Abdulsalami promises response to Al-Mustapha claims

Former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar Thursday in Minna said he is preparing his defence against the allegations made by Hamza Al-Mustapha, the former chief security officer to late Sani Abacha who is standing trial for the murder of Kudirat Abiola at a Lagos Court.

Mr Abdulsalami told reporters after his Sallah visit to the acting governor of Niger State, Ahmed Ibeto, in the company of former president Ibrahim Babangida, that he could not respond to the issues now because as a General, he is conditioned to plan before taking decisions.

The former Head of State, who was reluctant to speak on the allegations, including his alleged complicity in the murder of MKO Abiola, said it is not yet time for him to respond. He, however, said a response is being prepared and pleaded that journalists must "wait for it".
"When Generals become Generals, even when they are preparing for battle, they make programmes and plans. My plan is on and you will hear at the right time," he said.

On the calls for a National Conference, Mr Abubakar said "it shows that everybody is concerned about the way things are going on in this country and so it is a good thing, let us sit down and see how we can forge ahead as one country." He, however, condemned the unrests and frequent bomb attacks in the country, saying troublemakers should know that ‘the Good Lord who knows what He is doing' brought this nation together.
"Whether we like it or not, we are going to live together. Even if the country is divided into ten thousand places, they will still be each others' neighbour and must interact with each other. So why don't we all stay and live in peace and respect each other's view?" 
Mr Abubakar said journalists have a duty to report facts because what they write was often seen as the truth and urged them to preach the virtues of unity.

IBB on Obasanjo

Similarly, former military president Ibrahim Babangida told newsmen that he would not speak on the recent media exchange between him and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He said the media have contributed in spreading the story that he was quarreling with Mr Obasanjo and in the process cost him a number of friends. He said he still regards Mr Obasanjo as his boss."You made me lost my friends with your recent headlines, he is still my boss," Mr Babangida said.
Asked why he and his boss chose to overheat the polity, Mr Babangida said, "No! Politicians are not over heating the polity, you (press) even over heated me."

He said his visit with Mr Abdulsalami to the governor was a yearly event and they have made it a tradition to always pay Sallah homage on the person who is governor.
He said after 30 days of devotion and submission to the will of Allah, they deemed it fit to rejoice with the government "to pray for you and urge you and sometimes nudge you to continue to do the good work you are doing."

Mr Ibeto said the government was proud of both former leaders of Nigeria and that their presence in the state was a blessing to the government and the people.
"I have had occasion to say that two of you are sources of pride that Allah has blessed this great country with and we are proud that you both come from Niger State," Mr Ibeto said. "I am assuring you that you will continue to be sources of pride not only in this country but anywhere outside this country."