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Such politicians, according to Alhaji Mamman should put their ambition on hold
for the sake of the unity and peace in the country.
"No northerner who wants the unity of this country should
contest the presidency at this time," the one time
Agriculture Minister told Vanguard in a telephone
interview in Katsina.
"After the 1993 election that was unfortunately annulled
by a northerner, the south should have the chance to
produce the president now," he said.
Continuing, the ex-minister said: "Anybody from the
southwest, the old midwest and the old eastern region is
eligible to contest."
What I don't agree with is Yorubas claiming it's their
sole right to produce the next president because MKO
Abiola, a Yoruba won the last presidential election which
was annulled by a northerner.
Chief Abiola won the election. There is no doubt about
that. But he did not win it because he was a Yorubaman but
won it across the country. The Yorubas cannot now say
they were denied the presidency.
It was unfortunate that the election was annulled by a
northerner but it should be seen as another coup detat.
Alhaji Mamman's statement came as the military
administrator of the state, Lt. Col. Joseph Akaajerger
warned politicians to desist from past negative
experiences with a view to building a solid foundation
for democracy in the country.
The administrator made the comment while receiving the
new resident electoral commissioner of the state,
Chief Chris Ochonogor who paid him a courtesy call in his
office.
He urged politicians to learn from past mistakes and work towards the establishment
of a viable democracy in the country.
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