Kill me for annulling June 12 Presidential Election -IBB
Former Military ruler and Presidential aspirant of the people's Democratic Party, PDP, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida has said it would be fair if Nigerians wished him dead for his annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential elections.
In an interview with Cable News Network, CNN, Babangida who said he was offering himself for service because he wants to serve, and enable Nigerian move forward, , simply said he would prefer 'to take responsibility' than apologize for the annulment.
Babangida who wants Nigerians to solely blame him for the annulment that ignited a crisis that consumed the presumed winner MKO Abiola, however suggested that after 17 years it would be correct to say, in his opinion, he was judged harshly and unfairly.
Babangida , said “I told Nigerians that it was wrong; I told Nigerians Kill me, don't kill anybody…This elections was annulled 17 years ago and what I keep telling Nigerians is for Christ sake let us move forward. I thought people should understand that when you accept responsibility, he is saying blame it on me, not on any other person.
The self styled President said further “Nigerians are sensible; Nigerians understand that after a long time and in retrospect, they will say wait a minute, and say maybe we judged him unfairly, or judged him harshly”
The ex president thumped his chest for organizing the freest election in Nigeria history, however maintained that his regime had to ' do what was in the best interest of the country at that time, and I accept responsibility”
According to him “you must admit this man (IBB), ran the freest, the best election in the history of this country. We had to do what would be in the best interest of the country at that time and I accept full responsibility,” the self-styled evil genius told the cable network.
Babangida who said his protégé, late General Sani Abacha “stabilized the country”, insisted, “don't forget I have more in terms of information about what is likely going to happen. Stability of this country is first and foremost. I knew what I was going to leave behind…Abacha stabilized this country it didn't break up , it is even a credit to him”