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Former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, yesterday in Bauchi said he is in politics and will not turn down the demand of the people to run for any office.
Former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, yesterday in Bauchi said he is in politics and will not turn down the demand of the people to run for any office.
Babangida who made the declaration yesterday at the Government House, Bauchi, while fielding questions from newsmen at the end of his two-day official visit to the State pointed out that 'my stand on 2007 is very simple, like every political animal, there will be politics now up till 2007 and beyond, and I am going to be in politics from now on till may be my retirement".
According to him, 'I will not turn down the demand of the people who are the determinant when it comes to who occupies what elective office", adding that 'you should understand that I was never in politics before, I was a military officer but now democracy is the in-thing, and since I am still reasonably healthy, I think that I could still be in the position to provide my contribution to the development of this country."
The former leader said that he was ready to heed the call of the people provided that it was a positive one. He added that 'therefore, I will be in politics fully come 2007 but before then, there will be real politics and I will be involved from every reasonable angle".
Babangida had given the first clear indication of his interest in the 2007 presidential polls in Ilorin while attending the eight-day fidau prayers for the late Major Gen. Abdulkarim Adisa. In reply to a question on how he will get a replacement for Adisa who was the coordinator of the Babangida for president campaign, he said, he would surely find a capable hand to do the 'good work Adisa was doing."
On the on-going National Political Reforms Conference holding in Abuja, Babangida said 'all Conferences, I mean, all Conferences that have been held, are going to be held or even holding now is that it allows us an opportunity to voice out or to make contributions so that this country can move forward, so anything that can bring about a relationship, interaction, I welcome the development".
He added that there is nothing wrong with the Conference as it is aimed at amicably resolving the different problems and agitations in the country. 'In talking about the future of this country and I think this is what the Conference is all about, I will not be among those who will wash it off, after all it is about three weeks now and it is going to go on for the next three months, you can't just say it is not going to be beneficial. I remain optimistic, so I hope something positive is going to come out of the Conference for the good of the country and its citizens."
Also commenting on the development that have taken place in Bauchi State under the leadership of Governor Ahmadu Adamu Muazu, Babangida said 'what has taken place here is a complete transformation from rural to urban, the governor and his subordinates have delivered while the people have played complimentary role by supporting and co-operating with the administration".
According to him '18 years ago, I was here as the Military President and I took about seven days to tour the entire old Bauchi State eighteen years ago, I had a dream that this State is going to be among the finest States in this country. Now 18 years after, I am more than convinced that, that prediction is fast becoming a reality".
He added that 'a lot of things have happened, a lot of work have been done by the administration of Ahmadu Adamu Mu'azu, I therefore join in commending his government for these wonderful achievements. I am very impressed".
Babangida had earlier on toured some parts of the State to commission various developmental projects embarked upon by the Bauchi State Government.