APC leaders in close door meeting with IBB, Abdulsalami...

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE Former Heads of state, Generals Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Abdulsalami A. Abubakar have enjoined leaders of registered political parties to put the interest of the nation above partisan politics with the view to maintaining peace and tranquility as well as moving the country forward.
The two former leaders gave the advice during an interactive season with newsmen after their closed door parley with the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) led by former Head of State, Major General Muhammadu Buhari; former Governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande including a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari who paid them courtesy calls at their uphill villas in Minna, Niger state capital
Accordingly Babangida, stated that, today (Wednesday) in my house, I have friends who had been leaders of this country , friends I have known and worked with for a very, very long time. One of my bosses, General Buhari is also with them . So, it is a very personal thing and these are people who have been very, very dear to me. For instance I have known Chief Bisi Akande very well, I have known Masari very well and General Buhari. Of course, my close ally since I was in Lagos , Asiwaju Bola Tibunu . So, for them it is a home coming.”
“In fact what we are doing is quite commendable, honestly to me it is quite welcome and commendable and Nigeria must come first before PDP,” said Babangida.
Noting that Nigeria is bigger than PDP. He pointed out that those of them who were patriots will always like to see Nigeria moving forward and anybody who felt very concerned about the country will like to talk about the country and then find a way forward for both the younger generation and yet unborn generations .
Speaking further he said, “our areas of concern have to do with the citizenry’s welfares in the areas of education, security and the economic wellbeing of the country . And anything that people will do to promote this country and to move it forward so that the younger generations of Nigerians do not abuse or accuse us of not handling things intelligently is a welcome development.”
When reminded if his meeting with the leadership of the APC would not be misconstrued as an anti- party activity by the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, General Babangida responded that issues concerning the overall interest of the country must come first above partisan politics.
Also in his remarks, General Abdulsalami said I think all Nigerians should strive as much as possible to play their roles by joining any party of their choice and also by doing what they think is right for their parties.
“And whether you are in opposition or in government, at least the parties should know that you cannot have two parties in the government house at a time, it is only one party . So, whatever roles the parties find themselves, they should play that role very well,” he maintained.
Abdulsalami, however, stated that though he was not a partisan politician, the issue of being wooed to join the APC by the visitors, does not arise.
“Well, I would say that I have some visitors this morning, members of the APC and the leadership. They have come to brief me on the amalgamation of the new party and to brief me on how far they have gone and how things are moving. And I have advised them on how all of us need this country and we must make sure that we maintain peace in this country,” he maintained.