IBB: Politicians not Adhering to The Rules of The Game of Politics

As Nigerians mark 18 years of democratic governance tomorrow, former military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), has said politicians in the country are no longer adhering to the rules of the game of politics.

Babangida made the observation on Monday in a statement to mark this year’s Democracy Day, a copy of which was made available to journalists in Minna, Niger State, yesterday.

"As we celebrate 18 years of democracy in our country, democratic governance has been polarised along divisive ethnic and religious lines. It is indeed worrisome that active politicians are not adhering to the rules of the game of politics

"Our political parties since May 29, 1999, have no distinct ideologies with internal squabbles and cross carpeting which is not healthy for our democracy," he stated.

Babangida said as Nigeria approached the 2019 general election and as electioneering started, it was necessary for the country to again look at the desirability of building a unique two party structure to bring sanity to the polity.

He however said in whatever circumstance the country found itself,  "we must continue to exercise democratic tenets which promote freedom and respect for one  another."

The former military president commended the resilience of Nigerians in adopting democratic structures across the three-tiers of government for an uninterrupted period of 18years, and expressed the hope that "next year general elections will further consolidate democratic governance, freedom and security."

Noting that the country’s journey to nationhood and democracy from 1960 to date had been characterised by "upheavals and turbulences," Babangida also said the country "must cherish our commitment to remain a united country in brotherhood and respect for one another.

"We must also appreciate the strength and value of our diversity, with due understanding and recognition of the interests of various ethnic nationalities in our hearts."

He said Nigeria has had its share of conflicts and political instability, just like many other countries and states, but had always survived against all odds, adding that it would be in our own interest to look for solutions to the problems confronting the Nigeria state.

Babangida reiterated his "resolve as a Nigerian to the unity and indivisibility of our dear country, which our founding fathers struggled to gain from the British colonial rule."