Never Again to Babangida!

Saturday
May 19th

Bishops: IBB Not Fit To Rule!

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Methodist Bishops in Nigeria have faulted the bid of former military dicator, General Ibrahim Babangida, to contest the presidential election in 2011, describing Babangida's attempt at having another shot at the nation’s presidency as an insult to Nigerians.

In a communique issued at the end of their meeting in Kaduna, signged by the Prelate of the Church in Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Makinde, and the Conference Secretary, Rt. Rev. Raphael Opoko, the Church concluded that Babangida’s action was an insult to Nigerians.

The bishops noted that Nigerians had not forgotten that Babangida annulled the freest and fairest presidential election on June 12, 1993, adding that the fallout of this infamous act led to the death of many Nigerians while millions of others were thrown into misery.

Reading the communique at a news conference, Makinde alleged that during Babangida’s tenure, the country witnessed an unprecedented and monumental rise in the incidences of corruption.

The bishops also urged the Federal Government to ensure the proper reform of the nation’s electoral process as well as a review of the voter register before the 2011 elections.

They added that the development would ensure that eligible Nigerians exercised their voting rights by actively participating in the electoral process.

The bishops said, “On the forthcoming elections, Council calls on the Federal Government to carry out electoral reforms and review the voter register to enable every eligible voter to exercise his/her voting rights and participate in the electoral process.

They also called on the Federal Government to grant autonomy to Independent National Electoral Commission so that future elections would be well conducted.

The bishops said, “The news of the declaration of Babangida that he would run for the presidency of the country at the forthcoming elections is an insult to the generality of Nigerians because Babaginda annulled the freest and fairest elections in Nigeria in 1993 which led to the death and misery of millions of Nigerians.

“Council noted that it was during his tenure that the level of corruption was raised to the level which has almost sunk the country.”

The 12-point communique of the bishops also asked the government to grant autonomy to the INEC so that future elections would be freely and fairly conducted.

The Methodist bishops also urged Acting President Goodluck Jonathan to remain consistent in the discharge of his duties while striving to consolidate the gains of his administration which they said included the de-listing of Nigeria from the list of terrorist countries.

They also condemned any form of religious intolerance still evident in parts of the country, especially in Jos, Plateau State and reminded governors of other states to remember that Nigeria is a multi-religious and secular country.

They said, “While praying for the quick recovery of President Umaru Yar’Adua, Council calls on the Federal Government to make known to Nigerians the condition of health of the President and stop hiding the truth from the citizens.

 

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It is quite uneducated and absurd for some segments of people in the Nigerian state to accept the fact that General Ibrahim Babangida is nursing an ambition for the presidency.However,I urge Nigerians to stop jittery and focus on how credible individuals will be enthrone into various offices of government come 2011.The recent posters of General Babangida's campign was an evident that the evil genius is only seeking political relevance in the Nigeria political landscape.More-so,the various civil society groups in Nigeria should be more politically conscious and take charge of the nation's politics from the hands of the blood sucking vimpres called politicians in Nigeria.I also subscribed to the agitations of the Arewa Consultative forum calling for the involvement of Nigerian youths in the act of governance and condemning the domination of former Generals and past political leaders in the Nigeria politics.Therefore it became imperative for Nigerians to support the candidacy of Mallam Nuhu Ribadu the former anti-graft czar and Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iwela for president & vice president respectively come 2011.The choice of the duo was in line with Nigerians readiness towards embracing growth and development in all strata of it general well-being and the total eradication of corruption and the enthronement of transparency and accountability in governance.Let spread the message to our fellow compatriots.
FADUMIYE ADEYINKA , May 04, 2010
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This gentleman, IBB, was the single soul who put Nigeria in her deplorable position as one of the most corrupt nations on earth. He was the one man who introduced both "settlement" and "10%" as part of everyday life in Nigeria during his rule and these have persisted till date. I am baffled that IBB wants to come back to rule. What precisely does he want to come back to do? Journalists beware!!
Ejidike Nmezi, PhD , May 06, 2010
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Is Babangida sane? Appart from his notoriety in power, this guy has got nothing to reccommend him as a possible president of the country.He must be helped to waste his looted millions.
Gbenga007 , May 07, 2010
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Iam happy you guys a Human and mortal. Babangida is and will always remain the phenomenon you choose to hate. Nothing new, dynamic or progressive ever come out of you. Your indeed just a bunch of empty-headed megaphone. The clergy must be seen working towards the reformation of the people
musa(chelsea) , May 07, 2010
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while every true Nigerian is free to express himself or herself, it is purely too antagonistic to nail one man just because of his many sins. This man called IBB indeed is very likeable. I quite agree that his annulment of june 12 election is unwaranted, have we ever asked the part played by MKO'S kinsmen and the Kabiyesis? History someday will judge IBB right as a person. perhaps he shouldnt have listened to so many advicers during that period. But the deed is done. Let us forgive him as he has on various occasions apologized to Nigerians. I am sure he will come out openly and more formally to apologize to Nigerians. Let us give him the opportunity as a true Nigerian to aspire to the higfhest office instead of casting aspertions unduely. After all, a reformed st. Paul is better than so many suspicious saints posing as our saviour. 2011 is coming. Lets us apply logical reasoning other than sentiments in our interrogation of the political history of the past, present and future of Nigeria.
C. Ekenedilichukwu , May 13, 2010
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Babangida should leave forget the going back to Aso Rock. He would hasten his destruction by going back. Remember Abacha!
Chy , July 14, 2010

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