2nd January, 2015
In the last week, I’ve been inundated with phone calls, text messages, tags, and all form of correspondence over the pronouncement made by my Principal, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Rtd) after a visit by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.
Let me state here that this is not sanctioned by IBB, and this is not his standpoint, this is me just doing my bit.
I found it somewhat insensitive that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan chose a day of such importance to go visit IBB just to talk politics.
On the 5th year remembrance of Maryam Babangida, and for GEJ not to have referred to it, and to also claim “he was in Minna to greet “his father” who recently returned to the country from a medical trip abroad” smirks desperation.
Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Rtd) returned on November 1, 2014, and on 27th of December, I’m wondering how recent that is?
IBB due to his training and as a former public officer, he will never disregard constituted authority and public office, there was no way he would not have received President Goodluck Jonathan even if at a short or no notice.
My Principal I know has never been, and will never be critical of any public office holder publicly.
What transpired behind closed doors, what he said, and his stance will never been known to us.
Many have come to see his statement of “all Nigerians must support Jonathan because he means well for the country” as an endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan re-election bid.
It’s understandable as Nigerians are now very emotive because of the dystopia-like situation in the country and I can assure you all that such is not lost on my Principal.
IBB has not taken anything away from Nigerians. IBB has not played “God” as his statement only further affirms Nigerians will determine GEJ’s fate.
I’ve always maintained that all IBB have to give anyone during this ongoing dispensation is his one vote and you all can be rest assured it will be for a better and stronger Nigeria.
IBB never said “all Nigerians must vote Jonathan because he will do well for the country”. If he had, then that is an endorsement. That depicts utmost conviction in the will and intentions of GEJ.
IBB with his statement made Nigerians realise they have the initiative, the strength and the power to determine the fate of GEJ and the destiny of this country.
Nigerians can decide to support GEJ if “he means well” is good enough for them and it’s what they want, or they want more. They want action and strong leadership.
Moreover, nobody knows how convincing GEJ was during their discussion. Nobody knows if he swore to amend his ways. Nobody knows if he accepted he had wronged Nigerians and want to right his wrongs.
We can all speculate, but IBB is a mere mortal like you and I, who can’t see the heart of man, and who is relying on the power of his single vote.
God Bless Nigeria.
Written By Yemi Saka, a political analyst and social commentator
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yemi.saka Twitter: @patriot_yemisak