TheCable

Ibrahim Babangida, former military president, has distanced himself from the idea of pushing for another interim government, saying he introduced it in the past to enthrone democracy.

Describing the period he called the shots in the country as the best in life, he said he has seen it all as far as the country’s politics is concerned.

“When we introduced the idea of an ‘interim government during our time as a military government, we had in mind to enthrone a democratic government in the shortest possible time in sync with the agitations of the people, after the inconclusive elections of 1993,” he said in a statement issued on Wednesday.

“The end result of our patriotic action is another topic for another day. To state the obvious, let it be on record that I am not in any way connected with alleged ‘plans’ to encourage, promote, orchestrate or moot, the idea of an interim government or whatever ‘contraption’ so called.

“Suffice it to say that the circumstances we found ourselves in 1993 are totally different from what obtains today in our democratic journey as a nation with flourishing opportunities.”

IBB said he was uninterested in holding any public office again.

“I did state categorically in 2011 that I was quitting partisan politics and wouldn’t want to be ordered around in any way or form as seeking public office in whatever guise.

“I took that decision when I attained the age of 70 and I stand by that decision till date. Having being privileged to preside over the affairs of this great country for eight unbroken years as a military president, I can declare with all sense of modesty that I have seen it all and I give all praises and thanks to the Almighty Allah for giving me the rare opportunity to contribute my quota to the development of my fatherland.”

He appealed to Nigerians to give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) all the needed support.

“Let me state in emphatic terms that Professor Attahiru Jega and his colleagues in INEC have to be encouraged, motivated, animated and commended for the sheer courage and determination they have shown thus far in their preparations for the March 28 and April 11 election,” he said.

“They have demonstrated their sense of patriotism in a manner that underscores their readiness for the elections and love for country. Rather than condemnation, they deserve our commendation. They need to be encouraged to deliver on their statutory obligation to the Nigerian state.

“I have no doubt in my mind therefore, to state unequivocally, that elections will hold on the appointed dates in line with the unflinching assurances from INEC. Those mooting the idea of an interim government and trying to drag my name into it should please look elsewhere.

“I shared some of these thoughts with my guest, former President of South  Africa, Mr. Thabo Mbeki, in my Minna home a couple of days back and we both stressed the all-important role of Nigeria on the continent and the need for credible elections at those appointed dates. We cannot afford not to get our elections right this time round.”

Babangida added that he does not operate any Twitter account, and urged the public to disregard any message sent from any social media account linked to him.