ZONING: I'M NOT BOTHERED –IBB

Former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has said he was not bothered by the cacophony of voices on the issue of zoning of the presidency slot of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ahead of the 2011 elections. Rather, he said 'no shaking'

Fielding questions from journalists in Minna , the Niger State capital yesterday, the former military leader said his presidential aspiration is still very intact.

Babangida was Guest of Honour at a free eye treatment programme at the IBB Specialised Hospital , Minna, funded by the former leader.

According to the Minna-born general, no amount of intimidation or harassment would scare him out of the presidential race. His words: 'let me be frank with you, I am not even aware of this noise you are talking about concerning zoning. I am not disturbed, I am not bothered'

On the free eye treatment programme, Babangida confirmed that the programme was wholly sponsored by him. But when asked to disclose the cost of the project, he simply retorted, 'that is my business' He said the programme would be run as a non-governmental organization, and would be a yearly event . He disclosed that the team of specialists handling the programme will move from one state to another.

Babangida pointed out that he decided to sponsor the programme because of his concern for victims of cataract which is becoming too common among the people, especially, in Niger State.