Aliyu Babangida
Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, has again reiterated his controversial assertion, insisting that President Goodluck Jonathan signed a single-term agreement with some Governors from the northern part of the country before the 2011 presidential poll.
Aliyu on a radio programme in Kaduna about a month ago, made the statement which has since unsettle the Jonathan camp.
Speaking on Thursday at the Minna National Discourse on Corruption, with the theme: ‘Confronting Trends of Indiscipline, Corruption and Disregard for Rules and Regulations in Nigeria’, Aliyu said he was under intense pressure to recant the statement.
The Governor said he deliberately refrained from making further comments. He said, “If to be truthful is to be illiterate, I stand by it. On the political scene, I am happy with what some people say. I don’t see it as a condemnation of PDP; I see it as trying to correct a situation.
“We should look at the problem as one we must confront correctly. Agreement made in secret must be adhered to.”
Aliyu said contrary to speculations within some circles in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, he remains a loyal and committed member.
He stressed that all the criticisms of the party by the speakers during the programme was to guard the party and to become stronger for future polls.
Aliyu also advocated a tough stance against corruption, adding that financial corruption in high places was being perpetrated jointly by public servants and political appointees.
A former Permanent Secretary, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, in his address warned against the manipulation of the 2015 general elections in the interest of the of the nation.
Ahmed allege that previous elections had not been so transparent and that it was for this reason that the country is still politically weak.
He described PDP as “a party heading for the rocks: if you can salvage it, salvage it; if not, leave it for other boats.”
The guest speaker at the event, former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, said over $500bn had been siphoned from Nigeria between 1960 and 2012.
The event was jointly organised by the Niger State Government and the National Planning Commission.
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