I’m searching for new wife – Former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida says as he opens up on life as a widower

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has opened on his life as a widower, 10 years after losing wife Mariam to Ovarian cancer. 

In an interview with The Sun, Babangida announced that he is searching for a new wife. He however disclosed that his new wife will not be much younger than him as it might end up becoming a big issue for them. 

He also wondered if his new wife will be able to live the way he lived with Mariam who died at the University of California’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles on Sunday, December 27, 2009. 

Babangida said; 

“Yes, I am quite sure. I’m searching and I’m hoping. But the longer I wait, maybe, the more problematic it becomes.

“If it drags, I would be too old and the whole idea of having a partner would seem to diminish. But I will make sure [I have a partner] before reaching that stage.

“If somebody is in the corner, you could organize that in three or six months.

“And because it must be somebody you have known for a long time, or somebody you have been in contact with for a long time, you don’t just tell them look this is for marriage.

“But as time passes, and relationship building continues, it could end up in marriage.

“However, I have to be fair in my search. I really want to be fair. For instance, you don’t expect me to take a wife much younger than I am because that will be a problem for her and for me.

“I have to be fair. Secondly, I do wonder if she (the chosen one) would be able to live the way Maryam and I did, which is not easy these days. So, I keep on praying; and I think it will happen.”