Conspiratorial, biased, and hate journalism about IBB, backed up with various pertinent half-truths and conjectures have become popular in recent times, especially after declaring his intention to return to Aso Rock. These have further been promoted by a plethora of websites about his various real, perceived, and dreamed-up crimes. Although with good intention, there is an unusual attempt to veil the masses, especially considering the fact that the educational imbalance in Nigeria is a ground for easy dissipation of spontaneous conspiracy theories. Ordinary Nigerians, especially in this age of internet are easily misled by the so many methodologically flawed conspiracies. Conspiracies about Dele Giwa’s death, killed army officers in plane crash, IBB is homosexual, Mamam Vasta was murdered, Oil windfall loot, name it, IBB still walk free! So one cannot logically escape the conclusion that, one way or another, all these allegations might as well be conspiracies theory? Is this not the IBB that, in 2003, over 28 governors were in attendance for the wedding party of his first daughter, and a repeat in June 2004, during his son’s wedding? Same person praised by Professor Wole Soyinka has having a sound personality, “sense of honour and the sincerity in his ambition”, a “sincere leader with commendable listening capacity”. Same person praised by Abubakar Umar (Ex-Governor of Kaduna State) that “IBB had 99 per cent followership in the military; he was the kind of General whom I could follow into battle “blindfolded”.

Personally, I don’t like IBB, maybe I  was too young when he was the president to condemn him, however, I but love his charisma and leadership quality. This is a man of principle that was never dragged or pleaded into the race, considering the fact that our recent history is replete with reluctant and begged presidents. On the other hand, this is a man described in a book, The Sink, by Jeffrey Robinson, an American writer, that Babangida, “Of the $120 billion siphoned out of the Nigerian treasury into offshore accounts by dishonest politicians, $20 billion is allegedly traceable to IBB directly as president from 1985 to 1993.” The World Bank put his total loot from the Nigerian treasury at over $35 billion. I still can’t fathom it, why despite this entire allegation he still aspire to return, definitely, it is obvious we are no well informed on the facts about IBB and maybe, we are rather sentimental about our criticism?

IBB killed Dele Giwa. What happen to Bola Ige, Funso Williams,Mashal Harris, Dikibo and so many prominent Nigerians. IBB was the architect of corruption for Nigeria? Have we forgotten that from 1999 through 2007, almost 85% of all the governors looted their individual states to a negative balance, and mindlessly?  Such a statistical statement makes no difference to the so-called hate propagandists, therefore, I would not want to associate any political idea they have or have theorised. Therefore, I would continue to treat and assume all Nigeria politicians as formally equal, whether bad or good. The fact remains that most views not only lack a sound basis in fact, but are sometimes based on a complete misunderstanding of the forces at work in governance, and often contain ethnic and tribalism component.

It is easy to seat behind a fast internet connected computer, uninterrupted power supply, hygienic environment, peace of mind in Europe or America and design or reprogram information and hypothesis about Nigeria. If IBB must be stopped, argued as unnecessary, we must proffer solutions on how to accomplish this, most especially, be on ground to drag and communally POSITION an appropriate alternative. However, the fact remains that activists, columnists and Sahara reporter bloggers, even NVS have never influenced the emergence of a president in Nigeria. An ordinary politician in Nigeria are not bothered about many marooned bloggers out there in the cyberspace, and lost in the virtual world of the internet and out of touch with Nigerian realities, because all they ever do is talk and talk! Personally, I am tired and what we need are people who can offer and enable practical and feasible strategies, or even lead resistance. Every time I say something like this, people warn me that I should take lot of care not to look like a “paid writer.” I’m still perturbed, because I call a spade a spade. How can we know the truth value of a hypothesis if its opponents are forbidden to challenge it, or if its proponents are not allowed to defend it? IBB could therefore, be free like any other Nigerian to aspire to rule again. If even Jesus Christ cannot conduct an undisputed election in Nigeria, according to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, then why can’t IBB run or rule again, after all Obasanjo did just that.

Napoleon said that you should never ascribe to malice what can adequately be explained by incompetence. The only real truth is that it’s impossible to “know” the actual truth about what happen during IBB’s presidency, and the only real method used by these conspirators is probability and guess work. The main weakness of all these conspiracy against IBB is the failure to address why he was never convicted, the conspiracies have also failed to consider the differing categories of damage that such caused all other that participated in that rule. In addition, many author offers no explanation for the distinction between IBB and the presidency, because many have failed to fully acknowledge the significance that presidency is not a one-man affair, and especially, the inability to quantify the association of IBB and the present parade of so-call leaders in the country.

Federal Government has raised a committee to probe the eight-year military government of Mr. Babangida. Many questions needs answer, for example, why must the ‘so-called probe’ come after IBB has made up his mind to contest the 2011 election? Why didn’t the governments after him initiated a probe or be probed? What if IBB be vindicated, a possibility, and go ahead to win the Presidential election in 2011? If Jonathan simply playing politics with the people’s aspiration, because talking about probe, what has come of the several other probes instituted by Government in recent years? Without playing politics to the gallery, if IBB is vindicated by the fake president’s Goodluck probe panel, for example that he did not kill Dele Giwa, that it was not his regime, believed by many Nigerians, to have legalised corruption; that it was regime that created “Ghana Must Go” and “settlement” politics. That he did not betray M.K.O, his friend; or his former military ruler, General Buhari (although paid in his coin, because he too betrays Shagari’s government). It will be difficult for all aspirants, in view of all the qualities and goodwill associated with him, for them to defeat him?

It might sound like a joke, but IBB can rule Nigeria again, even seek a third term, unless our politicians’ (even average Nigerian) greed, synopisuim, and opportunism, that, more or less runs in our blood is addressed.  Also, until the bold, patriotic, incorruptible, and independent individuals (e.g. Nuhu Ribadus, Gani Fawhinmis, Tai Solarins, Mohammed Buharis and Babatunde Idiagbons) come out and contest for election, Nigeria would go nowhere, and IBB will be back on stage.

An online blog, ‘Republic Report’ authoritatively gathered that, “US government is “positioning Ibrahim B. Babangida to return to power by any means necessary” come 2011”. Is this “come-to-the-recue” move, since they have predicted the disintegration of Nigeria? Casually, the probable reasons US vote for IBB is because he is a charismatic, cheerful and highly diplomatic leader Nigeria has ever produced. In addition to his legendary humility, he relates with everyone at his own level.  Despite all the criticism, IBB has won the hearts of many serving governors, lawmakers, and politicians today because of his unassuming and friendly nature. Many have seen him an unabrasive and very accessible. Some Nigerians, believed IBB to be of questionable character, but however, will relate with people with over 60% honesty. Hence for his intelligence, good sense of diplomacy, unparalleled patriotism, strong faith one-Nigeria, this man might not as well be crucified. After all, it is a democracy, and power belongs to God and He gives it to whomever He desires.

One question that needs a critical thought by us is that a leader is the product of his society, while he might be bad as widely depicted, but who among the present ruthless, vindictive, unforgiving megalomaniac and extremely corrupt politicians is better than him? We all have played a part, and should as well blame ourselves, because we share of IBB’s error. If it is appointed that IBB will rule Nigeria again, nothing can stop him, rather we should be involved with is proposed agenda first, anybody deserves a second chance. Especially since Nigeria enjoys recycling the architects of corruption and their cronies, at least millions voted for OBJ. My neighbour just accused of being shortsighted on IBB’s return, he even promised, as a worst case scenario, to renounce citizenship of Nigeria if IBB wins the election.

It is dangerous to scapegoat IBB, only us will decide our own future, and not the NVS or Sahara Reporter providing us conceptual theory to understand the who is bad or good, who is fit to rule or not, rather let encourage all intending politicians, or their foot soldiers, to bring forth their plans and agenda that represent a true view of Nigeria to the best of their knowledge, and subject same to debate, rather than the unnecessary waste of energy on whether IBB is fit to return or not.

IBB, please carry go, between you and Goodluck Jonanthan (for example, a president that cannot stand firm on its decision and caved in to ordinary FIFA’s ultimatum)I will vote for you. However, between you and the likes of Gani Fawhinmis, Tai Solarins, General Mohammed Buharis and Babatunde Idiagbons, I will not VOTE for you.