Can IBB make it to the Aso Rock

Can IBB Make it to the Aso Rock?

Abubakar Adamu

There is an air of festivities and glooms on the forthcoming 2007 election in Nigeria. I heard and read the news of the former Nigeria President; General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (aka IBB) has joined the race for the 2007 Presidential election. Friends have phoned, e-mailed and text me of the news of IBB candidacy. Why the euphoria? I thought some other candidates have already declared before IBB. However, since IBB picked his form to apply to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to be their candidate for the 2007 election, there are already oppositions and controversies from some people and media. Such early criticisms are premature since PDP has not yet pick its flag-bearer or is it because it is IBB? Whatever is the stage of the electoral process he is already condemned.

Democratic and political process can sometimes be frustrating and slow. To hold a political office such as President will involve the electoral process and voters. The candidate has to be chosen by his/her party or an independent. IBB belongs to the PDP; an acquisition of an application form does not yet guaranteed selection because of other competing applicants for the job. We are waiting for declaration from people like Governor Orji Kalu, Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Governor Abdullahi Adamu and many others from PDP platform. At this early stage, a candidate prays and hopes to be the party’s candidate and campaign formalities then follows.

As far as natural and Nigeria law goes, most Nigerians qualify to aspire to any political office except those barred by law or do not wish to participate. It is left to the electorates to make their choice, getting angry or attempt to cause trouble because you do not like a particular candidate does not augur well for democratic evolution.

I have always admired Chief Gani Fewihinmi for his human rights defence and humanitarian activities. In fact, I consider Chief Gani as one of my Nigeria hero. On this occasion, I beg to disagree with his reasons for opposing IBB in the Presidential race. I am not a Lawyer but parts of law or constitution (section 136 1 (i) of 1999 Constitution) cited as a reason to bar IBB from contesting the election is not sound. There was an eminent Lawyer in the UK, who many Law Students revere as ‘Alpha’ and ‘Omega’ in Law, Lord Denning (the Master of Rolls). Lord Denning maintained that the Law should not only be interpreted on technicality but with added value of commonsense, “The judge … should make the law correspond with justice that the case requires”.

Dealing specifically with Chief Gani’s and other people’s reasons includes in particular the ‘refusal’ of IBB to attend the Oputa Panel. Non-attendance cannot be presumption of guilt of any allegation of a crime as an accused is considered innocent until proven guilty. The question to ask, was IBB invited to attend the Oputa Panel hearing voluntary or compulsory? If it was voluntary, he has the right not to honour the invitation for a reason or reasons known to him. However, if it was by Law, then he should attend; failing to attend will have the consequences of a sanction. If the Panel or law choose not to use the sanction, then we can assume benefit of doubt, therefore such issue does not hold much credit to disqualify IBB.

The main crux of IBB’s oppositions by many ‘elites’ and those who felt hurt during his regime include June 12, Dele Giwa, Corruption, Oil windfall of first Gulf War and other grievances. Those issues may now become part of IBB national debates with his campaign programmes. I find it funny that some people can just dislike an individual or group for no reason other than a perceive difference. There have been unreasonable oppositions to IBB participation in Nigeria politics. I remind my fellow Nigerians, IBB is a Nigerian and has not been disenfranchised. (Reference to my earlier article on IBB phenomena on Nigeria politics: http://nigeriaworld.com/articles/2005/nov/154.html

Democracy is alive! – The exchange of opposing views and even provocative.

There are some Nigerians who claim we are not yet matured for democracy, I disagree. Elements of democracy include freedom of choice, which we have to make, right or wrong in others eyes. Many Americans are vexed at George W. Bush second term but he won the election albeit controversial and on a very small margin. People will have to put up with Mr. Bush until end of his tenure, life goes on until next election.

Most Nigerians attitude to politics is suicidal, our preferred candidate must win, by all means, if not we cry foul, create chaos or mourn – we are such bad losers in politics. The probability of having fair election especially in developing countries are getting better with many credible International Observers, the respected former USA President Jimmy Carter was among International Observers of a successful election in Nicaragua, won by Daniel Ortega (hated by Ronald Reagan administration). One Mr Babs Ajayi from Canada threatened to give up his Nigerian Passport if IBB win the 2007 Presidential election: (http://nigeriaworld.com/feature/publication/babsajayi/111006.html ) Will Mr. Ajayi also give up his Canadian Passport (if he has one) if a candidate of his choice does not win an election in Canada. This is the thinking of someone who lives and probably participates in a democratic society but behave differently when a democratic process and its benefits applies to his own Motherland (Nigeria), what sort of logic is that? Mr. Ajayi’s may probably hand over his Nigeria Passport at the Nigeria High Commission in Ottawa, Canada after 2007 election. Election is yet to take place, yet a Nigerian has committed himself and cause of action on outcome. No one should tempt fate; political process can have a surprising result!

My prayers and wish for this election is reconciliation. Nigeria people and the Country are going through uncertainty and insecurity. The Niger-Delta, Ogoni People, armed robbery, poor transport and communication, health and welfare must be the issues we want the next leaderships to tackle. We can talk about each individual personality but we must not loose the sight of the substance of their agenda or manifesto. The problems in Nigeria are not the making of one individual or a group but our collective problems. Until all Nigerians accept that our problems were created by us all, factional denial and blame games will continue without a solution. If some people choose to demonise IBB or any potential candidate in the coming 2007 election, we choose not to move forward and will remain backward in democratic development.

God Bless Nigeria.

Abubakar Adamu is a Transport Logistician and Freelance Researcher.