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Tag: IBB

  • IBB, Abubakar drum up support for Buhari

    IBB, Abubakar drum up support for Buhari

    Two former heads of state, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), yesterday urged the citizenry to support the Federal Government in its efforts to win the war against insurgents.

    The two former leaders made the call after joining others to perform the two Rakaah Eid-el-Fitri prayers in Minna.

    Babangida urged Nigerians to be patient with the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and support it in the efforts to not only end insurgency, but also boost the country’s economy.

    “I call on Nigerians to support the present administration in the country in its efforts to end insurgency and regenerate the economy,’’ he said.

    Also speaking, Abubakar said there was need for the citizenry to be more vigilant in order to help government overcome insurgency, especially in the North Eastern part of the country.

    Also speaking, Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger prayed “Allah to accept our devotion during the Ramadan.”

    He also prayed to “Allah to guide the leadership of the state and the country at large to enable us overcome our challenges.”

    The governor enjoined the people of the state to continue to co-exist peacefully irrespective of religion and ethnicity.

    He congratulated the Muslims for the successful completion of the Ramadan rites.

  • IBB: state of the nation worrisome

    IBB: state of the nation worrisome

    Former Military President General Ibrahim Babangida yesterday expressed concern over the state of the nation.

    He said he was concerned over the biting fuel scarcity and epileptic power supply.

    Babangida spoke when he and former military Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar visited outgoing Niger State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu at his home in Minna.

    “I am as concern as you are. I urged Nigerians to support the incoming government on whatever measure it takes to provide solution. Government is doing all it can to make sure the problem comes to an end. We should endeavour to support them during this period,” he said.

    On why the problem was coming at this time of transition, Babangida said the problem was peculiar to developing countries, adding: “It is the duty of the government to find solutions”.

     

    “Every developing country has one problem or the other. There have to be a government to solve the problem and the government is on ground,” he added.

    Gen.  Abubakar appealed to the citizens to sustain the peace being enjoyed in the country, urging the outgoing governor to assist the incoming government with his wealth of experience.

    Aliyu lauded the two elder statesmen for their support throughout his stewardship.

    He advised the incoming government not to relent in sustaining the level of security attained in the state, particularly with the menace of kidnapping affecting the state.

    Aliyu debunked claims that the outgoing administration at the Federal level was responsible for the continued power outages and fuel scarcity in the country, insisting that “nobody can be heartless to arrange such thing”.

    He attributed the fuel scarcity to exchange rate, saying: “When the agreement between the marketers and the government was signed, a dollar was captured at N150. But now, the exchange rate was around N200”.

    On power, he said there was water shortage in the hydroelectric dams, forcing drop in electricity generation.

    “Nobody can sit down to create this type of problem unnecessarily; nobody can arrange such a thing. It will soon come to an end. The problem is not deliberate.”

  • State of the nation worrisome – Babangida

    State of the nation worrisome – Babangida

    Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Monday expressed concern over the state of the nation.
    He said he was concerned over the biting effect of fuel scarcity and epileptic power supply.

    Babangida expressed concern when he paid a farewell visit in company of the immediate past military Head of State; General Abdulsalami Abubakar on the out-going Niger state governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu at the latter’s residence in Minna.

    “I am as concern as you are. I urged Nigerians to support the incoming government on whatever measure it takes to provide solution. Government is doing all it can to make sure the problem comes to an end. We should endeavour to support them during this period.”

    Asked why the problem is coming at this time of transition, Babangida said, the problem currently facing the country is prevalent to developing countries stating that all developing countries usually face these type of problems and it is the duty of the government to find a solution to the problems.

    “Every developing country has one problem or the other, there have to be a government to solve the problem and the government is on ground.”

    In his remark, Gen.  Abdulsalami Abubakar appealed to the general public to sustain the peace being enjoyed in the country, while he charged the outgoing governor to assist the incoming government with his wealth of experience.

    Governor Aliyu commended the two elder statesmen for their support throughout his stewardship.

    He also advised the incoming government not to relent on sustaining the level of security attained in the state, particularly at this period when the menace of kidnapping had reached the state.

    Aliyu debunked claims that the outgoing administration was responsible for the continued power outages and fuel scarcity in the country, insisting that “nobody can be heartless to arrange such thing.”

    He attributed the fuel scarcity to the difference of exchange rate, saying, “when the agreement between the marketers and the government was signed a dollar was captured at N150 but now the exchange rate was around N200”.

    On power, he said there was water shortage in the hydroelectric dams therefore forcing the drop of electricity generation.

    “Nobody can sit down to create this type of problem unnecessarily; nobody can arrange such a thing. It will soon come to an end. The problem is not deliberate,” he assured.

  • Why Buhari’s victory is significant, by IBB

    Why Buhari’s victory is significant, by IBB

    Former military president Gen. Ibrahim Babangida yesterday said the victory of the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, has broken ethnic and religious barriers.

    He said Buhari’s success has also shown that incumbents can be defeated in any democratic process.

    Babangida, who made his views known in a statement he signed, said Buhari’s triumph indicated there is good reward for perseverance and hard work.

    He said: “I have just finished watching the proceedings of the declaration of results of the March 28 elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the emergence of my friend, professional colleague and former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, as the President-elect.

    “Let me, therefore, formally congratulate General Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for this well-deserved victory.

    “This victory to me conveys two significant statements on our political history and evolution. First; that incumbents can be defeated in any democratic process if the people’s aspirations are not fulfilled.

    “Second, that there is good reward for perseverance and hard work. General Buhari has been very consistent in pursuing his political aspiration. In fact, he reminds me of former American President Abraham Lincoln, who was very dogged in pursuing his political aspiration and enriched the contents of democracy in America.

    “General Buhari lives true to his military calling by remaining very consistent, resilient and courageous right from 2003 till date. This enviable feat to me further enriches our democratic process and matures us into the top echelon of nations where democracy has taken firm root.”

    Babangida urged Buhari to  be magnanimous in victory by reaching out to other contestants.

    He added: “The beauty of democracy is that it is an on-going process that gives room for improvement, provides opportunity to make amends, and affords the people the opportunity to make a statement with their ballots during elections.

    “With this election and its outcome thus far, Nigeria has once again recorded another milestone in its march through the enviable ladder of democracy. Our leadership role in Africa will further be enhanced by the way and manner we manage the gains of this process.

    “But I trust that the President-elect will live up to the expectations of many Nigerians who crave for change; and lift Nigeria to greater heights.

    “I wish to implore the President-elect to reach out to other contestants in the spirit of one Nigeria, as he settles down for the task of leading this nation in the next four years.

    “ Your victory has no doubt broken the barriers of ethnicity and religious inclinations; two sensitive issues that undeservedly dominated the campaigns. I am confident that this victory will usher in a new perspective in our political history and development.”

    He praised President Goodluck Jonathan for conceding defeat.

    Babangida said: “That President Jonathan has indeed conceded defeat and congratulated the President-elect is also cheering news.

    “Let me also congratulate other presidential candidates of the other political parties, especially Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for putting up a good fight in the elections.

    “ I wish to also commend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting such a free, fair and transparent election despite all the initial hitches and challenges.”

  • IBB, Abdulsalami, Bello call for peace

    …….‎Card Reader is Unnecessary – Aliyu

    Three former military leaders have urged Nigerians to embrace peace and accept the results of the election.
    .
    Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida after accreditation at his Uphill polling unit in Minna, Niger State capital said that the people should be peaceful as violence is not worth it.

    He hoped the election would be peaceful urging the people to accept whatever result the electoral body announces.

    Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar also called on the people to go about electioneering peacefully . “Without peace, development cannot be achieved. D people should be peaceful. For democracy to strive, they should embrace peace.”

    Former military governor of old Kano State, Colonel Sani Bello also expressed optimism that the country will experience a  post-election violence.

    He told newsmen after he was accredited at Alkali Mustapha unit in Kontagora that the peace accord signed by the two leading Presidential candidates and other political party leaders will work.

    According to him, “With the peaceful conduct of the exercise, the cordial conduct of the electoral officers and orderliness of the people are all indication that we all have agreed to ensure that the peace accord works. I strongly believe the post-election will be peaceful”.

    Niger state Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu while commending the electoral process said the use of the Smart Card Reader machine was an unnecessary issue adding that he did not see the value of the card reader for the election.

    ‎According to him, “Out of my 10 fingers, only one was caught but I had to go through all the ten fingers. I don’t know the value this might have added to this election.

    “I have my PVC, there is a picture of me in the papers and I believe with all the agents of all the parties here, this might just be an unnecessary issue.”

  • IBB lashes First Lady, Fayose, Fani-Kayode for hate campaigns

    IBB lashes First Lady, Fayose, Fani-Kayode for hate campaigns

    Hate campaigners got a bloody nose yesterday. Former President Ibrahim Babangida protested against attacks by President Goodluck Jonathan’s supporters on his person and others.

    He cited other generals under attack as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, the late ex-Head of State Gen, Sani Abacha, ex-Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and a former Minister of Defence, Gen. T.Y Danjuma.

    Although Babangida did not mention names, First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan and Peoples Democratic Party Campaign Council spokesperson, Femi Fani-Kayode, have been criticised by many for championing hate campaign.

    He said those promoting hate documentaries are “intellectually delinquent or they suffer memory loss”.

    He said nothing forbade former military leaders from contesting presidential elections, adding that leadership training is better grounded in the military than any other profession.

    Gen. Babangida, in a statement he personally signed and released by his media office, said the stigmatisation of past military leaders accounted for “espirit de corps amongst ourselves in support of our military institution and colleagues when the stakes are high”.

    The statement said: “In clear attempts to whip up support for President Goodluck Jonathan, certain persons, groups and individuals have embarked on several campaigns of calumny against former military Heads of State and presidents who have had the opportunity to govern this country.

    “Of particular reference is a one-hour documentary aired on Silverbird Television on Tuesday night; 24th March, 2015 that deliberately impugned the integrity of Generals Olusegun Obasanjo, Muhammadu Buhari, my humble self; Ibrahim Babangida, the late Sani Abacha, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and T.Y. Danjuma; all of whom have had the privilege of presiding over the affairs of this great country at various levels.

    “It is either that those promoting the hate documentary are intellectually delinquent or they suffer memory loss; or a combination of both.

    “I have my very strong reservations about the contents and thematic focus of the said documentary. Apart from promoting hate campaign which clearly undermines the modest contributions of these former presidents, the commentaries in the documentary against the former presidents leave a sour taste in the mouth.

    “Nobody is stopping anyone from campaigning for their preferred candidates contesting various positions in the elections, but to do that at the expense of the reputation, contributions, patriotism, loyalty and sacrifice of former presidents to the Nigerian state is, to say the least, immature.”

    The ex-Military President said nothing forbids ex-military leaders from contesting presidential election.

    The statement said: “The military is at present combating the dreaded Boko Haram sect to restore Nigeria’s territorial integrity. What law under a democracy forbids retired military personnel from participating in politics and presenting themselves for election? Over 90 per cent of American Presidents have military background.

    “Leadership training is better grounded in the military than any other profession. And the military parades some of the best brains in any country, including Nigeria.

    “In fact, some of my military students that I tutored have Doctorate Degrees.

    “It is, therefore, callous, wicked, out-of-sync, cynical and a show of crass ignorance for anyone to undermine the military institution by embarking on mudslinging campaigns against former presidents and leaders with military background.

    “While those campaigners are pointing their accusing fingers at us, they forget to recall that the present Director-General of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation is actually a retired military officer.

    “It is this form of demonisation and stigmatisation that often compels us to exhibit esprit de corps amongst ourselves in support of our military institution and colleagues when the stakes are high.

    “As disciplined military officers, we are patriotic Nigerians and must be treated with utmost respect and decorum.”

    He said irrespective of any insinuations against the military, he remains proud of the institution.

    Gen. Babangida said: “The military is an institution that is so dear to my heart. It is an institution that nurtured my growing up and my achievements in life. I am not only sold to the military institution and by extension the Nigerian state, I am betrothed to it.

    “As a profession, retirees are bound to participate in politics and democracy as an all-inclusive process, same way that doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses, and civil servants get involved in it. It is the reason why I ventured into politics in 2003 before I quit in 2010. It is the same reason why General Obasanjo participated and got elected; and now General Buhari.

    “It is therefore very curious that promoters of President Goodluck Jonathan’s aspiration would attempt to demonise and stigmatise former military leaders and cast aspersions on them in order to malign their reputation. This is very unfair.

    “Fact is; the military fought a civil war to keep this country together. What I suffer today is a consequence of the injuries I sustained during the Nigeria Civil War. I am not sure there is any patriotism that is more than that. Some of us were prepared to die for the country.”

    Babangida reminded pro-Jonathan campaigners that the idea behind the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) started in his home.

    He said those parading themselves as democrats today had all participated in military governments

    The statement added: “For record purposes, and without sounding immodest, the idea of a PDP that has now become the ‘largest party in Africa’ started in my home, here in Minna.

    “With the support of my fellow colleagues, we prepared the way for this democratic process that has now led us to where we are presently.

    “We built the democratic infrastructure and architecture. Those who are parading themselves as democrats today, all participated in military governments.”

    Gen. Babangida explained why he decided to be silent.

  • Mark, IBB, Abdulsalami mourn ex-ANA president Gimba

    Mark, IBB, Abdulsalami mourn ex-ANA president Gimba

    Senate President David Mark, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar were among the dignitaries, who  witnessed the interment of a former President of  the Association of Nigeria Authors (ANA), Alhaji Abubakar Gimba.

     He was said to have died on Wednesday and was buried according to Islamic rites in Minna, Niger State, yesterday.

    A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Paul Mumeh, said residents in  Minna paid their last respects, as thousands of people trooped to the prayer ground before the interment.

    It said Imam Ibrahim Fari conducted the prayer session to bid Gimba farewell.

    The statement said at the family compound of the late Gimba, Senator Mark described him as an intellectual of high repute, whose works cut across ethnic, religious and political boundaries.

    It said Mark noted that Gimba was a pan-Nigerian, who  believed and worked hard for the unity of the nation.

    The Senate president was said to have added that Gimba, who served as his special adviser on Economic and Public Policy Matters between 2007 and 2011, was a patriot, a prolific writer and a fighter for the enthronement of  human rights and freedom of the press.

    Mark was also said to have recalled that the late Gimba , then permanent secretary, Ministry of Planning and later Finance ministry when he was military governor of Niger State in the 80s, was one of his pillars, who helped him to succeed in the state.

     He noted that Gimba was a courageous and honest man, whose works would stand the test of time “because I know his works will outlive generations.”

     Senator Mark used the occasion to appreciate his former bosses, Babangida and Abdulsalami, whom he described as great mentors to him in his profession and in other areas.

     He recalled with nostalgia the mentorship he received from the duo, although he was not from their ethnic or religious background, saying:” This is what we need to forge unity across the length and breadth of Nigeria.”

    Mumeh quoted Mark to have said,”this is how we should live. Nigerians must inculcate and emulate these attributes. We must see ourselves as one people with one destiny. We must work for our peace and unity. We must all work for the common good of all Nigerians”.

    Niger State government planned to immortalise the literary giant by naming its newly-established University of Education after him.

    Gimba was born on March 10, 1952. He hailed from Nassawa town in Lapai Local Government.

  • National ID card will boost security – IBB

    National ID card will boost security – IBB

    Former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, on Tuesday said the issuance of national identity card by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) will go a long way in improving the nation’s security initiatives.

    He stated this on Tuesday after collecting a copy of his own identity card from the Director General of NIMC, Barrister Chris Onyemenam, at his Uphill residence in Minna, Niger State.

    Babangida, who said he was proud to be a Nigerian citizen after collecting the card, said the national identity card scheme would surely help ease and regulate our activities.
    “I am proud I have this one while I am still alive, please keep it up. And for those who have not succeeded in enrolling, try to make sure you do it fast.

    “I think if there is something one should be very proud of, that is being a citizen. If there is something that confirms you as a citizen then it is something to be proud of,” Babangida stated.

    The former president advised Nigerians to ensure they register and get their identity cards.

    Earlier, Onyemenam said over six million cards are ready for distribution as the scheme enters the distribution stage.

    “We have started distribution of the cards to Nigerians nationwide. We started with Abuja, Lagos and Rivers States. All Nigerians that have enrolled will get their cards before April.”

     

  • Et tu, IBB?

    Et tu, Brute? That was Caesar’s fatal shock — in any case, according to William Shakespeare’s dramatisation of the tragedy of Julius Caesar’s assassination by the Roman murderous conspirators of nobles.

    Among them was Marcus Brutus, the nobleman who wore his nobility like a gown, but who had to be drafted to murder Caesar — not because he hated his bosom friend, but because he loved Rome!  How about that for dramatically classical sophistry?

    Indeed, Shakespeare made it known that the shock of Brutus’s involvement in the plot was more fatal to Caesar than the other conspirators’ stabs.

    Well, even if you are not literature inclined, just carry the drama of old Rome over to modern Nigeria, and you could well imagine the shock of President Goodluck Jonathan and his court over former Military President Ibrahim Babangida’s cheeky comment on the current corruption of Jonathanian,  sorry, gargantuan proportions!

    When the news hit Aso Rock, perhaps President Jonathan had, in shock, gawked: Et tu, (You too) IBB?

    Ah, IBB too!  That is the depth of rot this country has plumbed under Jonathan. For IBB whose government is perceived — IBB insists his alleged corruption was mere perception — to have institutionalised corruption, to claim, corruption-wise, to be “saints” and “angels”, compared with the present, is well and truly confounding!

    Still, IBB does have some claims to flaunt.  For starters: the US $12.4 billion Gulf War Oil windfall alleged to have vanished. IBB claimed it never did, since there was no such windfall.

    But can Jonathan say the same of the US $20 billion oil money the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) never remitted into the Federation Account, as alleged by Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (now Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II of Kano), then Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor?  Remember: it was on account of that whistle-blowing that Jonathan “suspended” Mr. Sanusi from his job?

    O yes, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Jonathan’s economic czarina, insists some forensic audit was afoot to clear the mess. But many weeks later, after the audit is supposed to be public knowledge, Madam Minister, where is that report?

    And o, there were some interesting parallels, in the EFCC-arranged (remember Fela’s Army Arrangement, AA) IBB-featured laconic and sardonic humour on corruption, which, if it were a play, should have been titled, My Regime is Less Corrupt Than Yours!

    IBB declared himself the “most investigated president Nigeria ever had”.  Jonathan had earlier christened himself the “most criticised”.  Similar crosses, would you say?

    Then Saint IBB says he made “less than” US $7 billion oil revenue; yet “I built Abuja” and also delivered Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos, besides the first dual carriageway in the North.

    Now, what is Sinner Jonathan’s bragging right to IBB’s?  As current head of IBB-reported government “making US $200 billion to US $ 300 billion”, what is Jonathan delivering?

    Well, some say retooling the railways. But others quickly snap: antiquated rail that would scandalise modernists in the Lord Lugard era?  Or maybe the president’s New Year’s resolve to fight corruption — after literally snoring for six years?

    Indeed, what should worry Jonathan and his aides is the symbolism of the IBB comment: the vanishing elite consensus from his presidency, some eight weeks shy of an epochal election!

    Well, ill luck is not transferable!

  • Jonathan, IBB in secret meeting

    Jonathan, IBB in secret meeting

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday visited former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, in his Minna, Niger State residence with the duo holding talks for about an hour.

    The president, who was accompanied by the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, his Chief of Staff, Gen. Jones Arogbofa, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Muhammed, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi and his chief campaigner, Dr. Ahmadu Ali, among other dignitaries, later told newsmen that the visit was to “appreciate our leader” and ask after his health since his recent return from medical treatment abroad.

    He spoke of Babangida’s commitment to Nigeria’s unity and peace, saying “Of course, you know that this is the end of the year. Within this period, people pay visits. So, I have come to visit him.

    “You know he came back from a hospital abroad, not too long ago. Since he came back, we have not seen. I need to see my father to know how he is feeling. I am quite pleased the way I have seen him.

    “Of course, you all know that as a nation, we are facing challenges: security challenges all over, not just in the North; Yes, Boko Haram in the North; the South is not safe: commercial kidnapping and robbery.

    “He is one of our experienced leaders. As somebody who is sitting where he was before, I need to see them from time to time to listen to their suggestions. That is one of the areas we can collectively move the country forward and ensure that Nigerians live in peace.

    “That is the key thing and I am quite pleased that we had a fruitful discussion.”

    Also speaking to reporters, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida asked Nigerians to support the President to keep Nigeria united.

    “What I will say is simple: The President means well for this country and he is working well for this country. Anybody who means well for this country should support the President to make sure that Nigeria survives as a united country.”

    Sources said the President used the visit to solicit Babangida’s support for his second term aspiration in the next year’s general elections.

    Jonathan arrived Minna in a helicopter chopper at El-Amin International School, owned by the late Mrs. Maryam Babangida and drove straight to the Uphill residence of Babangida where the two leaders went into a closed door meeting.

    All the roads leading to the Uphill residence of the former military leader were sealed off from human and vehicular movement for the period of the Presidential visit.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo paid similar visit to the recuperating IBB shortly after he returned to the country.