Two socio-political groups, the National Vanguard for Democracy and Development (NVDD) and Movement for Democratic Sustainability (MDS) have urged the federal government to call the duo of former military president, Ibrahim Babangida, and former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, to order over what they described as their recent “unguarded statements.”
According to the groups, remarks credited to both men at a national stakeholders conference convened by the Northern Political Leaders Forum indicating there was likelihood of a violent change of government in 2011 were not only malicious, but a clear indication that the two politicians were out to cause trouble if they are not immediately called to order.
In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Emeka Obinagwu, the Vanguard for Democracy and Development said, “it is getting clearer by the day that Babangida and Atiku are still wallowing in the miasma of their delusive politicking which centres on crying wolf where there is none rather than admitting that both of them failed Nigerians when they had the opportunity to serve.
“The average Nigerian knows both men only talk of war and chaos because of their selfish objectives which the current political dispensation does not promote.”
Mr. Obinagwu said that the government’s inaction in the face of the campaign of calumny embarked upon by the two politicians was a handshake gone too far which must be withdrawn before the nation is engulfed in chaos.
“Babangida’s insistence on zoning formula as the only criteria for a peaceful transition of political power in 2011 is still part of the former president’s ‘Maradona style’ of politics which is intended to keep the nation in the clutches of a cabal,” he said.
“It is ironic that a man who not only instigated division in this country through his divisive politics, but also annulled the freest and fairest election in Africa’s history is talking of unity.”
‘Government should investigate’
Afam Iheanacho, MDS’s publicity secretary, while condemning the statements made by the duo called for the government to launch an investigation into the statements.
“This is very unfortunate; we call for an investigation into these statements. These are people who are seeking the mandate of Nigerians to lead them yet you threaten to bring war on the same people you intend to lead if you do not have your way. It is desperation to seize political power by all mean,” said Mr. Iheanacho.
Mr. Iheanacho also called on all Nigerians to hold Atiku and Babangida responsible should anything happen to President Goodluck Jonathan and any act of violence relating to the 2011 general elections.
The remarks of the two politicians, according to Mr. Obinagwu, are reckless and totally unbecoming of their standing as people who held esteemed positions of trust in the recent past.
“We are calling on the Jonathan administration to halt this charade immediately by reigning in on them before they set this nation on fire,” said Mr. Obinagwu.
The groups, however, called on all peace loving Nigerians to eschew violent politics and walk on the path of peace, unity and progress for the continued sustainability of our nascent democracy.
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