IBB: I created ING but I won’t be part of it today

Ibrahim Babangida, former military president,
has distanced himself from the idea of pushing
for another interim government, saying he
introduced it in the past to enthrone
democracy.
Describing the period he called the shots in the
country as the best in life, he said he has seen
it all as far as the country’s politics is
concerned.
“When we introduced the idea of an ‘interim
government during our time as a military
government, we had in mind to enthrone a
democratic government in the shortest possible
time in sync with the agitations of the people,
after the inconclusive elections of 1993,” he
said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
“The end result of our patriotic action is another
topic for another day. To state the obvious, let
it be on record that I am not in any way
connected with alleged ‘plans’ to encourage,
promote, orchestrate or moot, the idea of an
interim government or whatever ‘contraption’
so called.
“Suffice it to say that the circumstances we
found ourselves in 1993 are totally different
from what obtains today in our democratic
journey as a nation with flourishing
opportunities.”
IBB said he was uninterested in holding any
public office again.
“I did state categorically in 2011 that I was
quitting partisan politics and wouldn’t want to
be ordered around in any way or form as
seeking public office in whatever guise.
“I took that decision when I attained the age of
70 and I stand by that decision till date. Having
being privileged to preside over the affairs of
this great country for eight unbroken years as a
military president, I can declare with all sense
of modesty that I have seen it all and I give all
praises and thanks to the Almighty Allah for
giving me the rare opportunity to contribute my
quota to the development of my fatherland.”
He appealed to Nigerians to give the
Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) all the needed support.
“Let me state in emphatic terms that Professor
Attahiru Jega and his colleagues in INEC have
to be encouraged, motivated, animated and
commended for the sheer courage and
determination they have shown thus far in their
preparations for the March 28 and April 11
election,” he said.
“They have demonstrated their sense of
patriotism in a manner that underscores their
readiness for the elections and love for country.
Rather than condemnation, they deserve our
commendation. They need to be encouraged to
deliver on their statutory obligation to the
Nigerian state.
“I have no doubt in my mind therefore, to state
unequivocally, that elections will hold on the
appointed dates in line with the unflinching
assurances from INEC. Those mooting the idea
of an interim government and trying to drag my
name into it should please look elsewhere.
“I shared some of these thoughts with my
guest, former President of South  Africa, Mr.
Thabo Mbeki, in my Minna home a couple of
days back and we both stressed the all-
important role of Nigeria on the continent and
the need for credible elections at those
appointed dates. We cannot afford not to get
our elections right this time round.”
Babangida added that he does not operate any
Twitter account, and urged the public to
disregard any message sent from any social
media account linked to him.