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Tag: Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida

  • IBB’s memoir: Matters arising

    IBB’s memoir: Matters arising

    By Ojo Emmanuel Ademola

    The 1993 Nigerian presidential election annulment, denying Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola’s victory, remains a dark chapter in history. Ibrahim Babangida’s recent confirmation of Abiola’s win sparks discussions on accountability and democracy in Nigeria. Babangida’s evasion of responsibility raises questions about strengthening frameworks for human rights and democracy. The government and citizens promote transparency and respect for democratic principles.

    Can Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) be trusted? His past actions in deceiving and exploiting Nigerians raise doubts. Reflecting on past dictators worldwide, what consequences should individuals like Babangida face for abusing power and betraying trust? The central theme surrounding IBB is a deep sense of incredulity and mistrust in his words and deeds. His history of manipulation and disregard for Nigerian welfare fuels scepticism of his intentions.

    The need for accountability in addressing how IBB exploited and deceived Nigerians for personal gain is crucial. Perpetuating consequences for such actions uphold justice and the rule of law. Allowing individuals like IBB to evade responsibility sets a dangerous precedent that undermines governance principles. Examining this issue reveals parallels with other dictators who inflicted harm through unchecked authority and impunity, emphasising the necessity of accountability and democratic values.

    Holding individuals like IBB accountable is vital for justice and preventing past injustices. Transparency, accountability, and safeguarding democratic institutions are essential. Addressing leaders’ crimes like IBB can pave the way towards a future marked by integrity, respect for human rights, and good governance.

    Responsible leadership is crucial for a functioning democracy and just society. Leaders must serve their constituents and uphold the rule of law. Corruption and abuse of power undermine democracy, eroding public trust. Holding leaders accountable is paramount for justice, safeguarding democracy, and promoting ethical governance.

    Leaders facing accountability serve as a warning to others and demonstrate the consequences of misconduct. The resignation of former South African President Jacob Zuma amid corruption allegations highlights the importance of accountability in a democratic society. Malaysia’s former Prime Minister Najib Razak’s conviction for corruption in the 1MDB scandal showcases the legal system’s commitment to holding officials accountable, regardless of their status.

    To hold leaders like IBB accountable, key mechanisms can be employed as deterrents against future misconduct, including conducting independent investigations and legal proceedings to ensure transparent and fair accountability processes free from political interference. Strengthening anti-corruption measures with robust laws and oversight mechanisms is essential to prevent and combat corrupt practices. Promoting civil society engagement encourages public participation and whistleblower protection to uphold accountability standards. Seeking international cooperation and collaborating with global bodies to investigate and prosecute corruption cases are crucial steps towards ensuring accountability. Enhancing electoral accountability and empowering citizens through democratic processes like elections and informed voter education further solidify efforts to hold leaders accountable and promote integrity and responsible leadership in a democratic society.

    The June 12 annulment by Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) continues to be a contentious issue in Nigeria’s history, with significant implications for democracy, justice, and accountability. The list of key individuals connected to the annulment who have since passed away raises questions about the challenges of seeking justice and accountability in cases involving influential political figures.

    The deaths of prominent figures linked to the June 12 annulment, including Chief MKO Abiola (the winner of the annulled election), General Sani Abacha, Arthur Nzeribe, Clement Akpamgbo, Justice Bassey Ikpeme, Justice Dahiru Saleh, Abimbola Davis, Prof. Omo Omoruyi, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, and Vice Admiral Aikhomu, raise concerns about the limitations of holding individuals accountable posthumously. The absence of these individuals as witnesses in present-day inquiries or legal proceedings poses challenges to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for the events surrounding the annulment.

    The statement refers to the confirmation by former Nigerian military ruler Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) that Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as M.K.O. Abiola, won the presidential election in Nigeria. This confirmation raises questions about accountability and justice since Babangida is seen as responsible for annulling the election results in 1993, leading to years of political turmoil and Abiola’s subsequent imprisonment and death. The reference to IBB as an “arch-coward” implies criticism of his actions in blaming numerous others who are in graves, I mean they were now deceased, for the annulment instead of taking responsibility for his own role in the crisis. The discourse highlights the need to address past injustices and decide on the way forward in light of these revelations.

    Undoubtedly, the statement reflects a deep-rooted concern about the pervasive culture of impunity and lack of accountability in Nigerian politics, particularly in the actions of leaders like Ibrahim Babangida (IBB). By confirming that M.K.O. Abiola won the election and acknowledging his role in the annulment, IBB is seen as perpetuating a trend of escaping consequences for his actions. This weakens the national frameworks of accountability, responsibility, and integrity and erodes public trust in the political system.

    Babangida’s ability to “get away” with his alleged wicked acts, such as annulling a democratic election and subsequently blaming deceased individuals for it, underscores a broader issue of power dynamics and impunity within Nigeria’s political landscape. The lack of consequences for such actions not only sets a dangerous precedent but also undermines the very foundations of democratic governance and the rule of law.

    The June 12 annulment by Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB) remains dreadful in Nigerian history, affecting democracy, justice, and accountability. The deaths of key individuals connected to the annulment, including Chief MKO Abiola and General Sani Abacha, pose challenges in pursuing posthumous accountability. IBB’s acknowledgement of Abiola as the election winner raises accountability issues, given his role in the annulment and ensuing political unrest. This highlights the need to address past injustices and move forward, reflecting concerns about Nigeria’s culture of impunity and lack of political accountability, especially within leadership like IBB, which undermines national accountability frameworks and erodes public trust.

    To address these issues, we must hold individuals like Babangida accountable, strengthen institutional transparency, and promote ethical leadership. Without genuine reforms, the cycle of impunity will endure, damaging Nigeria’s democratic core. Although key witnesses may be unavailable, we can explore other avenues to ensure accountability. This includes reviewing evidence and engaging experts to fully understand the annulment’s circumstances. Additionally, truth and reconciliation initiatives can provide a platform for survivors and families to seek redress and promote transparency in governance.

    Efforts to reform institutions, bolster the rule of law, and enhance judicial independence can prevent future injustices and foster political leaders’ accountability. Preventing electoral fraud and protecting fundamental rights safeguard democracy and honour June 12’s legacy. Overcoming witness challenges in the annulment case requires a united quest for truth, justice, and accountability to address past wrongs and build a just and democratic society. Upholding transparency, rule of law, and responsible governance is vital to prevent impunity and avoid repeating history.

    The question then arises again: How can a commitment to journalism and human rights contribute to the fortification of democracy and prevent the recurrence of past injustices in Nigeria? In examining the roles and responsibilities of both the government and its citizens, how can we ensure accountability, transparency, and the protection of rights for all individuals?

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    Upholding journalistic integrity and respecting human rights are essential for safeguarding democracy in Nigeria. By prioritising these values, society can achieve greater accountability and justice. The government must focus on transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, investigating past wrongdoings and implementing reforms to prevent future abuses of power. Citizens also have a crucial role in holding their leaders accountable, speaking out against injustices, and advocating for transparency and change through peaceful protests, policy advocacy, and voting. Together, these efforts can foster a culture of respect for human rights and democratic ideals in the nation.

    A partnership between the government and its citizens is essential for strengthening democracy, ensuring human rights protections, and preventing the recurrence of past injustices. By working together to uphold democratic values, promote accountability, and protect human rights, Nigeria can build a more resilient and inclusive society that respects the rule of law and values the voice of its citizens.

    Conclusively, in the journey towards building a more just and democratic Nigeria, the intertwined responsibilities of the government and its citizens are paramount. As revelations about past injustices like the annulment of the 1993 election come to light, authorities must prioritise accountability, uphold the rule of law, and implement reforms that prevent such abuses of power in the future. Equally important is the role of citizens in pushing for transparency, advocating for human rights protections, and holding their leaders accountable. By working collaboratively to strengthen democratic institutions, protect human rights, and promote political accountability, Nigeria can move towards a future where the mistakes of the past serve as lessons that guide the nation towards a more inclusive, just, and resilient society.

  • IBB dribbles history

    IBB dribbles history

    Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, popularly called IBB, surely has a mysterious gift of celestial mercy. Otherwise, how can his grave sins against Nigerian democracy be atoned by democratically elected leaders who ordinarily should be hounding him? The launch of his autobiography: “A Journey of Service” last week, in Abuja is reminiscent of Isaiah 1:18, which said: “come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, though they be red like crimson, they shall be white as wool.” 

    While he reigned as military president, IBB was called Maradona, after the famous Argentine footballer, Diego Maradona, a gifted dribbler, who used his hand (he called it the hand of god) to score a goal against England in the 1986 world cup quarter finals and got away with it. Short and sturdy like IBB, the Argentinian football maestro had leaped into the air and with a feint of his hand, made up the remaining inches needed to score against England. Unlike now, then, there was no video review to crosscheck what happened.

    Until last week, pundits would easily have written off IBB as belonging to the infamy of Nigerian history. His gravest sin was the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election which Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO), won handsomely. That action set a chain of reactions, which resulted in the death of the winner of the election, his wife, Kudirat Abiola, and several other persons killed to enforce the annulment. Many great political careers were annihilated for supporting the malicious annulment or for seemingly condoning it.

    Three decades after, the chief culprit of the annulment, seems to be the beneficiary of fulsome forgiveness in the manner Prophet Isaiah wrote thousands of years ago. While accepting responsibility for the criminal annulment of the election, the wily general also sought to exculpate himself from the criminal act, by laying the actual doing of the act (actus reus and mens rea) on late Gen. Sani Abacha, who he is sure is more loathed, by many. Of course, if you doubt IBB, you can go ask Abacha, his own side of the story.

    A case of eating your cake, and still having it in the fridge or approbating and re-approbating, as we say in legalism. By IBB’s account, if you believe him, he was as much a victim as those who were consumed by the criminal annulment. The worse, he wants history to say of him, is that he was just a coward, who could not stare down Abacha, his subordinate army chief. Perhaps, that may be a better historical indignity to live with, than the criminal indictment of annulling a democratic election.

    It is hoped that a list of those who lost their lives to that act of cowardice of IBB answering the commander-in-chief, when in actual fact, it was his chief of army staff, Sani Abacha, that was the chief commander of the nation’s army, will be published as addendum to IBB’s book of apology. It would also be necessary to acknowledge the personal and national economic losses, Nigerians and the nation suffered as a result of his allowing Abacha to annul the election, as he is now alleging.    

    Of note, many Nigerians, who were mere accessory after the criminal act of the annulment and who had died without the atonement and reasoning together of last week, have been wished the hottest part of hell by many aggrieved Nigerians. If a wish list is made of those who should be in the hottest part of the hades, many of those who were mere errand boys to IBB in the criminal annulment of the 1993 election would feature prominently.

    But, against the run of play, IBB is niftily seeking to come clean, to escape the historic condemnation for the sin which by his own admission, he accepts responsibility for. The members of the human rights community, who may have been nursing the secret wish that IBB can be hauled before a court to answer for the illegal annulment of that election are greatly disappointed. They may have imagined that since Nigerian democracy has become entrenched, and those who were on the firing line of the annulment army, like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are now in power, the time for IBB’s criminal indictment is drawing near. 

    But here we are, the man who had dribbled politicians with an unending transition programme; who had banned, unbanned, and re-banned politicians, in a manner reminiscent of dribbles by Diego Amando Maradona, in the soccer field, instead of taking a hit from the offended, not only received plaudits, but garlands from the president and the committee of living past presidents and leaders. And not only the political class, the mega billionaires in Nigeria, were there in their numbers, seeking to outdo each other, in praises and donations for a presidential library of a retired military head of state. 

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    Surely, IBB is a lucky man. A cursory look through the internet would reveal that presidential library is rooted in democracy. But IBB despite being a past military leader has successfully appropriated that symbol of democracy, which he spurned, as military leader. The google says that Presidential Library system formally began in 1939, when President Franklin Roosevelt donated his personal and presidential papers to the US federal government. Now, IBB has rewritten the histories of presidential library by launching one, though he was a military president.

    His legendry skill in making friends was at display at the event, marking the public presentation of his autobiographical book and the launch of his presidential library. Apart from the presence of the former heads of state, the venue was brimming with retired military officers, political heavyweights and leading businessmen, even when many thought that he has become inconsequential in the political scheming of Nigeria. This writer doubts if any other former Nigeria leader can influence the assemblage of such influential men, when the beneficiary can no longer repay such loyalty.

    Many writers have called for forgiveness, more so with Abacha put forward as the escape goat by IBB. Considering IBB’s interest in history, he may actually crave that forgiveness more than the humongous billions raised at the book presentation and launch of presidential library last week. While many living June 12 democracy activists would never give him the benefit of doubt, the wily general is setting up a legacy project that would project his positive side, and seek to write his history in his own image.

    Loathed and feared by his adversaries; loved and adored by his admirers, the one they call the evil genius has shown his uncanny ingenuity even at his twilight. With perhaps his last official performance last week, has IBB succeeded in dribbling history, to his favourable acclaim? History will tell.

  • Dignitaries, lavish donations mark IBB’s autobiography, library launch

    Dignitaries, lavish donations mark IBB’s autobiography, library launch

    The unveiling of former Military President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida’s autobiography, ‘A Journey in service’, was a grand affair, drawing a distinguished gathering of political and business leaders from across Nigeria and beyond. 

    Held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, the event was marked by powerful speeches, nostalgic recollections and an outpouring of goodwill.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the roll call of dignitaries accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume. 

    Former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan, Olusegun Obasanjo, Yakubu Gowon, and Abdulsalami Abubakar were present with former Vice Presidents Atiku Abubakar, Namadi Sambo, and Yemi Osinbajo.

    International figures included former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, who delivered the keynote speech, and former Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Wonie Bio. 

    Also in attendance were 2023 presidential candidates Peter Obi of Labour Party and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

    The event served a dual purpose, doubling as a fundraiser for the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida Library Project, which saw an impressive show of financial support from the nation’s elite. 

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    Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, set the tone with a N5 billion contribution, followed by General Theophilus Danjuma’s N3 billion donation. 

    Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, pledged N8 billion over the next four years, reinforcing his commitment to education and national development.

    Other major donations included Senator Sani Musa’s N250 million and Mustapha Chike-Obi’s dual contribution—N50 million on behalf of Fidelity Bank and N100 million from his personal funds. 

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio pledged N50 million, while the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, contributed N20 million. 

    Senator Aliyu Wadada, who represented Akpabio and Jibrin, pledged N10 million. 

    The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), represented by its Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced that it would reveal its collective contribution in March.

    Billionaire philanthropists Tony Elumelu and Bola Shagaya also pledged support, though their donation amounts were not disclosed. 

    Chief Arthur Eze contributed a symbolic N500m while oil magnate Bola Alakija confirmed her donation without specifying an amount.

    The atmosphere was a blend of celebration and reflection, with speakers lauding Babangida’s role in shaping Nigeria’s history. 

    In his remarks, President Tinubu praised the former leader for his “unparalleled contributions to national unity and economic growth,” while Goodluck Jonathan described the autobiography as “a vital historical document for future generations.”

    As the event concluded, it was evident that ‘A Journey in Service’ was not just a book launch, but a testament to Babangida’s enduring influence on Nigeria’s political and economic landscape.

  • Ibori mourns Okogwu, Dafinone

    Former Delta state governor, Dr James Ibori, has expressed sadness over the departure of two Delta men of means; Chief Sunny Okogwu and Senator David Dafinone.

    Chief Ibori, in separate statements issued by his Media Assistant, Tony Eluemunor, described the two men as exceptional, leaving indelible legacies in the lives of Delta state and its various peoples.

    Describing Okogwu, Ibori said  “though Okogwu was every inch a Delta state indigene and was particularly proud of his Asaba root and the town’s title of Ojisi, which he held, he at the same time felt very much at home in the preeminent Northern city of Kaduna. His remarkably picturesque house, the “Ship House” is a tourist masterpiece.

    “Indeed, Chief Okogwu was a political reference point in Kaduna for decades. He achieved this status well-before his brother-in-law, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd) became the President of Nigeria and remained so for the decades after IBB had left office.

    “Okogwu remained very colourful until his death. His press interviews and political statements were always as fiery as they were difficult to decipher. He once said he needed to be first decoded in order to be understood. What was not in doubt was his business acumen; he built his business empire in an area that many Nigerian businessmen and women would rather leave well alone; aviation. He had the dream of training pilots locally and manufacturing aircraft parts.

    “Chief Okogwu, all through his life, always threw his doors open to people from the Mid-West region, Bendel and later Delta states. I experienced his remarkable generosity during my brief stay in Kaduna prison. Chief Okogwu was indeed one of my sureties and he offered his Ship House as a bond to meet my bail conditions. His fragrant memory will always linger in my mind. May God grant him eternal rest”, he said.

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    Speaking about Senator Dafinone, Ibori noted that he rendered a remarkable service to Delta and Nigeria, describing him as a “Jack of many trades.

    “Though David Dafinone was globally known as a Chartered Accountant, one of the few ones who made it into the Guinness Book of Records – his family has the largest number of accountants in the world, he actually studied Economics. He combined this with part-time professional accountancy examinations as he progressed through the university. As he graduated with a degree in Economics he was also acquiring his professional certificate in Accountancy at the same time.

    “He worked with topflight organisations both as an Economist and Accountant, he and Chief Akintola Willliams became the doyens of Accountancy in Nigeria.  Dafinone’s illustrious spirit had to embrace other challenges – politics, publishing, business, real estate development, etc, and he excelled in all.

    “Dafinone joined the late Chief Jonathan Odebiyi and the late Dr. Olusola Saraki, to form the three most influential Senators of the Second Repblic – authoritative, in debate, carriage and highly respected across all the political parties of that from 1979 to 1983.

    “His Ceddi Plaza, Apapa, is a very visible and highly known Lagos landmark just as the Ceddi Plaza Abuja helps to define the federal capital city’s Central Business District. Not many people may remember that Dafinone owned the encyclopaedic “Who is Who in Nigeria” publication and also published the “Abuja Handbook” for several years”, he said.

  • IBB to Tambuwal: You have my blessings

    Former President Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, has praised Sokoto state governor and leading presidential aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Aminu Waziri Tambuhwal, as a “grounded leader”, who has the requisite experience and capacity to take Nigeria to the next level.

    A statement by Tambuwal media office said Babangida spoke when the Sokoto state governor paid him a visit in his Mina, Niger state, hill top mansion, as part of the consultations over his current presidential ambition in the forthcoming 2019 general election.

    IBB, who said he wished the former speaker House of Representatives, well on his ambition assured him of his blessings, adding that he has started well “setting up a strong and formidable team, which is the hallmark of good leadership”.

    IBB: “You are a bright leader and from my observation, your team is also bright. Every leader needs a strong, bright team in other to succeed. And I assure you of my blessings. I will keep on monitoring you to know how you are doing on this project. I will call you where I see a need to guide or redirect you, should you take steps are contrary to the overall interest of the people and unity of Nigeria.”

    Read Also: Tambuwal storms Ekiti, promises dynamic leadership

    The former president disclosed that during his time as a president, he surrounded himself with bright individuals, who he said helped him to succeed, despite the fact that he was “a mere bloody soldier.”, Adding that he was “proud that his generation of leaders would be handing over the mantle of leadership to a successor generation that is bright and digital as His Excellency, Governor Tambuwal.”

    Tambuwal had in his speech told the Mina General that he had come to formally inform him of his presidential ambition and to also “seek his blessings”.

    He said that his ambition rose out of “A patriotic commitment unites Nigeria and work hard to ensure the security, development and progress of the nation.”

    The former speaker said that Nigeria has never been this polarized along ethnic and religious differences. He said, “We must take back our country, reunite our people and reposition the nation for it to be properly restructured for the benefit of all Nigerians .We need to secure Nigeria. This Country has never been this divided and has never been this enmeshed in confusion and security challenges.

    “We need a government that will deploy competent manpower, that has the capacity to address our developmental; with the use of technology. We have to deploy technology where it is needed, in order to get the results we really need.”

    He promised that should he be elected president, “, by the Grace of God, I guarantee that we shall assemble team of competent Nigerians from all parts of the Federation to serve our fatherland and also go out there and restore our dignity in the comity of nations. And ensure that there is devolution of powers that will fund the states betters than the center.”

     

  • No Crude Oil discovered in Bida Basin yet – NNPC

    The Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Kacalla Baru has debunked claims that commercial quantities of crude oil have been discovered in the Bida Basins.

    He said that the Bida basin exploration have not advanced to the level of declaring discoveries talk less of claiming that the oil and gas present is in commercial quantities.

    Baru disclosed this during his acceptance speech delivered during his conferment with the Fellowship Award of the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL).

    He explained that there are ten stages of activities that lead to the discovery of oil and gas and the Bida Basin exploration is in the fourth stage which is determining if hydrocarbon have been generated in the Basin, “IDSL, a subsidiary of NNPC, is currently analyzing the Basin to determine if the hydrocarbons have been generated”

    “There have been sporadic claims, even recently, by several bodies including Niger state dictionaries that crude oil have been discovered in certain areas of the state. Also it was reported that commercial qualities of oil were discovered from seven wells drilled through the collaboration of the NNPC and IBBUL. NNPC’s wish is: may this come true.

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    “It is my hope that with this clarity, all claims and counter claims in respect of the Bida basin hydrocarbon discoveries will be given a befitting rest they deserve, until the conclusion of the current NNPC led efforts or other effort in the Basin are concluded in conformance with the due process enumerated earlier. ”

    However, the NNPC Group Managing Director, the NNPC is desirous of discovery of oil and gas in the frontier basins and is currently engaged in aggressive exploration campaign at most inland basins with the view of discovering new oil and gas reserves that will boost oil and gas production in the nation.

    “It is our utmost desire that the success of the ongoing exploration campaign in the inland Basins will usher in a new Nigeria. Oil discovery in the inland basin is expected to increase oil production and generate higher income to the nation, this providing more funds and linkages for speedy development of other sectors of the economy. “

  • 29 bags first class honours in IBBUL

    29 graduating students have bagged First Class in the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida University, Lapai ( IBBUL ), the Vice Chancellor, Professor Muhammad Nasiru Maiturare has disclosed.

    Briefing newsmen during the Convocation Press Briefing, Maiturare said that 6,348 students would be graduating in the second combined convocation ceremony which would be held on Saturday.

    Giving a breakdown of the statistics of graduates by class of degree, he said that 1,281 would be graudting with Second Class Upper, 3,290 would be graduating with Second class lower,1,613 with Pass while 135 got Pass.

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    The Vice Chancellor also said that the University would be graduating its first set of 118 Postgraduate graduands with 82 Postgraduate Diploma students and 36 Masters.

    He added that a Honorary Doctorate Degree would be conferred to Sheik Ahmed Lemuel while a Honorary Fellowship of the University would be conferred to NNPC Group Managing Director, Dr. Makanfi Bari adding that a N7 billion endowment fund would be lunched during the convocation.

    Speaking on the result of the student, Maiturare assured that the school is working towards increasing the quality of learning to ensure that the students graduate with good grades, “I am assuring that the University would work on poor performances and hope that with our improved learning facilities, the performance level of the students will improve.”

  • Woman die of suspected Lassa Fever Symptoms in Niger

    A woman identified as Ramatu Usman Shehu on Monday died from a suspected case of Lassa fever in Niger state.

    According to a family source, Ramatu who died at about 6 a.m on Monday morning was rushed to a private hospital in Minna when she started vomitting and stooling blood and emitting blood from her nostrils.

    The Source told The Nation that the hospital, after testing her referred her to the Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida Specialist Hospital but the parents refused taking her to the hospital and took her home where she died.

    “What made us suspicious”, the Source said, “was when some officials from the Ministry of health came to the house, the hospital must have told them. When they came,Ramatu was already dead, so they have the people who were going to bury her some protective surgical suits to put on and they sprayed the body, the car that carried her to the hospital and all four the house. This was after testing her.”

    The Source said that for about a week, the deceased  who had six children had been complaining of sore throat and body pains, “but the body got worse yesterday. She was taken to the General Hospital Minna but there was no doctor on ground to attend to her, that was why she was taken to the private hospital. However,after admitting her, one of the doctors tested her and said she has been referred to IBB Hospital.”

    When The Nation visited the private Hospital, one of the doctors who spoke anonymously confirmed that a lady was brought to the hospital with suspected Lassa fever symptoms and because they could not handle her, the hospital refered her to the IBB Specialist Hospital.

    He also confirmed that the management called the state Ministry of health to inform them of their suspicion, “the lady did not die in our hospital. When we noticed we could not handle her case,we referred her to IBB Specialist Hospital. So whether they went or not, we do not know. I am just hearing that she died from you.”

    However, efforts to get the Niger state Ministry of Health prooved abortive. Although our Reporter met with the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Makunsidi, he denied knowledge of any case as such saying he had not been informed. He however promised to make enquiries and get back to the Reporter.

    But as at the time of filing this report, he had not called and his number was not going through.

  • Ramadan : IBB seeks Prayers to surmount National challenges

    …..Niger Gov. Warns Against Hike in Food Prices

     

    Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida has urged the Muslims to engage in prayers to enable the nation surmount its challenges.

    According to him, the Nation is faced with various challenges at personal and national levels stating that he believes that only divine intervention through prayers will give the nation solutions to its challenges.

    In a statement released on Thursday congratulating Muslims across Nigeria for seeing another Ramandan, Babangida enjoined all Muslims to conduct themselves very well during the holy month in order to maximize the spiritual and physical benefits inherent in the fasting period.

    “I join all to congratulate Muslims in Nigeria and across the world for seeing yet another Ramadan month, it brings to note the transient nature of the world with the realization that some people we observed the month with last year and many years back are no longer there this year, so we have this and many more reasons to thank Allah swt for his mercy to be alive to witness this holy month.

    “We are no doubt faced with various challenges at personal and National levels but we are always strong and believing in divine intervention to always take us through the right path with prayers to find solutions to our challenges.

    “I’m of the strong conviction that with preserverence, good intention, prayers , fairness and firmness of purpose in the pursuit of good deeds preserverence Allah swt will make us benefit from the rewards and blessings inherent in the Holy month”, the statement read.

    Also in his Ramadan message, the Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello urged Nigerians to use the period for national forgiveness and reconciliation in line with the spirit and intent of season as ordained by Allah.

    The Governor also pleaded with the traders to “avoid the temptation to hike the prices of commodities”.

    The governor stated that there can never be a better time for the people to begin to forgive one another and consciously seek the path of reconciliation in the interest of the country and the generations yet unborn.

    “This Holy blessed month has offered us the golden opportunity to retrace our steps, deliberately strive to sincerely forgive one another and chart the course of national reconciliation at this critical period of our nationhood.

    “The Prophet enjoined all human beings to live in peace and harmony with their neighbours and the Holy month of Ramadan is the auspicious time to further actualise this divine injunction. It should be a period of total forgiveness, reconciliation and healing of wounds to enable us build on the solid foundation being laid by President Muhammadu Buhari”

  • History will be kind to IBB, Says ADP

    History will be kind to IBB, Says ADP

    The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to listen to the wise counsel of former President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida not to seek reelection in 2019, but prepare to hand over to much younger person who can move the nation forward.

    However, in a statement signed by its National secretary, Dr.James Okoroma, the ADP said history will be kind to the former President for speaking out against what he described as leadership failure of President Buhari.

    Okoroma said the former President was “clinical in his presentation by touching on the economy, pervasive insecurity, bloodletting across the country, devolution of powers, community Policing and restructuring.

    “Babangida’s declaration that restructuring can no longer be wished away shows that there is hope for Nigeria. Those who thought that Buhari’s actions and segregation had the blessings of the entire North can now heave a sigh of relief with a serious opposition coming from another Northern leader of Babangida’s status.”

    While aligning with the former President in appealing to President Buhari not to seek re-election in 2019, the ADP scribe said: “Babangida was one of those who fought to keep Nigeria one, he cannot keep quiet while Buhari destroys the Country through divisive and nepotistic leadership. Today, we are losing our Country on a account of Buhari’s misrule which has set the Country backward.

    “Babangida’s advice that the war against Boko Haram be taken to the inner recesses of Sambisa Forest should be hidden.

    “Babangida spoke as a Patriot. He offered solution to every problem he identified in his statement. He has spoken as one of the Fathers of modern Nigeria. The issues he has raised should engage the attention of all Patriots.

    “History will be kind to IBB for speaking up against the leadership failure under President Muhammad Buhari. From all indications, the Buhari Government is a monumental failure and a disappointment to all Nigerians”.

    Also, the Nigeria Intervention Movement (NIM) said the position expressed by the former President is a tacit endorsement of its agenda to recruit, groom and position credible fresh breed successor Leaders for the 2019 elections

    NIM’s Deputy Director General, Mallam Naseer Kura commended what he described as IBB’s strategic Intervention on the crisis of leadership and politics rocking Nigeria. He said NIM is also compelled by the dearth of real political parties in the country to facilitate a major Rainbow political platform, modeled after the ANC of South Africa, to undertake the grooming of its adopted candidates for the 2019 elections.

    Kura further asserted that “with this crucial endorsement of the third force initiative of NIM by IBB and other Eminent Leaders of the country, it means the time has come for fresh breed third force ideologues to rise up and take over the mantle of leadership to lead the country out of the present woods of political inertia and impunity, while also not shying away from NIM’s core agenda for profound democratic reordering of the Nigerian State come 2019”