The ambition of former head of state, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd.), to rule Nigeria in 2011 received knocks in Ibadan, on Thursday, when hundreds of youths staged a peaceful protest march to call on Nigerians not to vote for him.
Operating on the platform of the Anti-Babangida Coalition, the protesters marched through Bodija to the Oyo State Secretariat, clutching several posters and distributing handbills.
They sang anti-Babangida songs even as they urged passersby and motorists not to vote for the former ruler.
The Coordinator of the group, Mr. Sina Odugbemi, who spoke with our correspondent in front of the secretariat, said men and women of goodwill, conscience and integrity must resist Babangida’s ambition to rule the country again.
Commending the police and other security agencies for not disrupting the rally, Odugbemi said the protest march received the support of members of the public.
The protesters left the state secretariat for Agodi-Gate and late to Iwo-Road Roundabout, where they sang some of the popular hits of late Afrobeat musician, Fela Anikulapo.
Odugbemi said, “We are out to sensitise the youths whose ages range between 20 years and 30 years. This age group comprises young men and women, who were not within the voting age when Babangida held sway as maximum ruler.
“We don’t want them to be swayed by the theatrics of the IBB apostles because we who saw IBB in action during those terrible years, stand in a better place to warn our people. A vote for IBB is a vote for backwardness, corruption, ineptitude and evil.”
But the Coordinator, IBB Campaign Organisation, South-West, Mr. Taiwo Akeju, said the protesters had the right to oppose the former head of state’s bid while Nigerians reserved the right to vote for a president of their choice.
Akeju said, “The protesters should talk about issues and not sentiments. IBB installed Chief Ernest Shonekan, a Yoruba man just as he installed Chief Olusegun Obasanjo – another Yoruba man in 1999.
“Nigeria needs IBB because he knows the ropes and is respected by the Nigerian elite and masses. IBB is charismatic and truly detribalised. Like no other Nigerian leader, IBB has built blocks of friendship and loyalty across the country.”
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