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IBB backs convocation of
National Conference
dele moses,
Special Correspondent, Ilorin
The former military president
of the country, Gen. Ibrahim Badmosi Babangida has expressed his support for
the convocation of a National Conference to address issues vital to the
existence of the country.
Babangida made known his support for the conference
during an interview with newsmen in Ilorin on Friday shortly after he paid a
condolence visit to former Works and Housing Minister, Abdulkareem Adisa who lost
his father on Monday.
The former president hailed the constitution of a
committee by the Federal Government to work out modalities for the conference
saying the government has responds to the yearnings of people of the country.
He said, "I think the president has responded to
the calls and yearnings of the people, that is why he is quite right in setting
up the committee to work out the modalities for the conference, as long as it
promote dialogue and understanding".
On the call for the removal of immunity being enjoyed
by president and governors. Babangida also supported the call because according
to him it is the general consensus by the general public
"I have read about it in the papers and I think
the general consensus by the general public and most Nigerians is that the
clause should be removed and I support it".
On the time he will officially declare his intention
to contest for the presidency in 2007, the former military ruler advised
Nigerians to "keep on waiting till the time".
He however confirmed his support for the various
campaign organisation canvassing for his presidential candidature across the
country. He said, "there are a lot of activities going in Kwara
State". We have been talking a lot about 007".
Speaking also with newsmen while playing host to
Babangida, the Second Republic Senate Leader, Dr. Olusola Saraki also
reiterated his support for the National Conference adding that an incessant
amendment of the constitution could not be compared with the conference.
"We need a national conference to determine how
we are going to be governed. The 1999 constitution is defective. The conference
should involve the grassroot people. Majority of members of the conference must
be elected while some professionals; lawyers, journalists, students should be
nominated".
He said the visit paid him by Babangida was meant
only to exchange pleasantries and that no politics was involved.
He said; "in Kwara here, we have not supported
anybody. We are only concerned about government and how we are going to satisfy
the yearnings of the people".
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