THISDAYonline

Former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida at the weekend said he had no plans yet to contest the presidency of the nation in the 2007 elections.

Babangida who spoke in a session of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) political forum at his Minna residence, however, condemned the campaign by some politicians for rotational presidency and single term options describing the suggestions as Nigerians "haste to grab power."

Speaking further on his future political ambition, Babangida said he would not want to start foretelling the future but will rather concentrate on what he is doing now.

"I so much believe in what I do now than that of tomorrow or the future," he said.

The general added that "I am a fatalist" and that he was currently occupied with issues that he could best address within the time available to him.

"I won't stick out my neck and say, Okay, this is what one will be able to do in the next three or four years, 'Quite frankly, one doesn't do such," he said.

He continued: "That could be the reason why people say that I am "Maradona," but I can assure you, this is not another Maradonic move. This is my very real nature."

According to him, he is presently concerned with such national issues as peaceful co-existence, unity of purpose and progress.

"Be rest assured that I will be part and parcel of supporting ideals that are good for the benefit of this country and for the people we have responsibility to," the ex-military leader explained.

Babangida also assured advocates of strong federalism and economic reforms of his total support.

"I don't like the idea of rotation,"the general said.

"We are making it known that all we want for the country is the best and brightest. I said this when I was in office," Babangida declared.

"As long as you are a Nigerian, and Nigerians declare you fit and you have what it takes to be there, so be it," he said.

On the single five-year term rotational presidency being touted by some politicians, Babangida attributed it to "the haste by Nigerians to grab power."

"Personally, I say No to such proposals. I support the two four-year tenure for so many reasons, including the need for careful planning, execution and continuity of politics. I can understand Nigerians are always in a hurry. It is our time, it is either the turn of 'our son', or that of 'our state' or 'our zone," he said.

Babangida, however, noted that if the present renewable four-year term system succeeded, such clamour would no longer be relevant.

He added: "My simple argument is that in a two four-year term tenure, the people should be able to assess one in the first four years and if one is not good, one gets thrown out during the next election."

"But if one puts in mind that one has only a single term, one might make life miserable for you because one is going to be there for for five years only.

"But if there is something you always look forward to and this is dependent on your capability and performance and as a person, you wouldn't like to be called a failure, you will do the best to make sure you earn the confidence of your people and go in for a second term," he said.

Babangida stressed that if elected public officers were conscious of the signle five-year term, they would do "what they like, how they like it, when they like and bid you good bye."