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Author: Peter Whitehall
Posted to the web: 11/19/2006 9:57:46 AM

As Nigerians back home prepare for the political giants to commence their battle to Aso Rock come 2007. Many political commentators are in agreement that the battle for the minds and souls of Nigerians would be fought on many fronts and this was the case when Manchester, a city well known around the world for its link to Manchester United Football Club witnessed the first intensive Pro-IBB event on Friday, 17th November at Africana Cuisine Restaurant .

 

Unlike many political launches held in the Diaspora, the IBB supporters started to troop to the venue of the event at Manchester as earlier as 8pm in the evening. By the time the organisers of the event started to acknowledge the important personalities at the event, it was obvious that it was a gathering of IBB supporters from across the globe with IBB “faithfuls” from France, Ireland, Nigeria, Germany, New York to mention but a few.

 

Though IBB did not grace the occasion with his appearance, yet it was clearly evidential that his mandate and blessings was given for such a great event. The atmosphere was full of excitement and humour, as supporters spoke about the relevance of IBB to Nigerian political scene.

 

Prince Adedini, owner of Africana Cuisine Restaurant (Manchester) gave an emotional speech on the importance of IBB’s entrance into the presidential race for 2007 and why Nigerians in the Diaspora should support IBB’s Vision for 2007. Appealing to the conscience of the audience he said “…many of you in this venue today were anti-Obasanjo when he stood for the presidential seat eight years ago; today you support him for acting contrary to what you thought of him. I believe IBB will do the same…” Prince Adedini is the founding president of “Vision for Africa” which is an elite think-tank of Nigerian professionals in the Diaspora interested in critical analysis of Nigerian political system and political parties.

 

Mr Afolabi, Co-ordinator of IBB 2007 in France gave a critical analysis of IBB past records with emphasis on his contribution to economic and religious stability, economic empowerment etc whilst debunking some of the allegations against the presidential aspirant.

 

Rita Ojapah, a mixed race speaker at the event gave her personal experience of Nigeria and her dream for the nation in light of her determination to link her children to their fatherland. People were eating, drinking and discussing politics as the special band for the day entertain the people.

 

The highlight of the day was when the publisher/director of The Integrity Magazine , Oyeyemi Olodo, was invited to address the audience. In his opening speech he said, “I am not here to speak to you about IBB, Atiku, Obasanjo or any of the political aspirants but rather to awake the giant in you to realise and seize the opportunity of 2007 to hold our presidential aspirants accountable for the effective running of the New Nigeria …” His speech was rewarded with thunderous applause from the crowd. He went on to explain at length the need for a sensible and proper engagement of Nigerian grass-root in politics. He listed four things that he considered critical for the success of the next presidential campaign:

 

•     Openness, accountability and credibility
•     Workable policy linked  to practical budget costing
•     Quarterly public declaration of asset for public scrutinising
•     Free and fair election

 

In his words, “I know what Tony Blair earns while in office and I know what gifts he gets, while can’t Nigerian politicians be that transparent…”. He challenged the audience to participate in proper politics and not just be onlookers because the third generation of Nigerians at home and abroad are observing them.

 

After the event, Prince Adetutu Eko of the Akinsemoyin Ruling House of Lagos told our reporter that he was impressed with the speech of the publisher because it was a summation of what is needed in Nigeria.

 

As the IBB supporters started to disperse around 5am in the morning, it was clear that more of these strategic meetings will be held across Europe and America. Through the gathering of IBB supporters at Manchester, they made it clear that the gathering of the eagles cannot be compared to the fellowship of chickens.