2011 Nigeria Election: It ‘ll be unpatriotic of me not to run, says IBB

[sparrow]

FORMER Military President and presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, has said it would be unpatriotic of him not to contest next year.



Gen. Babangida told his supporters at his Kaduna home Monday that since he left office 17 years ago, nothing has been done to develop Nigeria.

He said he wants to run a country where everyone, irrespective of religious or party affiliation, would enjoy equal rights and quality life.

The former military leader said the challenges facing the country were beyond individual, group, political or sectional interest.

Gen. Babangida said he is contesting the poll because of his love for Nigeria.

He said: "God will not let us down in our resolve to put Nigeria back on track.

"We had expected that those who came after us would take over from where we had stopped in building a great Nigeria of our dream. Here we are today, things are worst than when we left the corridors of power.

"It will be unpatriotic of an elder statesman like me or any other person to watch things going wrong when I know I can still make an impact.

"I appreciate your trust and confidence in me to give Nigeria the kind of leadership it deserves. I have done it before; I will do it again, God willing. I want to say that I sincerely need your support. What you have demonstrated here is worthy of emulation.

"Other Nigerians should emulate you. There are Ibo, Yoruba, Hausa and other minority groups among you here. But you have come together to support me. That is a true reflection of how Nigeria should be."

The Deputy Director-General of the IBB Campaign Organisation, Senator Kanti Bello, urged Nigerians to support the former military leader because of his leadership qualities.

The Nation - It 'll be unpatriotic of me not to run, says IBB

[Emmakc]

Some things are irreversible especially when the rubicon has been crossed. How does IBB expect Nigerians to trust him again.

I will advice him to show his patriotism from followership angle not as a leader.

[freeware]

You're right but pride won't allow him to do that!