I’m alive, IBB speaks from Germany

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 today, the rumour of IBB’s death filtered everywhere. Many people believed that the one time general had died.However, IBB broke the silence on live programme on Television Continental, TVC, this evening, saying “I am alive.”

Speaking with the anchor person on the programme, ‘Journalist Hangout,’ IBB said he is hale and hearty and not dead as being speculated.
The former military president 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 rumours 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.