ARE you planning to dump the ruling APC for another party considering the intra-party crisis?
APC is my party. We are using all means appropriate to get justice within the party and the Nigerian judicial system. The issue of leaving my home as landlord just because of an unruly tenant does not arise.
What is your assessment of the APC led government at the federal level and in Bauchi State?
Considering the enormity of the problems of the nation at the time President Muhammadu Buhari took over in May 2015, it is right to say a lot has been achieved. The security situation was in total anarchy as events have so far unfolded. The economy was in the tank. It was a steep spin into a recession; this took the president over two years of tough measures before the nation finally exited the recession late last year.
The civil service was badly beaten by corruption; in fact impunity ruled the day. The corruption was massive, pervasive and grand in both magnitude and direction. Thank God things are changing for the better, even though a lot of us wish the speed of the war against the menace be upped. However, same cannot be said about the administration in Bauchi State. It leaves much to be desired. There is absolute lack of the knowledge of what public policy is and poor attitude to the rudiments of public finance. Selfishness and greed have been the order of the day. Perhaps that explains why the present quagmire is raging.
You are a social critic; are you comfortable with the mission and vision of the APC having served in various elective positions and other appointments in the past?
The truth is that a lot was done and much more needs to be done to completely get out of the woods.
Why are you aspiring to become the next governor of Bauchi State?
The ineptitude, cluelessness and raw corruption witnessed in Bauchi State in the last three years informed, to a great deal, my desire to run for the office of the governor of Bauchi State. I have the requisite educational qualifications: Bsc, Msc, LLB (Hons), in addition to my professional aviation qualifications. I was elected local government chairman; I served as commissioner and member of the state’s executive council. I was in the Ministry of Aviation from Assistant Director to the level of Acting Director. Politics wise, I was elected National Auditor of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), Deputy National Auditor of APC and ex-officio of All Peoples Party (APP). I am therefore well prepared for leadership, and leadership by example of Bauchi State. We shall depart from leadership by instinct or the style of trial and error, a phenomenon we’ve witnessed in the last three years.
I had my primary and secondary education in Bauchi State; I worked in Bauchi State and after leaving service relocated to Bauchi State. I’ve tons and lots of friends and classmates within the state. I’ve been to every local government in Bauchi State multiple times in the last 50 years.
In your opinion, does the APC stand a better chance to win the vacant seat of Bauchi South senatorial district considering the infighting in the party in the state?
Yes, we can win when imposition of wrong candidate out of sheer arrogance and vindictiveness are not contemplated. Free and fair primary election is the surest guarantee to our victory in the election to fill the vacant senate seat of Bauchi South, resulting from the death of Senator Ali Wakili. Anything short of this will spell doom for the APC.
What are your views on the last visit of the President to the United States of America (USA)? Do you think that it will bring any positive contribution to the political scene in the country?
The Americans are always for themselves. Nothing goes for nothing. Besides, it is too soon to gauge the current US president. Let the strings attached to the deals be the elastic type.
How would you rate the fight against corruption by the APC led Federal Government?
The fight is going on and the nation is better off with this war. It may not be at the speed majority of the people wanted it, but it is still a great jump from business as usual. The president always insists on following due process, the rule of law, if for nothing else but to give a chance to his critics to call him a jack boot democrat. A lot of arraignments have been made and a lot of convictions and forfeitures have been recorded, in fact the highest in the history of war against graft in Nigeria. Therefore, the war is on course and we are winning.
Considering the spate of political instability in the country, what is your postulation about 2019?
This is difficult to predict. Those with the hold on power will go to any length to continue their frenzy, especially state governors. The antidote is for the police, the DSS and the military to remain the professionals they all are. Keep by the calling and training of their service, and avoid going into the pockets of do-nothing governors.
Do you think that Nigeria is on the right path politically considering the controversies trailing the conduct of your party’s congresses?
It sends wrong signals to our change mantra. It is a situation we are better off without. Rule of law: sticking to the rules of the game and selflessness are key to a successful outing by the APC. Anything short, it’s disaster for the ruling party.
What are your chances of getting the APC ticket to contest for the gubernatorial seat?
Allah it is who knows tomorrow. He it is who knows who will and who will not make it to 2019. As for personal hope, I believe given a level playing ground, I will floor the incumbent.
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