2007: 'June 12, SAP are Hurdles Before IBB'
By Joseph Ushigiale
Former President Ibrahim Babangida may face an uphill task in his quest to return to power in 2007 if the current inquisition into his role in the annulment of June 12, 1993, introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) and several coup attempts during his eight year rule is anything to go by.
A public affairs commentator and the chairman of Pene Da Bwatiye of Adamawa State, Lagos State chapter, Mr. Pwavidon Jaule, in a chat with our correspondent said Babangida's reign was characterised by incessant coups, dislocation of the economy and annulment of June 12, elections believed to have been won by the late Chief Moshood Abiola.
According to him, "Nigerians are witnesses to IBB's reign which was characterized by insecurity culminating in coups, economic disaster in the name of a Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), devaluation of the naira and annulment of June 12. His values now is to watch and advice from the sideline."
On Babangida's quest to contest the 2007 election, he explained that "even in advanced democracies like the United States of America (USA), people like President Bill Clinton, who propelled the American economy to a new height, had to leave after eight years, what new ideas can Babangida provide Nigerians?"
Jaule dispelled rumours that Vice President Atiku Abubakar may not join the 2007 presidential race, asying "it would be unfair for Turaki not to exercise his constitutional rights to contest for the highest seat in the land."
According to him, "the Vice President has served diligently for eight years in that capacity and people should know that he has limitations as a Vice President. He has done well but Nigerians are yet to see and appreciate his sterling qualities except he becomes president in 2007. I believe he will do better than any erstwhile military leader in mufti."
He maintained that the time for Nigerians to choose a civilian president, bereft of military background, is in 2007, adding that a fitting personality for this position is the Vice President. "It is not a must that erstwhile military officers and leaders must participate in politics. I think the best lesson is for them to learn from the Turkish military who, though out of power, still play prominent roles in shaping the politics of their country."
On the issue of who may likely succeed Governor Bonie Haruna of Adamawa State in 2007, Jaule said "for a long time, the Hausa/Fulani have dominated politics and appointments in the state. But people conversant with the configuration of the state would agree that the minority ethnic groups are in majority."
He further said "today, the argument is shifting in between power shift and religion. But politics is a game of numbers and the decision of the party. If a party decides, in its wisdom, to field a candidate that is unpopular, it would certainly reap such results."
Jaule also hinted that the crisis that rocked Numan, leading to the deposition of the paramount ruler of Bachama Kingdom Sir Freddy Bongo is far from over.
According to him, there are strong indications of fresh plans by the elite group in the kingdom to challenge the Adamawa State Government's decision in court presently.
He however said the decision to challenge the state government over the action should be reconsidered in the interest of peace, because, according to him, "there is time and place for every event in history".
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