Former military President, Ibrahim Babangida, on Thursday latched on to his inter-ethnic marriage to his late wife, Maryam, to argue that it is not possible to break Nigeria up, as canvassed within and from as far afield as Libya, where Muammar Ghadafi stirred the hornet’s nest on March 16.
Ghadafi said Nigeria should be divided into two nations to avoid further bloodshed between Muslims and Christians, an idea that has since elicited comments for and against; one from Senate President David Mark who called Ghadafi a mad man.
Babangida threw his hat into the ring by saying that it is impossible to split the country unless Nigerian journalists back the campaign.
He was speaking at the 55th anniversary of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held in Abuja.
Represented by Saleh Jambo, he lamented that journalism in Nigeria is drifting away from the ideals of the founding fathers who used the pen to unite the nation.
He said reports in the media these days tend to fan the embers of break up, as journalists assume the role of hatchet men in pulling down important personalities in the society.
The survival of Nigeria lies in the hands of journalists, Babangida stressed, and they must do everything possible to ensure that the 2011 elections are conducted peacefully, with credible results.
His words: “IBB’s wife is from Delta, what happens to the children when the nation is broken apart? Do you cut Aishat and Mohammed into two parts and give each piece to Delta and the other piece to Niger so as to satisfy the purpose of break up? Intermarriage has put to rest all possibility of break-up in this country.
“We are not prepared to kill our brothers and sisters in any senseless strife all because the interest of some minute group must be fulfilled. So going our different ways as some people will say, is not possible, we should learn to live together and weather the storm together. Collectively, we will reach the promised land.”
Babangida expressed concern that news celebrated by the media tend to divide rather than unite the nation, regrettably in line with the negative prophesies about the country.
He admitted that mistakes were made in the past, “But the right thing to do is to forgive and move ahead” in the task of putting Nigeria on the right track of development.
“Nigeria is at a crossroads politically, the nation needs the journalist more than ever before to put it aright. Journalists should play a noble role in helping the nation find its feet, rather than pushing the coach off the rail.”
He warned that no one benefits if journalists use their pen to cause disaffection, division, and confusion in the country – rather than stress issues that will put it on the path of development.
Babangida urged the media to do a soul searching and see if the tenets of the profession are being followed in the interest of Nigeria.
House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole, shared the same views on the role of the media in ensuring the sustenance of democracy, and promised the commitment of the House to the ideals of democracy and to help facilitate the work of the media.

I have always said that Nigeria Breaking-up was Impossible, this coming out from IBB himself isn't surprising. . .

I wish i cld say same, but it is very possible.
But will not be easy

Sometimes it is difficult to understand the level of intelligent of those that rule Nigeria. How does where Babangida married from a possible clog of breakup of Nigeria or the nationality of his children in such a scenario? Can someone tell him that many men, including presidents and world leaders had married outside their nationalities and I don't think their children has any problem of national identity. The Syrian president and current Jordanian king are married to English ladies respectively and their children are not confused as to where they come from.

Many Nigerians are married to Americans, British, Cameroonians, Togolese etc and those nations are not part of Nigeria, neither does their children at cross road as to where they come from. When the English Cameroon left South Eastern region of Nigeria in 1961 to rejoin their French brothers, many of them are already married to Igbo’s, Ijaws, Ibibios, Efiks etc and vice visa and one famous offspring of such marriages is Prince Nico Mbarga (Sweet Mother fame), whose father is Cameroonian and mother an Igbo lady. Nico never had the problem Babangida is highlighting for his children as his uninspiring reason of keeping Nigeria as one nation. He should do better than the future nationality of his children.

It is funny that, those hanging up to one Nigeria by all means are the same bunch working hard through their actions and inactions to break it up, Babangida inclusive

kosovo:

I have always said that Nigeria Breaking-up was Impossible, this coming out from IBB himself isn't surprising. . .

What a surprise!!
You are a well known 13th apostle of Babangida gospel, so even if the the Minna rogue claimed that his ship set sail through the Sahara desert, you will nod in agreement. Can you ask your IBB, what happened to the children of Bakassi people?

We have to learn to live together, at the same time a certain part of this country has to learn to pull their weight and stop pulling the Federal Character/Geopolitical Zone card. We are saddled with a dead man for President all because of their 'Arewa' sensibilities.

Eziachi:

What a surprise!!
You are a well known 13th apostle of Babangida gospel, so even if the the Minna rogue claimed that his ship set sail through the Sahara desert, you will nod in agreement.

Eziachi, Let me tell you, Breaking-up will [b]NEVER [/b]solve Nigeria's problem, any amount of  division we break into, these same people that we have constantly  complained  about would simply go to their respective areas and constitute the same nuisance . . . Anenih would would take control of Niger-Delta, OBJ will handle the west, IBB will Handle the North, Ojuku would handle the east, etc . .  etc. . . how does that solve the problem? what Nigeria needs is someone who has experience to lead the nation into the promise land, where younger politicians can take-over, Any attempt to leave Nigeria in the hands of inexperienced young politicians would only lead to muge muge

Look Nigeria CAN break up if the SIMPLE problems arent addressed. But breaking up Nigeria peacefully is OUT OF THE QUESTION!

There is no such thing as peaceful dissolution. So if Nigeria will break up those who want to break up should do it by war. This is africa nothing will stop anyone from starting wars from time to time again even after Nigeria is split. Ask the southern sudanese

So if Nigeria should break up make sure many die and it not be from your own side-

Classical IBB, turning the argument on its head. The man must think we are a Nation of 2yr olds, where only IBB knows anything.

The Journalists are not making things up, they are simply reporting the frustrations of Nigerians and by the way the Journalists themselves suffer the same frustration.

The statement that 'Nigeria's Break-up impossible' is the very kind of complacent statements that has meant that we have simply not done nothing serious to foster our cherished National unity.
Hear him, his reason why he thinks it is impossible is because he has a wife from Delta and his Children can't be split. How ridiculous It is not about you all the time Mr. IBB
Nigeria and the United Kingdom has not become the same country because some Nigerians marry some British. They simply have dual Nationality and choose to live where they like. So if you people keep destroying Nigeria until it disintegrates, your children will simply have dual Nationalities and choose which side of the boarder they want to live.

We have serious issues about unity we have to deal with them. We have to tackle them, pretending that these issues don't exist and saying it is impossible for Nigeria to break up because IBB has a wife from Delta simply shows that IBB just does not get it.
IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT IBB ALL THE TIME YOU KNOW.

The first step to solving any problem is recognition of the problem. What the Journalists are doing is recognising the problems that exists between us. If we don't talk over these problems we will never solve them. If IBB loves this country as he claims he will start profering solutions not shouting down Journalists for saying the truth.

IBB needs more soul searching than the Journalists.

Those that clamour for one Nigeria are those that rape her economy, the thieves, the embezzlers, and the crooks. Nigeria, being an assemblage of disparate peoples, can NEVER find a common platform for progress, so what we’ll always have is a chaotic nation where the likes of IBB survive and are able to do anything with impunity.

If the country is not handled right, it will break up. Simple.

IBB's concern for children of mixed marriages is way off course. Instead, he should be asking himself about how the thousands of orphans he created are coping.

[size=49pt]IBB is a demon.[/size]

If the country is not handled right, it will break up. Simple.

IBB's concern for children of mixed marriages is way off course. Instead, he should be asking himself about how the thousands of orphans he created are coping.

Not just off course, but also insensitive and condescending!!!!!!!!!!

Its very very possible.

American politicians will tell you about how they are still trying to perfect their union.

UK Politicians are still pursuing policies like devolution for Scotland as well as other policies to perfect their union

IBB comes from no where to tell us that Nigeria's union is perfect and unbreakable.

shocking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (it is just a story of a Nation not willing to face up its realities. Nobody in their sane mind will cast their vote for this guy).

^^^
are u saying that all the Nigerians that would put IBB in power in 2011 are Insane? that would be close to 20-30 million Nigerians, do you bother to review your posts before posting?

So possible!!! By the time it happens many idiots on refugee waiting list in Canada and US will be happy and rejoicing forgetting that they are bastards. We'll see. Nigeria's break up is overdue and is bound to happen how it will happen is unsure. Years after years some group from the North emerge calling for what not as if the nation is theirs alone. A break up or true federalism are the only options for Nigeria. How can the Northerners, Easterners, Westerners be enjoying what they don't have? Milking off just one political zone while same political zone is crippled by poverty? This is madness and we are heading for bloodshed.

I have the feeling ibb slowly poisoned his wife with some cancer induced food and chemical to clear the way for another escapade of looting with a fresh and younger looking first lady(thief).

He hasn't even mourned her,yet he is already on another go for another of nigerian destruction

redsun:

I have the feeling ibb slowly poisoned his wife with some cancer induced food and chemical to clear the way for another escapade of looting with a fresh and younger looking first lady(thief).

He hasn't even mourned her,yet he is already on another go for another of nigerian destruction

That is the most ridiculous thing i heard in Nairaland today, I didn't expect that from you

kosovo:

^^^
are u saying that all the Nigerians that would put IBB in power in 2011 are Insane? that would be close to 20-30 million Nigerians, do you bother to review your posts before posting?

I think YOU should review you post for prejudging the elections before you so called 20million voters have even had an opportunity to vote.

redsun:

I have the feeling ibb slowly poisoned his wife with some cancer induced food and chemical to clear the way for another escapade of looting with a fresh and younger looking first lady(thief).

He hasn't even mourned her,yet he is already on another go for another of nigerian destruction

Do u know you could be in jail for a long time over this kinda allegation?
Let us debate with reasons and not fallacy

@kosovo
Where are the 20 to 30 million estimate comes from, a straw poll? IBB is already putting NUJ on notice not to report anything derogatory against him, useless man. He is all of a sudden everywhere because of this stupid rotation, let him be an advisor to GJ if he has good ideas.

@safariman 
is GJ  not a beneficiary of a fraudulent Election?, All of a sudden, he is now the second coming of Christ. . .  Nigerians . . .

Na wa o!!!

If IBB is being forced to say this, then a break-up must be imminent. However, he is a NUPE so he should choose his side. Does he wish to be with the Core North or the Progressive Southerners?

kosovo:

Eziachi, Let me tell you, Breaking-up will [b]NEVER [/b]solve Nigeria's problem, any amount of  division we break into, these same people that we have constantly  complained  about would simply go to their respective areas and constitute the same nuisance . . . Anenih would would take control of Niger-Delta, OBJ will handle the west, IBB will Handle the North, Ojuku would handle the east, etc . .  etc. . . how does that solve the problem? what Nigeria needs is someone who has experience to lead the nation into the promise land, where younger politicians can take-over, Any attempt to leave Nigeria in the hands of inexperienced young politicians would only lead to muge muge

We will never know if people like you keep pouring cold water on it. You can't say that a bride will not make a good wife just because her mother wasn't a good wife. If the British apply the same sentiment as you, they will still be ruling you today.
You can speak for your own nation, but not mine. When the time comes, we will do things based on our culture as there is no such thing today called Nigerian culture and if you know any, just let me know. If we fail and Odua succeeded or Arewa succeeded, no  problem and we will only learn from you but in Nigeria every one is pulling everyone down and they are quite happy with this collective failure.
Who told you that Ojukwu will lead us now? He has done his bit and he has said so too.

Why wont IBB say that When he has looted the country dry and is intending to come for another top-up. He is not seeing beyond his nose that he might give the final blow to Nigeria's break-up. The days of his toothy smiles, like that of a snarling tiger, are numbered.

IBB is wrong ,Even if you go to asaba and ask them if they want to leave Nigeria. It would be a Yes vote. So IBB getting married from that place would not change the mind of the people.
first of all, less than 1% of marriages are ethnics marriages. 99% of northerners are married to Northerners , 99% of Igbos are married to Igbos. So what is he talking. It is between his future against the future of the next generation of northerners.  Northerner have to pick one.  they can break nigeria. If not the north would become minority forever. If we do not do it now. It would be hard  to do after election.  As long as it is this map. It is possible.

any yorubaman that does not want to go,they should remember what the Northerner military boys would do to them. Koboko

And I think the northerner in the Nigeria army has a choice to defend thier people and thier children future. And join in the break up of Nigeria into two, they should see map.  and remove the Yorubas, edo,delta,bayelsa into Benin republic.  Politician have prove they are not capable . If not the next generation of northerner would be minority. Northern boys in the army should  look at this pictures and ask, if the owner is speaking for them . Walahi. Me too like the house. If the owner can give me, I would take it from him.

any yorubaman that does not want to go,they should remember what the Northerner military boys would do to them. Koboko.

It is obvious some northerner children  are not equal , while some would continue to enjoy national cake. But the northerners in the army most ask themself this question.  Will  thier  own children enjoy the same treatment as some northerners children and others. The northerner in the nigeria army has the choice to fight for thier own children too. or remain minority for ever. they would have thierself to blame. Everybody is fighting for thier own pocket. Northerner military boys too have the right to fight for thier own chicldren future.   Koba kaba, Daburuba.


you ask what is my point. here is my point. We can use the military to break off the federation, I mean to remove the yorubas,edo, delta and bayelsa into Benin republic since comment from Nigeria politician show they are not sincere about what may happen to the lifes of nigerian. Even when they know the danger we may fact.

It is a fool that would assume nigeria can continue at this point. The satellite pictures is hard to close your eyes to. We do not want to end up like darfur and others.   Civil war is not a child play.

If we do not use the military option now and as quick has possible to move the Yorubas,edo,delta and bayelsa into benin republic we would have a civil war in our hand.  The north would not agree to be minority.

We would rather have the military force the Yorubas,edo,delta and bayelsa into Benin republic , than wait for the politician again. That way, people are safe.

Jonathan has the choice to either do it himself or may get removed from power by the military. I do not hate anyone. And I do not want to be emotional about it. It is hard to say, and someone needs to say it. The danger is to hard to over look for individual.  Civil war means, that even the military officers children and thier families would be killed.

And the Nigeria military would have to ask themself, which one is better, a civil war or a military action like Orkar that removes the Yorubas,edo,delta and bayelsa into Benin republic.
Jonathan has a choice to make, to either correct the Injustice now and look away. And at the moment , they prefer to look away. And the military can remove the Yorubas,edo,delta and bayelsa into Benin republic. We would save more life. And the military are been paid not to defend Nigeria government or protect the lifes of nigeria government official but to protect the life of nigerian. And thier lifes is in Danger.

So Jonathan can either call the military to be stationed at the border of the following state bayelsa, delta, edo, kogi,kwara,niger and kebbi and declear those state as part of Benin republic or Jonathan would be shock when the military over throw this government very soon.  If the government does not take fast action. The Nigeria military would.

It is in Jonathan hands to determine his own destiny. He has a choice to make.


What does the nigeria constitution say about this issue. Here is it.


A state of emergency can be proclaim , and we can remove the yorubas,edo,delta and bayelsa. And the since Jonathan is from bayelsa state. The senate president take over as president.   Jonathan can create the people republic of benin. While hand over to senate president as the new president of Nigeria. While he becomes president of the newly created country.

well i don't foresee this country breaking up for some time, a very long process and issue in itself, well let's see how it goes after 2011, if IBB successfully becomes president then i might have to hope the break up would be sooner

@ Becomrich
Yorubas don't want to join Benin Republic, are you their agent?

IBB is a clever fool, who ever pays attention to him is more foolish than a sheep.

So confused and wanton, see is point of inference. He even tend to still be dictating, he doesn't know what time it is. He thinks this is 1986. Many surprise awaits him.

Some say on NL that he has more intelligent answers than Goody boy, hmmm I shake my head.

If he can give such speech like someone thinking with his teeth with local journalists how much will he with pple like Amanpour?

@redsun:

I have the feeling ibb slowly poisoned his wife with some cancer induced food and chemical to clear the way for another escapade of looting with a fresh and younger looking first lady(thief).

U r a critical thinker. I quite agree with u cos for a greater ambition no sacrifice is too big and non too small, especially with an evil genius.

And after his attrocities he would come out and flash his divided 32

@mcmedal

Life is more than 69, 66, 63. U have opened an Emergency love thread advertising your wares. Pls stick with it and give us a break here. Stop hawking pls.

Don't worry pple have checked ur thread and I can assure u, u'll be patronised.

Thank u

kosovo:

That is the most ridiculous thing i heard in Nairaland today, I didn't expect that from you

I think your continued defense and promotion of IBB is the most ridiculous position on these forums. Have you been incentivised to promote IBB's propaganda on these forums? I can certainly see why you RIGGED beaf's referendum.