Nigerians must vote out under performing political office-holders in 2019 —Lanre Banjo

Mr Lanre Banjo is a political activist and former governorship candidate in Ogun State and has remained active in politics over the years. A co-founder of the Nigerian Patriotic Association and chaired the National Democratic Movement in the United States. In this interview with ROTIMI IGE, he speaks on Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter to President Muhammadu Buhari as regards not running for second term, among other issues.

How would you comment on the current political situation in the country?

The nation has been slipping, sliding down for some time now and the hopes of Nigerians dashed by the current political class. Nothing seems to be working. What we witnessed in the 70s and 80s was better than now. See what is happening with Innosson Motors. His situation is one that should be handled in a civil matter and not EFCC being used to intimidate him. A lot of things are wrong and these make me agree with former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter to President Muhammadu Buhari that he should not run again in 2019 because he has disappointed Nigerians.

Are there other valid points in Chief Obasanjo’s letter aside urging Buhari not to run?

Yes and several. What Obasanjo wrote is what the average Nigerian is saying on the street. Only someone with his calibre could be taken seriously. I heard many saying Obasanjo is part of the problem and that he always has problems with people he nominates. However, we must give him credit for speaking out. His letter speaks volumes of the true state of things in the country. We must also do away with zoning and look for the best.

Are you also party to the clamour for restructuring?

Yes. If the country is not restructured soon, it will go into oblivion. How can one imagine the people in Ogun State in darkness and expect Buhari to provide them electricity, or expect the Federal Government to provide security for herdsmen. Issues as small as registration of businesses should be done at the local and state levels.

How about states that do not have as much IGR?

All fingers are not equal. That does not mean one should deprive states of autonomy. States will need to look inward and be creative with revenue generation, in agreement with their residents. Take Ogun State for instance. Governor Ibikunle Amosun has done very well and the Ijebu waterside can be taken more seriously. We can situate a sea port, invest in education, healthcare, among many other sectors. Imagine if a state has the best hospital, even the president will not travel to London for treatment. We cannot leave everything for the people in government. Nigerians need to do their part. We should also separate religion from politics. There is no law that states that because the president is a Muslim, his deputy must be Christian. The best hands are what we should employ for the job.

Now that Obasanjo seems to be spearheading a new coalition for a new Nigeria, politicians have been seen and speculated to be jumping ship, just as was done prior to the last general elections. What is your opinion about this and do you think a ‘new Nigeria’ is achievable?

Lets go back to the Abiola era. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo started an association for good governance. He was later criticised for leaking secrets of the movement to the government of the day under General Ibrahim Babangida. Obasanjo has every right to push for a new movement but the decision falls on Nigerians. If Obasanjo forms a coalition and the same old crop of politicians move into it like it was done in APC, it is left to Nigerians to decide their fate. Nigerians should also listen to campaigns; stop taking pittance for their livelihood, and reject underperforming political office-holders.

With the voter apathy and low voter education in Nigeria, do you think such as mentioned above is possible especially before 2019?

Yes it is. It is not up to political parties to educate voters. It is our collective efforts to educate ourselves and choose our destinies.  Each state should have its own voter register; in fact as a governor, I would make laws that once an individual is 18 years of age, he or she should be registered in the state. This will help a lot during elections.

You have criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission over the years for underperforming. How has the INEC fared over the years?

INEC has done better and can do more. They must continue to ensure free and fair elections while also ensuring that the rights of voters are not truncated. Also I support the use of armed personnel during voting to ensure security and orderliness. INEC should also ensure that illegal electioneering during voting where voters are paid per vote should stop or reduced drastically.

Your forecast for 2019?

People must vote out underperforming political office-holders. We must choose fresh faces who have antecedents. We must not be afraid or sell our rights.

If we do not want this country to retrogress, we must make decisions based on reality and not fantasy. I don’t know who exactly I would say is a veritable opposition to Buhari for now, but whoever comes out, Nigerians must choose wisely, afterall, we have about 67 political parties who will field candidates. So, its not about APC or PDP. It is about deciding our future ourselves.