IBB never endorsed Jonathan – Aide

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

A close associate of former Head of State General Badamosi Ibrahim Babangida , Alhaji Hassan Jalo yesterday debunked the well celebrated story of the former head of state endorsing President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the February Presidential election.

According to him what IBB said was that “President Jonathan meant well for Nigeria and as such anybody that also mean well for Nigeria should support him to keep Nigeria united‘’ stressing that that does not mean that the elder statesman has necessarily endorsed him for the 2015 election.

Although, he said he was not at the meeting that held behind closed doors between General Babangida and President Jonathan, he said available information shows that President Jonathan was only there to consult with his boss on the challenges facing the nation and the way forward.

He said, issues relating to endorsement or 2015 elections was not part of the issues that were discussed, further stressing that General Babangida so far has not endorsed any of the Presidential candidates but maintained that he is a strong member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking further, he said the former head of state is concerned about the unity of the country, adding that issues that formed the crux of their discussion borders on insecurity, commercial kidnapping, arm robbery, activities of the Boko Haram among others.

He was therefore of the opinion that the former head of state’s statement was misinterpreted for Jonathan’s endorsement in the forth coming general elections.

“President Jonathan is not the first to visit the former head of state, other Presidential aspirants and leaders have paid him visit in time past regardless of their political parties for one consultation or the other.

 “I am saying this on behalf of IBB because he is my mentor, he is my godfather, he is my everything , so don’t expect him to descend very low to come out himself and debunk this  so called endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan. I am saying this for him, and I believe the endorsement is the creation of the media.

“I can die for IBB anytime because there is no sincere leader like him in the country, and I want you to quote me very well that IBB has not endorsed Jonathan or any other presidential candidate for the 2015 presidential race.

“Jonathan requested to visit him, and he couldn’t have turned down a President’s request as an elder statesman, there is no man like IBB in Nigeria of today, I therefore urge media men to express professionalism in their reportage to avoid misleading the public” he said.