Five governors yesterday pleaded with two former Heads of State— Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar— to prevail on President Goodluck Jonathan to guarantee a free political space for democracy to thrive.
They said their concern was not about which zone will produce the President in 2015, but how to get to 2015.
They urged the two leaders to link up with other statesmen to save the nation’s democracy.
The five governors – Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano); Sule Lamido (Jigawa); Murtala Nyako (Adamawa); Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto); and Babangida Aliyu (Niger) – met the two leaders at the Presidential Lodge in Minna.
Told of the governors’ arrival in Niger State, the two former leaders decided to save time by meeting with them at the Presidential Lodge.
According to a source, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, the governors told the two Heads of State about the “stifling of the political space”.
It was learnt that they listed five grouses:
•the lingering Rivers crisis and likely fatal consequence for Nigeria’s democracy;
•destabilisation of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum;
•clampdown on governors to force them to do the bidding of the President;
•intolerance of the opposition and opposing views by the Presidency; and
•lack of internal democracy in the ruling party.
The source quoted one of the governors as saying: “If what the President wanted had played out in Rivers State, Nigeria would have by now been on fire. Why will five lawmakers seek to impeach a governor in the House of Assembly with 32 members?”
The Presidency has always insisted that Dr. Goodlcuk Jonathan is not involved in the Rivers crisis.
The governors reportedly said: “We cannot also understand why four governors were pelted with stones by thugs for visiting one of their colleagues on a reconciliatory mission. We were shocked that the police were used to unleash mayhem on Rivers State.
“The plan of the Presidency is to be dealing with dissenting governors one by one.”
Another source told of how one of the governors told Gen. Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami that 2015 is not the issue but how to get to 2015 for free and fair elections.
“The political environment as it is now cannot guarantee freedom of movement, freedom of speech and freedom of electoral choice”, the source quoted the governor as saying, adding:
“The governors pleaded with Gen. Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami to link up with other leaders to call the President to order and protect the nation’s democracy from autocratic tendency.”
They said their observations do not amount to hatred for the President or any party, NE learnt
Both ex-Heads of State promised to bring the observations of the governors to the notice of the “appropriate quarters.”
It was learnt that Gen. Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami were cautious in their response to the governors.
They chose to listen instead of talking, but it was apparent that they would consult with other statesmen,” another source said. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Good and responsible move, instead of covertly engaging in fighting the President who is even of their Party. The presidency should be talked to on how to control his office and wife.
ReplyDeleteWould have been a beautiful news if they had gone to these guys and ask them to intervene in Boko Haram activities in the North or to ask the President to put in measures that will relieve the burden the poor masses are going through in this country . Why are they always interested in politics when it is not benefiting Nigerians .
ReplyDeleteAt last my heart can find peace, this a good development for Rivers State crisis.The Presidency wants to test his power on Rotimi Amaechi.
ReplyDeleteWho told you that we are not benefiting ? Shame on lesser brain, how come you forget so soon that GEJ claim that Boko Haram is in his government yet he fails to arrest them.
ReplyDeleteFellow Nigerians reason for a moment. It beat my imagination the way and manner we forget so soon. Is it that the gas flaring that has caused some damage in your brain ? If you don't know how to play politics, kindly leave it for the professionals period. Politicians are not said to be GOD. They are human for God's sake.
Yany what are u talking about, they are joking with the gentility and quietness of the president.
ReplyDeletethey are all seeking their selfish interest, which of those Gov are better than President Goodluck Jonathan? Amechi becoming the vice president with one of those northern Govt, of whos interest is he representing? cant he waite for Goodluck to complete his tunure? YEYE People that want to be in corridor of power
Why are they crying to the generals. God will us Goodluck to upturn the evils of political backbiting and evil planner. Must they rule Nigeria at all cost.
ReplyDeleteOff all people why IBB ??? Who refused to attend GEJ inauguration into office in 2011 ?? Same IBB who said the nation must not go against zoning. Why is it only Northern governors ??? They should have held a meeting like this to put an end to Boko Haram,
ReplyDeleteBoko haram has been killed, now they are. Looking for something else.
@ YANY you said you are from south-south is that possible ??? You Northerners (middle belt) are so desperate and greedy, GEJ might be slow, but Nigerians cannot be deceived