Former President Ibrahim Babangida yesterday discountenanced
prospects of an interim government or his role in such saying that the
conditions that gave rise to the contraption in 1993 were non-existent under
Nigeria’s flourishing democratic system.
Gen.
Ibrahim Babangida
Urges support for Jega
On Jega, Babangida in a statement yesterday thus called for encouragement for the Attahiru Jega led Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and urged all to accept the use of the card reader, a device the former military president said would further enthrone transparency in the electoral register.
On Jega, Babangida in a statement yesterday thus called for encouragement for the Attahiru Jega led Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and urged all to accept the use of the card reader, a device the former military president said would further enthrone transparency in the electoral register.
I left politics in 2011
In dissociating himself from participation in an interim government, Babangida said he bade goodbye to politics in 2011 at the age of 70 taking into consideration that after his eight year unbroken rule as military president that he had seen it all.
In dissociating himself from participation in an interim government, Babangida said he bade goodbye to politics in 2011 at the age of 70 taking into consideration that after his eight year unbroken rule as military president that he had seen it all.
He said: “When we introduced the idea of an “interim
government” during our time as a military government, we had in mind to
enthrone a democratic government in the shortest possible time in sync with the
agitations of the people, after the inconclusive elections of 1993. That was a
stop-gap measure because we were determined to quit office at the set date of
August 27, 1993. Having left office since 1993 and with the benefit of
hindsight, I think what we did was auspicious enough to reassure our people
that we were ready to leave office and keep the country going. The end result
of our patriotic action is another topic for another day. Suffice it to say
that the circumstances we found ourselves in 1993 are totally different from
what obtains today in our democratic journey as a nation with flourishing
opportunities.
Don’t drag my name into ING
“Let me state in emphatic terms that Professor Attahiru Jega and his colleagues
in INEC have to be encouraged, motivated, animated and commended for the sheer
courage and determination they have shown thus far in their preparations for
the March 28 and April 11 elections. They have demonstrated their sense of
patriotism in a manner that underscores their readiness for the elections and
love for country. Rather than condemnation, they deserve our commendation. They
need to be encouraged to deliver on their statutory obligation to the Nigerian
state. I have no doubt to state unequivocally, that elections will hold on the
appointed dates in line with the unflinching assurances from INEC. Those
mooting the idea of an interim government and trying to drag my name into it
should please look elsewhere
Gives kudos to security men
“Our security agencies also deserve our commendation especially with the successes already recorded in the fight against the Boko Haram. This is the real Nigeria Army of my expectation. I am not only proud of the military uniform, I am betrothed to it. It is a symbolic and very unique institution that nurtured me on how to dominate my environment. Whether retired or serving military officers, we all share common professional affinity and collegiate loyalty. The unity of the country is paramount in our hearts and our sense of loyalty to the Nigerian state is unequivocal. I commend my colleagues in uniform, both senior and junior officers, for the sheer determination they have shown in combating the Boko Haram menace and preparing the ground for credible elections.
“Our security agencies also deserve our commendation especially with the successes already recorded in the fight against the Boko Haram. This is the real Nigeria Army of my expectation. I am not only proud of the military uniform, I am betrothed to it. It is a symbolic and very unique institution that nurtured me on how to dominate my environment. Whether retired or serving military officers, we all share common professional affinity and collegiate loyalty. The unity of the country is paramount in our hearts and our sense of loyalty to the Nigerian state is unequivocal. I commend my colleagues in uniform, both senior and junior officers, for the sheer determination they have shown in combating the Boko Haram menace and preparing the ground for credible elections.
Political parties must be law abiding
“I expect all the political parties to conduct themselves
within the ambit of the law. They must continue to educate their members and
the electorates on how to make the forthcoming elections more credible than
previous ones. We must appreciate the creativity and innovation of the card
reader which INEC has introduced to make for better election credibility and
transparency.”
In a digital world where almost everything is driven by
technology, the offer of the card reader is a welcome development. We may not
get to the fullest merit of this, but it is a good way to start. This is one
way to bridge the technological gap between those developed and under-developed
nations of the world. Let us repose confidence in the system in the interest of
the unity of our great country.
“Finally, let me state that I do not have a Twitter handle.
All the statements being credited to me by way of tweets should be
discountenanced.
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