Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, former Military President, has called on Nigerians to emulate the unique qualities of the late Waziri of Ilorin, Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki.

Babangida described the second republic senator as a bridge builder, philanthropist and grassroots politician.

The general said this in Ilorin on Monday at the Government House when he visited Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed for condolence over the death of Saraki.

Babangida led a delegation which included former Head of State, Gen. Abubakar AbdulSalam and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Amb. Babagana Kingibe.

Others on his entourage to pay condolence on the Saraki family were Alhaji Umaru Ndanusa and Alhaji Abubakar Muye.

The former military president described Saraki, who was a second republic senate leader, as one Nigerian who worked tirelessly for the emergence and sustenance of democracy in the country.

He said that late Saraki had left behind a legacy of selfless service that touched the lives of many Nigerians.

According to him, "it will be an understatement to say that Saraki touched the lives of virtually everybody in this country, as he was one politician that had impact across the entire nation."

Kwara governor in his response noted that late Saraki had national goodwill, in spite of the fact that he was never the president of the country.

"Sen. Olusola Saraki was one of the very few national bridge builders who were not presidents."

Ahmed assured the former presidents and the entourage that the Saraki's legacy of building an egalitarian society would be continued in order to keep his memory alive.