I know I must go and meet God - Babangida

Ex-Military President, Ibrahim Babangida spoke to newsmen on Sunday at his Minna Hilltop mansion over last week's rumors of his death.

Babangida who is now 74 said that God has destined illness and death for mankind and as such, no one could escape them.

“The rumour does not shock me; neither does it bother me because I know I must go and meet God, my creator. There is nothing really to worry about, my religion has told me.

“As a Muslim, I strongly believe everybody will die, everybody will die and everybody has to die.  It could be now or in hundred years’ time or two days to come but it doesn’t matter. Everybody must die,” he said.

The former president described Nigerians as very industrious people while expressing his strong belief that the country would surmount its present challenges.

“I still believe very strongly in this country, which is further demonstrated by the people of this great nation because they are a very industrious people, hardworking. That gives me the hope for Nigeria."

There were rumors last week that Babangida had been gravelly ill or may have actually passed on.