The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Babangida

  • Re: Babangida endorses Jonathan

    SIR: Penultimate week, all the major newspapers splashed the above as their lead story. This was  as a result of the so-called visit to the former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, by the President Goodluck Jonathan, but which was made public courtesy of the members of the journalistic profession.

    This writer is not surprised, like other Nigerians about the open endorsement of President Jonathan. This is because of the well-known antecedents of the former Head of State as a strong foe of General Muhammadu Buhari, taking into account how General Babangida overthrew the erstwhile Head of State in 1985. Since then, General Babangida does not believe in General Buhari, though they have reconciled the differences they have.

    The bottomline of this piece, is essentially that no matter what, General Babangida, cannot and is not in a position to direct the position of the north now. This is because he has lost the goodwill he has to speak on behalf of the north.

    He has lost his esteem in the eyes of the people of this country more especially he failed in his capacity as a former leader of this country and as a soldier, to use the opportunity he has to comment or advise the government to adopt measure(s) to halt what is happening in the north due to the activities of terrorists especially in the North-eastern parts of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

    The reason why General Babangida believes in the present administration is simply because he can still call the shots either they are proper or not than under General Buhari, who is a strong advocate of things to be done in the right way. It is pertinent to stress the point, that General Buhari will neither condone nor give room for corruption to thrive in whatever ramification. This time it is really the crossroads for Nigerians for a change and from all indications, the people are ready to vote Buhari.

    Things have degenerated to a level that requires the services of people like the General to move the country forward. Nobody has the capacity to put asunder the change being advocated by the people, who have not seen anything meaningful done under the ruling party, especially under the current President onathan.

    The likes of General Babangida are the architects of the myraid of problems  confronting this great country, ranging from corruption, lack of development and unemployment of teeming graduates.

    The fourth attempt for the presidency of this great country by General Buhari is consistent with the call by the people of the country, who want a radical departure from misgovernance, corruption, nepotism, etc. It is better for GeneralBabangida and his likes to be quiet as the people are ready to give them the shock of their lives in 2015.

     

    • Usman Santuraki,

    Jambutu, Jimeta-Yola.

  • Revealed: What Jonathan, Babangida discussed

    Revealed: What Jonathan, Babangida discussed

    President woos Emirs, leaders 

    Former military President Ibrahim Babangida made no commitment on the 2015 presidential poll to President Goodluck Jonathan at a meeting in Minna on Saturday, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    Gen. Babangida only raised issues on how to keep the nation united during and after the general elections – contrary to the widespread insinuation that he endorsed Jonathan’s bid for another term.

    Buoyed by the visit, Dr. Jonathan has started reaching out to key emirs and leaders of the North to back his re-election bid.

    He may soon visit these leaders as part of his action plan to reduce the influence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

    The details of the meeting between Jonathan and Gen. Babangida were revealed in Abuja by one of the key aides of the former military leader.

    The talks between the two leaders in Minna created ripples in the North, with many highly-placed Northerners bombarding Gen. Babangida with calls on what actually transpired.

    The aide, who was at Gen. Babangida’s Hilltop mansion when Jonathan visited, said the talks had nothing to do with the general elections.

    The source said: “It is true that the President visited Gen. Babangida at his Minna Hilltop mansion but the nature of his message was based purely  on unity of the country and not about 2015 presidential election.

    “As a former president who fought for the unity of the country, he was of the view that the president needs support as President and not as presidential candidate per se.

    “It is his view that the country needs to be united as one before we can begin to talk about election. Only a united Nigeria can guarantee credible election.”

    According to the aide, who requested not to be named because he was not permitted to speak to the media, “What Gen. IBB said should be viewed within the context of the larger Nigeria interest and not that of any parochial interest that is likely to unsettle the system.

    “Those of them who fought in the civil war to keep the country one understand the dynamics and challenges facing us now in the face of grave insecurity and poor economic realities,” he said.

    Besides, said the aide, those criticising Gen. Babangida should take it easy as he belongs to the PDP “even as a nominal member.

    “As a leader and former president who was privileged to preside over the affairs of the country and who also fought in the civil war, he will continue to speak the language of unification than that of division,” he said.

    Gen. Babangida’s view, according to the aide is that as a  President who is facing crises, Jonathan deserves the support of all to keep the country together, irrespective of all the manifest imperfections.

    Jonathan is said to have started reaching out to top Emirs and leaders in the North to checkmate Gen. Buhari’s influence.

    A source spoke of the battle between Jonathan and Gen. Buhari has shifting to the North, adding that has been consulting some prominent Emirs and leaders on why he should be given second term in office.

    “The President, Vice-President Namadi Sambo, PDP governors, and leaders will be embarking on shuttles to some of these key Northern leaders for support.

    “They are desperate to take the battle to Buhari’s stronghold but no one can say whether the President and the PDP can go far or not,” said the source.

    Another source added: “Jonathan’s game plan is to split the North.

    “This explains why Northern leaders were concerned about the President’s renewed interest in the North after he failed the region in many promises he made in 2011.”

     

  • ‘Babangida responsible for Nigeria’s woes’

    ‘Babangida responsible for Nigeria’s woes’

    Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Prof. Chidi Odinkalu has accused former Military President Ibrahim Babangida of being responsible for the numerous woes that have befallen the country.

    Prof. Odinkalu spoke yesterday at the 20th anniversary lecture of a non-governmental organisation, Prisoners’ Rehabilitation Awareness (PRAWA) in Abuja.

    He alleged: “Hold President Ibrahim Babangida because he is the source of our problems. He corrupted democracy and democratised corruption.”

    The human rights crusader accused Babangida of democratising violence.

    “Babangida violated our country and democratised violence. And today, we are living with the consequences,” he noted.

    He explained that the former military president, during his regime, propounded the “centrenal theory” that centralised everything, adding that the sole purpose of it was “regime security” at the detriment of the country.

    “He centralised prisons, police, criminal justice, prosecution and everything. The underpinning theory behind all of these was regime security.

    “The problem we have today in our prisons system and our criminal justice system goes back to that doctrine of 1986.”

    Odinkalu said: “I wish Babangida lives longer to be able to see the consequences of what he did to Nigeria.”

    He lamented that Nigerians were being massacred daily.

    “Communities are being wiped out,” he said.

    The Executive Director of PRAWA, Dr. Uju Agomoh, recalled how her organisation in 1994, began the task of prisons rehabilitation campaign in Nigeria.

    She relived the challenges and called the government to support PRAWA’s initiative to transform the prisons.

    Dr. Agomoh said a lot has to be done to bring the country’s justice system in tune with modern realities, adding that a situation where inmates await trial for years was unacceptable.

    She also condemned the welfare available to inmates, which, she said, were simply appalling, saying that but for the efforts of organisations, such as hers, the condition of inmates would be worse.

    The Chairman of PRAWA board, Dr. Gabriel Toby, said: “We need to work for the collective ownership of the criminal justice system.”

    The event brought together key stakeholders in the criminal justice system, both within and outside the country.

  • OBJ visits IBB, hugs Atiku at airport

    OBJ visits IBB, hugs Atiku at airport

    Former president Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday visited former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, who just returned from a two month medical treatment in Germany.

    Obasanjo also met with his estranged deputy, Atiku Abubakar, at the Minna International Airport where the two leaders buried their differences and hugged each other.

    The Nation gathered that Obasanjo was in Minna to visit the recuperating Babangida, while Atiku who had visited the former military president was in the town to attend the presidential declaration of Sam Nda-Isaiah of All Progressive Congress (APC).

    Obasanjo, who arrived in a plane with registration number – GDOUR along with Senator Andy Uba, Chief Ayo Fashawe and a unidentified lady at about 4:30pm was about to be conveyed to Babangida’s house when his attention was drawn to the presence of Atiku at the airport.

    The former vice president who was already seated, awaiting clearance for his flight, stopped the pilot, alighted and headed straight to the car ferrying Obasanjo out of the airport and the two leaders hugged each other.

    A black BMW car with registration number – ABJ 01 RJ then took Obasanjo to the uphill residence of the former military president in company of Mohammed Babangida.

     

  • Eagles’ woes not Keshi’s fault – Babangida

    Eagles’ woes not Keshi’s fault – Babangida

    Ex-International Tijani Babangida has  thrown his weight behind caretaker Super Eagles boss, Stephen Keshi after he came under heavy criticisms for the poor outing of the team so far in the AFCON qualifiers.

    The Super Eagles lost to Congo Brazzaville at home and struggled to a stalemate against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and while angry words were aimed at the Delta State born coach but Babangida thinks the problem is the NFF’s inability to settle Keshi’s contract.

    “The thing is that Keshi is affected by the NFF crisis and his contract is not yet resolved.

    “But the player has no excuse as they’ll receive their allowance and at the end of the day most of them are based abroad. So, it’s Keshi that is feeling the heat more and you don’t expect him to pretend all is well without it affecting his job,” the former Ajax winger told Brilafm.

    Nigeria will play Sudan in their next two fixtures as they make up grounds on South Africa and Congo Brazzaville who has 4 and 6 points respectively.

  • Club Owners suspend Baribote, Babangida

    The leadership of the Nigeria premier league clubs chairmen and managers have slammed an indefinite suspension on three member-clubs namely Nembe City, FC Taraba and Crown FC from all activities of the association with immediate effect.

    This was part of the decision taken by the executive committee meeting of the association held last Friday in Abuja. It is to be presented to the next general meeting of the association for ratification.

    According to a statement by the Club Owners signed by the acting chairman Issac Danladi and the acting secretary Alloy Chukwuemeka, the suspension order also extends to the persons of Victor Rumson Baribote, Fatai Olayinka and Tijjani Babangida for flaunting the directives of the association and being involved in anti- association activities.

    It would be recalled that the affected member-clubs disregarded the directive of the club owners by accepting membership of an Interim League committee which contradicted with the position and stand of the association.

    Meanwhile, the Club Owners expressed appreciation to three of their members Isaac Danladi(Nasarawa United), Okey Ibe(Heartland FC) and Babangida Little(Kano Pillars) for their courage and good comradeship in rejecting membership of the said committee and for their obedience to the association’s directive.

    In another development, the club owners have commiserated with the families of two of their members, Shehu Gusau and Ayo Bello, who died recently.

    The association prayed for the repose of their souls and have also approved the sum of N500,000  for each of the bereaved families.

  • Babangida: Eagles lost the midfield battle

    Babangida: Eagles lost the midfield battle

    Former Ajax Amsterdam winger and Taraba United Chairman, Tijani Babangida, has expressed his displeasure at the 3-2 loss suffered by Nigeria against Diables Rouges in Calabar on Saturday.

    The retired Super Eagle was not the only Nigerian unhappy with the outcome of the encounter at the UJ Esuene Stadium.

    Even the supporters felt  they have had enough and started booing the home team late in the second half.

    ”It wasn’t a good performance by the Super Eagles. Congo punished the Super Eagles by taking control of the midfield, Nigeria made a lot of mistakes in midfield,” Tijani Babangida said to SL10.ng.

    ”I’ll rate the defenders, attackers and goalkeeper average. The team played average.”

    Heading into the intriguing clash against Group A pacesetters, South Africa, Babangida has advised the Nigeria squad to buckle up or they might be playing catch-up after just two rounds.

    ”Well, everything is possible in football. I don’t see us losing in South Africa. When they were defeated in the past in similar conditions, they come out stronger in their next match.

    ”Stephen Keshi should talk to his boys, and the team will perform,” the ex-Nigeria number 13 concluded.

    Ex VVV Venlo striker Uche Nwofor netted a brace for the African champions in their last clash with South Africa, but he huffed and puffed against Congo, until he was replaced in the second half.

  • Babangida’s name opens doors, says VC

    Babangida’s name opens doors, says VC

    The Vice Chancellor of Niger State-owned Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State (IBBUL), Prof Ibrahim Kolo, has said the name of the former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida has open doors and paved the way for him and the institution.

    The university administrator spoke yesterday in Minna, the state capital, when he led the IBBUL management to the 73rd birthday of the former military leader at his Hilltop residence.

    Kolo said the government’s naming of the institution after the former military leader had brought several fortunes to the university from within and outside the country.

    He said: “Your Excellency, we, at IBBUL, are proud to be associated with you. Your name has opened doors and paved the way for this young state-owned institution and for me as the vice chancellor. Many people within and outside the country are always ready to assist the university whenever they hear your name.

    “The naming of the institution after you is of great blessing to us. It has tremendously been beneficial to the university and we are grateful for this honour. Your name has indeed earned the institution recognition at many fora.”

    The vice chancellor decorated Gen. Babangida with the institution’s Grand Honorary Fellowship Award for his contribution to the university.

  • Jonathan to meet former leaders in Aso Villa

    Jonathan to meet former leaders in Aso Villa

    President Goodluck Jonathan will meet some former Nigerian leaders at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, later on Thursday.

    The meeting, billed to start by 8pm has been classified as private.

    The agenda of the meeting was unknown as at press time on Thursday, even though it came at a time President Jonathan expressed increasing worries over conduct and utterances of some politicians, which he claimed was encouraging terrorists and could jeopardise the 2015 general elections.

    While it was also unknown if all former leaders have been invited to the meeting, former Heads of State –  Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari are already in Abuja for the meeting.

    Also, former Vice President Alex Ekwueme and ex- Chief of General Staff, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, are in town for the meeting.

    Others expected at the meeting, if invited, are former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and former Head of the Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan.

  • IBB, Tambuwal seek prayers for Nigeria

    Former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida, on Wednesday called for continued prayer for unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
    He spoke with journalists at the end of the Fidda’u prayer organized for late Captain Yusuf Sabo Sambo, brother of Vice President, Namadi Sambo.
    Yusuf Sambo died on Sunday following a ghastly auto crash along Bill Clinton Drive, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
    Babangida, who assumed the role of the Chief Mourner at the occasion expressed gratitude to all Nigerians for the love showered on the family of the deceased and declared that every life must taste death, even though Almighty Allah in His wisdom had not revealed to humans how they would die.
    Babangida’s late wife, Maryam, was the elder sister of the late Yusuf’s wife.
    The former leader also prayed to Allah to grant the Vice President the gratitude to bear the loss and the ability to carry the load left behind by his younger brother.
    He extended his gratitude through the Vice President to President Goodluck Jonathan for the show of comradeship he demonstrated during the incident
    The Speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, also called for more prayers for Nigeria.
    He said continued prayers from all Nigerians can only bring about peace that will ensure even development in the country.