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My pact with Abacha, Obasanjo, by Gen. Babangida

From Aideloje Ojo, Minna

Former Military President, General Ibrahim BabangidaFormer Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida yesterday in Minna disclosed the pacts he had with two former heads of state Generals, Olusegun Obansanjo and Sani Abacha that enabled them to assume power at various periods in the history of the country, insisting that he was concerned with the future, security and unity of the nation.
Speaking in an interactive session with members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Niger state, Babangida explained that General Abacha was spared from the mass retirement that hit senior military officers at the time he was stepping aside in 1994  based on the calculation that General Abacha would help to stabilise the Ernest Shonekan Interim Government and douse the political tension that had mounted over the June 12 annulment.
He explained that at the time he “stepped aside”, the situation was very fragile adding that if the military profession was left in the hands of the young inexperienced officers, they would have torn the nation apart with coup d’états
“When we were leaving, the situation was very fragile and if people who were not as mature and as old as we were stepped into our shoes there will be problem. From my calculations Abacha was a gentleman and experienced soldier who commanded respect in the military that could give the Shonekan administration backing”, he said.
“The Junior officers, we reasoned, would be very cautious of General Abacha who was a tough officer and was in the system from Army Chief of Staff to Defence Minister”, he said.
General Babangida said that he was however surprised that as soon as he stepped aside, the citizens of the country and the media began to castigate the Shonekan administration in bad light saying it was worst than a military regime.
He said prominent citizens began to demand for military intervention prompting General Abacha to take over the administration he was earlier mandated to protect.
On his relationship with former President Obasanjo, Babangida said that he had worked to make Obasanjo, his former military boss, a civilian President  because of the conviction that he cannot be intimidated by the media or any other organisation.
Babangida said he did not feel betrayed by Obansanjo who is now believed to be working against his presidential ambition.
“I would not want to use the word betrayal on General Obasanjo.  My relationship with Obasanjo, has to do with our military training that as a soldier we are very loyal to our superiors. He remained a guiding light when we were growing and when we grew up in the military the bond of relationship continued to grow from strength to strength.
“When we meet we still talk about the unity and stability of the nation. I think we have a common objective. There is no disaffection between us”, he said.
Babangida who said he stepped aside in 1994 in the interest of peace and stability of the nation added that he chose to use the phrase step aside to depict a soldier marching in a Column. He said that he would continue to endure the shouts about his being the problem of the nation.
“People were shouting that I was the problem of the nation and that Nigeria will tear apart because I was the embodiment of all that was bad. Then in the interest of peace, I said ‘I will step aside’”, he said.
It will be recalled that former President Ibrahim Babangida has declared his intention to contest the presidency in the next general elections.
The retired General has also declared his support for the for the continuation of the zoning arrangement in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. If the arrangement is sustained, President Goodluck Jonathan will not be eligible to contest in 2011, hence paving the way for a Northern candidate to take the PDP ticket.

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GREED.
EX-President Babangida Sir. having gone through the twenty six comments about your ambition to come back to power, I'm tempted to salute your courage. You may not have time to read all that have been said about you. Personal analysis indicate that only one person commented in your favour.
The voice of men is the voice of God and if the people are saying they have gotten enough of you the best you can do is to accept their verdict. The Lord has blessed you and dont use that to impose yourself on the same people that were in your support. Please dont allow the sin of the father to affect the children.
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otubeli , August 06, 2010
COME BACK AND HELP US IBB
IBB had it been that you did not annul June 12 election it would have been so easy for you to come back even everybody will hail you. But the annulment brought out all your secrets.

Now IBB you are afraid of dying/death - you see how life is. May you never know peace, may your family perish and may the poor ones take over your properties. May your children die one by one. You may think you have fortune but May God let you suffer throughout your life. Oooo ni sorire! Banza! May you die like a dog, may your body be burnt into ashes. Let the foolish man come out. Let's riot and stone him to death. Arise oh Nigerians here comes the animal to be sacrificed for peace. Let him sacrifice himself for peace so that Nigeria can be united once again.

PITO
PITO BURUKUTU SHINKAFA , August 04, 2010
Email to IBB
please does anyone have IBB email,so that i can forward all Nigerian comment to him,abi the man no dey hear word,make em bring the money weh he don steal do better thing before e go die,so that e fit recieve blessing from niger again,make di man forget dis president of a thing,if him no take time this man go die soon go jion mariam..Isha allah
JONATHAN JAMES , July 31, 2010
all my brother
pls let us ibb come in, when times come he will know that nigeria is not forgoten wat he did to us about june 12, we not let ibb come back again
mike , July 30, 2010
IBB, the Satan of the Century
This Devil, called IBB should call the sorcerers in Niger to deliver him before he wreaks more havoc on this beloved nation. We have had enough of his embarassment. Pls, President Jonathan, commit this nonentity to the hand of EFCC.
Kunle , July 29, 2010
Writting from Australia
What you guys don’t understand is that if IBB does not cling to power come 2011, he would rather go hang himself. He knew he faces the risk of imprisonment if he couldn’t clutch power. Not just the June 12 issue, there are lot more to be unveiled. Buhari wouldn’t give up his expedition to become the president, not just to loot or work but to make sure he deals with IBB who smartly surpassed him from power, whom he had trusted. Ever since IBB stepped aside, he has been playing significant role in the government, working for his return. This was why he put Abacha aside since he (Abacha) failed to adhere to the agreement that he would conduct an election where IBB would aspire to win. Unfortunately, power corrupts Abacha so he began to transform himself into a civilian president against the gentleman agreement between him and his boss. Using his structure in the military which he built over the years, he paved way for Abdulsalami to take over the mantle using him to eliminate MKO. As long as the military was concerned as at the time, IBB knows the button to press and the concrete will melt, as far as ASO rock is concern so he knows how Abacha and MKO died. Working towards his ambition, he influenced the restoration of democracy through Abdulsalami. He made sure that the constitution to be passed on to OBJ would be similar to that of the military so that power could be passed on to him through manipulation, having vested so much power on the presidency like that of a military Head of State where the president has the power to appoint everything appoint able in all arms of government. No separation of powers to allow for check and balance. IBB plunged in over US$500M to stand the present ruling party PDP prior to 1999.
Having restored OBJ after serious commitment and, OBJ having being tied with obligations, tried to maintain the stand as spelt out to him, so IBB was untouchable as he (OBJ) was obligated to protect the cabals. Starting from the origin, OBJ never liked IBB and if not for one thing, he would have sent IBB to hell when he was president. Part of the agreement was that OBJ would pass the power to him (IBB) in 2003 like a marathon race so when the time came; there were national and international pressure against IBB so OBJ had to continue so that the tension could douse and watch out for 2007. An American criminal bureau revealed a statistics about IBB that he had looted over US$20Trillion during his military dictatorship. They also reminded us about what IBB did shortly after he overtook power from Buhari when he bomblasted over 120 top rank military officers in an aircraft as he sent them on a purported seminar. He told us it was a plane crash. The Americans also made us to understand that IBB during his regime was using the military special planes to export cocaine to various countries in large quantities there making over US$500M on each shipment. They revealed so many hidden things which majority of Nigerians does not know including the investment (Estate) he got in Texas which contain over 500 units of building worth over US$15B. We are not talking about the one’s he own in Nigeria and other part of African countries and Europe.
Come 2007 and it was time for IBB to be replaced by the PDP, having been given the presidential ticket unopposed. IBB would have been Nigerian president in 2007 until now and, if Yaradua was alive till 2011, whether you like it or not, he (IBB) would have been installed just like they did in 2003 and 2007. As God may want it, OBJ not comfortable to hand over to IBB advocated an idea to replace a northerner who would run for 4 years and then pass on to him (IBB) to complete the rest of 4 years and yes, they reached a truce. So Yaradua emerged and was loyal to IBB having stepped down for him. Yaradua knew he would hand over to IBB when the time comes. Looking for a running mate, Jonathan was chosen and was not responsible to anyone because he was just a vice president. As IBB was warming up for 2011, eventually Yaradua died and, Jonathan who has nothing to do with IBB emerge so the whole thing changed. That’s why IBB could not sleep. He is restless. All his effort over the years turned around. He would wish it was then, he would have stroked. IBB wants to be there to correct lot of mistakes. He needs to discard lot of documents so as to keep all atrocities untraced. He needs to block all lop holes. He just has to be there at all cost but now that Jonathan, a neutral person is there, what would IBB do? We watch as events unfold. Thanks.
henry , July 29, 2010
...
Truth is IBB started us on the road to despair. he sowed division in all sectors of the nation. his policies paupaaurised the northern minorities. He disdain for merit and promotion of man no man in public push orker to join the coup agianst him. He took the nation to OIC. He humilated Domkat Bali and it was only after Orkar Coup that he found Northern Minorities capable of being ministers. IBB is a bad dream and he should continue to enjoy his loot.
Ally , July 22, 2010
IBB NEEDS TO BR HUNG
I FOR ONE HOLD THE GOVT OF THE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE INSULT WE AS A NATION STILL GET FROM IBB.EVEN IF MEANS KEEPING HIM BUSY WITH THE CHARGE OF SABORTAGHING OF OUR ECONOMY BY ANULLMENT OF 1992 POLLS : COS THE MAN POWER AND MONEY SPENT ON THAT POLLS WAS WEASTED BY HIM
EZEORJI KALU UGOCHUKWU , July 21, 2010
IBB NEEDS SERIOUS HELP
Please someone that is closer to the man called IBB should help take him to a psychatric hospital before it is too late. Spiritually looking at him he is not in order because of lack of direction.
Somebody please help please help before it is too late.
MONTY , July 21, 2010
...
this man is very stupid.
ray , July 21, 2010
IBB DO NOT USE OR SPOILT MOHAMMED CHANCE TO BE A LEADER, EVEN THOUGH HE HAS NOT MERRIT
IBB SUMMON COURAGE AND BOW DOWN CONCEED THIS AMBITION OF DOOM, THIS WILL BE THE LAST STRAW THAT WILL BREAK YOUR BACK, IF YOU'RE BEEN WRONGLY COUNSELLED, DO NOT BE PUSHED TO DISGRACE YOURSELF, REMEMBER WHAT ONE OF YOUR MINISTER SAID THAT '' IT WILL BE OVER HIS DEAD BODY THAT YOU NOT BE THE PRESIDENT IN 2007, BUT HE IS NO MORE, SO IF YOU BENT TO PURSUE IT YOU WIL PAY THE PRICE IT ENTAILS., BY SPECIAL GRACE OF OGD ALMIGHTY, THAT GAVE LIVES TO THOSE WHO HAS BEEN KILLED AS ARESULT OF THE DECISION OF YOUR REGIME, IT SHOWS THAT IT IS TIME FOR YOU TOO TO REPEAR WHAT YOU HAD SOWN.
Albert Olaniyan , July 20, 2010
You Again?
IBB , Nigeria have a lot to remember about you. Corruption,Bombing, Stealing, Killing and to crown it all the annullment of June 12 that led to the death of MKO Abiola, . The history will never forgive you. You think Nigerians are stupid or you think we have forgot about how you for 8 years with no particular direction. All we heard from you was that you stepped aside, now you want to step in. Enough is enough. We rejected you. You are of age, let the new ones take over.All the people clamouring for your returns, are your political slaves that you pumped some nairas into their accounts when you were in government and they think this is the right time to get more. Your time is over.Why cann't you learn from good leaders of the world. We have Nelson Mandela as an example in Africa not to go too far. But your greediness and your selfish interest will never let you.
Akha khan. , July 20, 2010
WHY ARE U ADVISING HIM
IBB COME OUT . YOU ARE A GENERAL BUT NEVER FOUGHT A WAR ,
ONLY AT BACK SIDE .
WELL ITS TIME TO SEE YOU MORE NOW .
COME OUT , AT LEAST YOU HAVE SEEN WHAT NIGERIAN YOUTHS CAN DO WHEN PUSHED TO THE WALLS.
COME OUT ,YOUTHS WANT YOU OUT , HE WHO PULLS THE TRIGGER FIRST WINS THE DAY .
IBB COME OUT .
ENOUGH OF ALL THESE ADVICE ,
COME OUT ABEG COME OUT.
daniel , July 20, 2010
You Again ? IBB.
The Evil Genius. IBB is time to hang up your boots.You never have good ideas to lead Nigeria than to bastardised the good things that has been done. You are just hidden under the umbrella of Democracy to distroyed the country that has been blessed.You forget about Gloria Okon saga what about Dele Giwa even the very person you called your best friend MKO Abiola you annulled his election. You betrayed him at the die minute. After his death, you now proclaiming that there is no experinced people to rule Nigeria but you. There are lot of even good ones in Nigeria that can lead Nigeria, Rtd. Col Umar not a corrupted solider like you.Rule your mansion in Minna and your kids.We are tired of you.We need new hands. Nigerians are not stupid.
Akha khan. , July 20, 2010
Mr.
It is note worthy that the dribbler is at it again.When will Babangida give some respect to the Nigerian people? What brought about the nation being "fragile" in the firstplace? Good governace? How old was he,when he came to power? General Yakubu Gowon at 33 gave Nigeria stability and economic progress without stealing from the country. Babangida undoubtedly fear the dynamism of the Nigerian youth, hence,in all his ulterence he brings the "lack of experience" as a potential pit fall. He should be reminded that what Nigeria needs now is not an experience thief or murderer, but a true nationalist.The so-called experience leaders have brought nothing but sorrow to the country. Zoning has done more damage to the Nigerian psychic than has helped it. Zoning brought Obasanjo through the dictates of the northern merchants including IBB himself, did any good thing come out of that arrangement?. A true zoning would have allowed the people to decide the candidates they want, rather than one imposed, don't you think so? Time has over taken evil designs of the past. Too much blood has been spilled by the advocates of zoning and military mischief. He should settle down and hope posterity judge him more fairly, than Gen. Vatsa got from him.
Ephraim Osazuwa , July 20, 2010
...
IBB how I wished you were my brother, I would I have advised you that your time is up and Nigeria can gain more from you as a Father of the Nation than becoming a President. No matter what happened during your tenure, my best advice to you is to leave the Presidency to new hands to shape things. Give honest advise to whoever becomes the President in 2011 and I bet you the Almighty Allah will pave way for you for Al Janna.
ade , July 20, 2010
forget the presdency IBB.
IBB I want to this opportunity to tell you that is better you go home and forget the presidency.
Even if you like send all the money you stole, the oil wing fall and the rest, you are going to govern
Nigeria again. All your advisers are just collecting your money.
Nigeria have say Know to you.
And if you did not take time you might die as you trying to get the power by all cost.,
Better go home and Sleep.
vin , July 20, 2010
One bad turn negates another
You guys, by your military common senses, kicked the country around like soccer ball and the result is this anarchy we are experiencing predominantly in the South-south and South-east. The fear of Ojukwu and Biafra and inherent punishment for the zones for participating in the war( that would have saved our face today), made you to plant one of yours at every stage of development of the nation.OBJ does not owe you anything and Nigeria does not need him either.You have been a military president, Abacha was
Onu Otile , July 19, 2010
IBB have some explanation to do
I will go by the word of god that say the sinner have to repent first and all his sin will be forgiven. For IBB to have any say in nigeria we have today, He should illustrate in full the text of why he annul june 12, all the powerfull people who he said pressurise him to anull the freest election in africa history. He always claim he does it because nigeria will break down if he announce the result. Did IBB for once know how many lives and property lost because of this single act? Until you come to the public and explain your role in full, you have no moral right to come and enjoy the democracy we got after so many blood has been shed, and the process that lead to all this death in which you are the chief actor. god blee nigeria.
Lawrence Ogunyemi , July 19, 2010
polital zoning
i believed even if PDP or OBJ dumped zoning because of IBB. The other political parties will continue with the zoning. The gentle men agreement for the common sense of belonging to all geopolitical regions, instead of living all to the majority as identified by the game of politic. PDP should take note
m. j , July 19, 2010
Why IBB
Is it to be on record that you ruled Nigeria more than any living legend or Is it for the good of all.If it is for personal ego it will fail but if it is for the good of all it will succeed.
Prince Sola Olowoye , July 19, 2010
Question for IBB
I just have one question for IBB, what is this wonderful thing u want to do for Nigeria now that u couldnt do in the 8yrs you were the military ruler?
Am sorry but if u couldnt achieve it then, then u NEVER will, so Nigerians have said they dont want u so as u ve so claimed that u were so "kind" to keep NIgeria together and in peace, be kind once again and STEP ASIDE!
Concernedcitizen , July 19, 2010
Mr.
Must we cut off the head because of a head-ache? It baffles me how some of us pass our judgements. In my view, a successful administration should not only be judged by the good things it has done but also by the difficulties it has been able to overcome. Babangida's administration was in truth an administration in which only the brave could cope with. He was a brave man to have waded through those turbulences and challenges of the eight years with patience, courage and fortitude which should be celebrated rather than being condemned. He may have reigned at a time many of us did not know the meaning and contents of democracy, yet he made himself our leader rather than our ruler. His was an era that never allowed problems pile up or lie beneath the carpet. He let them rise to the surface with a view to tackling them in the wider interest of us all. Which administration has craeted employment like his? Or better put, which government after his has come to scrap the National Mathematical Centre? Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council? National War College? PPMC? NPA? PMRDC? FRSC? NOA? ADB? NDE?....?....? Why has president Goodluck not sacked those working there today? Why have we not collapsed the mainland bridges because they were built by the 'Evil Genius' . In short, IBB please go ahead with your ambition progressive and forward-looking Nigerians knows the truth and will always defend it.
A. A. Zik-Rullahi , July 19, 2010
IT SERVES YOU RIGHT,IBB...
IBB, this is the begining of realisation of how God has started destroying you because, you have destroyed a whole nation and you instituted systematic degradation of nigeria and nigerians foundation to a better tomorrow. You never see anything, God is just starting with you, you better prepare for the worst. Only two betrayals you could mention, you are going to have a book of betrayals and disappointments.
maks, lagos , July 19, 2010
To whom God wants to destroy, He first harden hs heart.
For overthrowing Buhari/Idiagbon, for institutionalizing corruption, assasination of Dele Giwa, annulement of the freest election ever, putting Abacha to destroy the nation,............etc, where do we start and end IBB's madness? NIL may sound funny but I felt the same way. May be IBB will bring about the much awaited revolution true Nigerians have been wating for. Can't this man read people's comments and position about his intention? or are there other Nigerians elsewhere to vote him into power? Sure, he must be relying on rigging into power, but to whom God wants to destroy, He first harden his heart.
tum , July 19, 2010
nil
I speak from the African spiritual realm. I am Fela's priest; the only human who communicates with Abamieda, Kwame Nkrumah, Thomas Sankara and a host of other African ancestors.

IBB destroyed Nigeria, yes, but IBB needs to rule for at least three years more for Nigerians to witness revolution. This may be paradoxical, but it is a matter of spirituality from the shrine of the ancestors. If we do not allow him to rule, we well retrogress for another 32 years, says the ancestors.
" He will rule for only three years plus, and thru him will come the so much awaited Nigerian and African revolution- not a bloody one , fear not son" Says Nkrumah, on 12th June 2010, " Yes, the mother fucker must rule again", Says Fela on Saturday 17th July, 2010.

I am at present in a sixteen day discussion with them and will soon publish the details of their spiritual instruction in the dailies.

Watch out.

kayode eesuola , July 19, 2010
IBB should leave the political stage for the younger ones
I write to advise IBB to leave the political leadership of this country to other younger ones. He was at the head for 8 years and ended up cancelling the best election ever held in Nigeria. What is he coming back to do? Nigeria will ever perceive him as the greatest enemy to democracy. If I were IBB, i will just quit the stage and act as an adviser to the younger generation.
Didigwunwani , July 19, 2010

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