need of some to stereotype an ethnic groups . Please enjoy your thread and the opinion of your own folks only since , clearly, that is what you want.

Gbawe:

You guys please carry on your discussion. My bad to think one could ever discuss on some threads as a Nigerian without the usual need of some to stereotype an ethnic groups . Please enjoy your thread and the opinion of your own folks only since , clearly, that is what you want.

Did you see this below? If not, now that you have seen it, what do you think about it?

Rhino.5dm:

May God slaughter IBB very fast. Amen.

chino11:

@Chyz, as I said before I don't want this topic to be tribalised. Lets for once talk with one mind Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba to successfully choose our leaders and save ourselves from the political menace.

Your intentions may be good, but everyday it is becoming obvious that Nairaland is not the sort of forum where folks can talk as Nigerians. Every single thread is always derailed with Tribalism. Rhino.5dm offered his opinion. How did some folks make that the position of the entire Yoruba ethnic group? Anyway, let us not make this into another elongated discussion. Goodluck discussing Nigeria minus the "wicked people" who are "always the ones to wish death on or brag about the killings of others".

How does wishing IBB death translate to bigotry? Are you daft or just trying to be silly?

You are the very first person that inject ethnic bigotry to this thread before editing, NO?

Nchara:

Did you see this below? If not, now that you have seen it, what do you think about it?

Gbawe:

Your intentions may be good, but everyday it is becoming obvious that Nairaland is not the sort of forum where folks can talk as Nigerians. Every single thread is always derailed with Tribalism. Rhino.5dm offered his opinion. How did some folks make that the position of the entire Yoruba ethnic group? Anyway, let us not make this into another elongated discussion. Goodluck discussing Nigeria minus the "wicked people" who are "always the ones to wish death on or brag about the killings of others".

That trend of many posters from the SW wishing other people dead is now well established on NL. Stop pretending or playing the ostrich.

All i did was to wish IBB death, does that warrant the unprovoked attack on my personality? How does that translate to bigotry? Quote where i mentioned his tribe or region. I wait!

The last time i checked, millions of Nigerians carries IBB's coffin one time or the other while chanting death songs and wishing him death, NO?

Rhino.5dm:

How does wishing IBB death translate to bigotry? Are you daft or just trying to be silly?

You are the very first person that inject ethnic bigotry to this thread before editing, NO?

[/quote

You are a lost cause.

[

Nchara:

Before one goes to any hospital (in Nigeria or abroad) for check up, it means they are sickly. The presence of a hospital will not make you not sick. Obasanjo appears to be growing old in good health.

you don't have to be sick to visit hospitals,regular check up is a normal process in western countries,especially when you are over 50,their are special insurance that cater only 50 yrs plus,the reason is that in a certain age you need a regular check ups mostly for those that smoke or drink when they were younger,i have a friend his dad had a stroke in Nigeria and the doctors were treating it as cancer to the point that this the man cant talk or move anymore,A big man too,we advised him to fly him to London ASAP.

Do you know that when they arrived in heath-row airport, he has to carry the man in his back as they were coming out from the airport,he was rush straight to a private hospital in[b] BUSHY[/b] did a scan in his head and the doctors rushed him in the theater cut his  head open and suck out the blood clout in his head. that was it,they said if he remain one more week in Nigeria he will die.

before they went back the man was walking talking again,some times is stress that trigger strokes.

chino11:

Nigeria still need the general for his fatherly advice to building of one united Nigeria

Just like the north koreans need their evil despot,abi?

Ignorance.

ak47mann:

[yo[b]u don't have to be sick to visit hospitals,regular check up is a normal [/b]process in western countries,especially when you are over 50,their are special insurance that cater only 50 yrs plus,the reason is that in a certain age you need a regular check ups mostly for those that smoke or drink when they were younger,i have a friend his dad had a stroke in Nigeria and the doctors were treating it as cancer to the point that this the man cant talk or move anymore,A big man too,we advised him to fly him to London ASAP.

Do you know that when they arrived in heath-row airport, he has to carry his the man in his back as he was coming out from the airport,he was rush straight to a private hospital in[b] BUSHY[/b] did a scan in his head and the doctors rushed him in the theater cut his  head open and suck out the blood clout in his head. that was it,they said if he remain one more week in Nigeria he will die.

before they went back the man was walking talking again,some times is stress that trigger strokes.

Many or some of those people in western countries who do medical check ups when not sick nevertheless still get sick and die. There are several terminal illnesses that preventative check ups will not mitigate. You are right on the bolded, but poor health and death will always come when they will. Again, I understand your point very clearly. Thanks.

Gbawe:

Maybe. Nonetheless, for where we need to go as a Nation, gambling with those who failed woefully in the past, while accumulating vast personal fortune for themselves, should not be an option. I say from now henceforth, we must look towards those who eschew materialism and are pro-people in leaning.

Very true! Its too risky to gamble on the likes of IBB.


Was thinking about his sickness some days back, assuming this man had won the election and he is now the president, it means by now we will have another sick president in office and prolly a new set of cabals running the government.  

Nchara:

That trend of many posters from the SW wishing other people dead is now well established on NL. Stop pretending or playing the ostrich.

"Pretending or playing Ostrich" because I am telling you off for your utterances motivated more by paranoia than by facts on ground or real statistics? Why don't you also post the statistics that shows the SW has more murderous folks than others in Nigeria to support your assertion ? The statistics are even on NL and you will be surprised by what is revealed. In any case, don't you see how we butcher non-indigenes in our territory as conclusive proof the "wicked" Yorubas wish death on others "out of every ethnic group" ? Like I said, my bad I thought we could , from time to time, discuss as Nigerians[b] on a Nigerian forum[/b]. Abeg, the floor is yours . Carry on your discussion with 'like minded' folks.

If IBB want to contribute to the nation development, he should return all the billions of dollars to Nigeria before he meet with his God to account for his action in this world.

They scramble for words when faced with facts. Continue to wallow in your ethnic supremacy syndrome.

Again, May God slaughter IBB very fast. The way he killed Osama Bn Laden, Gaddafi, and all other evil men. Amen.

You may want to slit you throat for all i care!

Nchara:


You are a lost cause.

If IBB want to rule again, he should go and rule the cockroaches and rats in his house.

Ibb deserved to be stoned by nigerian if nigerians really understands what their problems really are.Ibb is as ruthless to everyday nigerian as hitler to the Jews.Same are animals like obj,atiku,tinubu and the known nigerian keptocrats.

They are traitors that deserves rebrutal and should not in any positive sense appeal to rational nigerians.They must pay for their crimes against humanity,if not nigeria can never be sane.