Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida has said his greatest achievement is serving Nigeria to the best of his ability.
Gatekeepers News reports that in an interview at his residence, Babangida highlighted the importance of understanding the country and building relationships across the nation.
Asked to rank his achievements throughout his career, he said; “Number one is that I served the country the best. I could, it may not be to your satisfaction but to the best that I could; I leave that to history to judge.
“I related fairly well with the people of the country. I had no problem with them and I got to know the country more as I was well travelled. I made friends all over the country and I thought that was one of the greatest achievements,” he said.
Babangida advised young Nigerians aspiring to lead to study the country and its people, emphasizing that leadership involves a combination of coercion and dialogue.
“You have an opportunity now as young people, get to know the country, study the country, the people and if you are able to do that or to understand that, basically I think that will go a long way to prepare you for the eventual leadership of the country,” he said.
“Just like any other style, you are placed in a leadership position; your job is to lead people. You develop a situation where people look up to you to provide certain solutions to their problems or to their fears.
“Whatever it is and you stand out as the person who will be able to do that. So you have to study human beings, you have to read about them and you have to be very compassionate. Sometimes ruthlessness to get things done but there are a lot of ways you have to develop so that you will be able to achieve certain things. Others you plead with, some you coerce and so on and so forth.”
Reflecting on his civil war experience, he expressed sadness and said he would not want to repeat- fighting against those trained for the unity of the country.
