DROP AMBITION, YOUTH LEADER URGES JONATHAN

PresidenT Goodluck Jonathan has been advised to drop his 2011 ambition for the unity of Nigeria and her corporate existence. The National Coordinator of IBB Presidential Youth Alliance Initiative, Mr. Austin Eugene who gave the advice also enjoined supporters of the former Bayelsa State governor to drop the idea as it may not bode well for the unity of the country.

The youth leader described the former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida and 2011 presidential aspirant as the best material for the plum position. He observed that Babangida is not only a man of courage but has the ability and political will to fix the economy of the country if he is elected as a civilian president this time around.

Addressing IBB supporters in Onitsha, Anambra State to kick-start the process of ensuring his emergence as President in next year's election, he disclosed that the youth alliance initiative was floated to mobilize support for Babangida's return to power in 2011.

Throwing more light on the group's recent launching and opening of IBB's campaign office in Onitsha, as well as inauguration of a 21-member campaign committee for grassroots mobilization, the national co-ordinator explained that the organization is sure to achieve the goal through its grassroots-oriented chapters from the national to the ward levels.

He disclosed that members from other political parties are even rushing in their large numbers to be part of the quest.

Eugene disclosed that, in 2003, IBB thoughtfully decided not to run, but hasnow decided to take the bull by the horns after considering the national interest and concern of all those urging him to contest the 2011 presidential election.

He therefore called on those routing for President Goodluck Jonathan to run for the Presidential election, next year to drop their idea because such a move will be counter productive to the power shift between the North and South which is capable of creating a divisive tendency in the country. According to him, President Jonathan benefited from the zoning arrangement, on account of which he was not only able to succeed the late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, but a beneficiary from the South to which the position of the Vice-President was zoned.

Describing zoning arrangement as divinely-ordained and constitutional, he warned that those who are presently clamouring for reversal of zoning would be held responsible for any resultant anarchy in the country arising from the exercise. The National coordinator expressed concern that since the exit of IBB, Igbos have become endangered species having been shot out of full participation in the political economy of this country, contrary to what obtained under the IBB era.

He lamented that the sustainable development projects put up by IBB has been abandoned and allowed to decay by successive administrations. He denied that the appointment of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega was aimed at scuttling IBB's ambition given the face-off between IBB and Jega when he was the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).