NIGERIA MASTERWEB DAILY NEWS

*Nigeria: IBB's Bumpy Ride To The Presidency

By Frank Ediagbonya

Would you cast your vote for IBB as the next President of Nigeria come 2011? What chances has IBB got to be the next President of Nigeria? Can IBB be trusted by ordinary Nigerians? Does IBB have the prodigy to wipe the tears of hardship from the faces of ordinary Nigerians? Does IBB have the integrity to win presidential election in Nigeria through a democratic process? Is IBB a political asset or a political risk to his party, the Masses and Nigeria? Answers to the above questions depends largely on the following: Your logical opinion, your right to vote, your experiences, your destiny, your pains and pleasures from politicians and your vote which can be used as a SEAL of YES or NO.

The dice has been cast in what looks like a scene in a Nollywood movie, the controversial, flamboyant and repented former military President, General Ibrahim Badamusi Babangida (IBB) has confirmed the speculations and fears of many Nigerians in Benin City Airport. IBB is running for the office the Nigerian President come 2011. Just as it was inferred in an article entitled "Can IBB Pass Repentant Test?". IBB an expert in social engineering has carefully chosen his words which left many Nigerians dumbfounded, he has studied the political climate of Nigeria then quickly seized the opportunity to announce his desire to run for the Presidency.

Nigerians who are underestimating IBB's desperate quest to be the next president of Nigeria should have a rethink or they could be disappointed when IBB is sworn in as the next president of Nigeria. If they have any reason why IBB cannot be the President of Nigeria, now is the time to speak up with their evidence or forever hold your peace. Stopping IBB in the early stages is what you need if you have what it takes or he may never be stopped from being the next President of Nigeria.-Is this another prediction? ( Continues below..... )

Photo Above: Seal of The President of The Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is the official symbol of the Nigerian President, first used in 1979 by President Shehu Shagari.

The former military dictator truncated democratic processes which could have seen MKO Abiola as the President of Nigeria under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), June 12 1993. IBB is seeking a democratic route to the office of the president through the same Masses he had already disappointed. Is IBB immune to the laws of Nemesis? Well, in a country like Nigeria time will tell if Nemesis is going to catch up with IBB or not. IBB spin doctors have enormous task ahead of them. They are looking beyond their nose by neglecting those who have the SEAL to the office they sought unless they have alternative arrangement that can give them the presidency on a platter of gold.

Though there are many allegations levelled against IBB, but he has never been arrested, tried or convicted in a court of law. IBB is a freeman with no criminal records, a direct implication that IBB can contest and win any electable office in Nigeria. Be that as it may, he has many rivers to cross, many bridges to build, many gaps to mind, many hurdles to jump and many obstacles to crush before he could actualize his dreams.

Political tides in Nigeria have began to shift frequency to diverse unpredictable directions. It may not be business as usual for those who use illegal means to occupy electable political offices. IBB is going to face a personality test with the Nigerian electorates and perhaps a grilling from Nigerian journalists and Nigerians in the Diaspora, if he chose to take part in a Television debate with the other presidential candidates. With the on-going electoral reforms, anti Maurice Iwu campaigners, the Save Nigeria Group campaigners, an independent candidacy, human right activists and the Nigerian Masses who stood in the scourging sun and thundering rain to cast their votes on June 12, IBB has a date with uncertainty, obstacles and political hurdles come 2011. ( Continues below….. )

Photo Above: General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.)

With his mind already focused on the presidency, IBB may not be as lucky as President Yaradua who got the Presidency on a platter of gold. IBB stand out of the crowd of potential presidential candidates because of his handiwork in Nigeria's economic and political system when he was a military President for at least 8 years. His past records as a former military dictator speaks volume and this has motivated him to be a repented man. These records may serve as a major determinism of his second coming to the Presidency (Aso Rock).

Cleverly enough, IBB has met Obasanjo and other Nigerians who could posed a serious threat to his political ambition. He has been given the nods by his friends and few of his enemies. He seems to be very optimistic of winning the next presidential election. He must be a very brave man to do what he is doing right now? Does IBB have other reasons for his second coming? Does IBB have unfinished business in the Presidency? Your Opinion, then your SEAL.

IBB has three major obstacles standing between him and the presidential villa. The legal proceedings of the allegations of misappropriation of $12 billion crude oil windfall from the Gulf War as reported in the press, IBB's arrogance, the final showdown between IBB and the main voters; the Nigerian masses. IBB must be a master charmer, a hypnotist and the only man standing to get the votes of the Masses whom he has treated with ignominy. IBB's spin doctors should advice him to apologize to the Masses or he could face a humiliating defeat in the polls if election is free and fair this time around.

Quantitative sources revealed that many undecided and swing voters are planning to use their votes as a payback to IBB. A simple sorry for the annulment of June 12 election and explanation why he annulled it could put IBB on a smooth ride to the Presidential Villa. IBB's spin doctors should bear in mind that no matter the amount of social engineering, Nigerians have learnt their lesson in a hard way, Nigerians are more knowledgeable than what they were in 1984 to 1993. If you underestimate the Nigerian Masses and some new breed politicians like Goodluck Jonathan, then you may end up not getting more than 10,000 votes.

Finally, IBB should prove to Nigerians that he has truly repented by donating half of his wealth to any charity organization in Nigeria. Danjuma has just done it, it is not a new thing from a Nigerian. IBB should leave his arrogance in his bathroom to prove to Nigerians that he has truly repented.

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*Tags: Nigerians, Governance, Abuja, Lagos, Babangida, Presidency, Africa, Masterweb