‘What Buhari needs from Nigerians’

How did you feel when Buhari was declared winner of the presidential election?
I felt accomplished and relieved because what we have been labouring and working for over 12 years has been realised. I decided to remain with him even with all challenges because I share in his dream for the country. His stance on corruption and unity of all in the country is what endeared him to me and that was why I have been with him, not minding the overtures of the PDP.
As one close to Buhari, how prepared are you for change?
I have been with the president-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, since 2002 and I remained with him, despite all the elections rigging against us by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but to Allah be the glory, today, we are now the ruling party. The general is very ready to turn around the country from the present situation to the one that will be admired by all. As a very close political ally of Buhari, I know too well that he is very ready to implement the change Nigerians are yearning for. We are of the view that he would bring about the desired unity in the country. From the calibre of people that will make his cabinet, you will agree with me that the change is around the corner.
Many expect Buhari to turn around the country quickly, what is your take on this?
It is the sufferings brought on the masses by the PDP-led government that is making them to think like that but, obviously, it would not be in a hurry because the level of deterioration in the country is big. It is against this that I’m appealing to Nigerians not to expect magic from the incoming government. They should give him (Buhari) ample time to address the collapsed system he is inheriting from the outgoing government. At least, the president-elect should be given six months because change cannot be realised in a moment. Let me assure you that the general will not let Nigerians down, he will tackle corruption, insecurity, unemployment and promote the neglected agricultural sector.
-Some say Nigerians have done their part and it is now left for the president-elect to do his part. Is that so?
No, they have not finished doing their parts. There is one other essential thing that is required from all Nigerians, Christians and Muslims alike. It is prayer and prayer. The general requires this from all in the country. On my part, I have engaged clerics to be praying for him, in the country and abroad, because the country requires divine intervention. So, let all Nigerians embark on massive prayers for God to see the president-elect through.
-Members of the PDP are defecting to the APC from all corners, signalling that the country is on the verge of becoming one party state. What do you make of this?
It is a bad sign, but to us it is not new because majority of Nigerian politicians lack ideology. They are only after what they can get, hence, their quest to be with the government of the day. Since I joined politics, in 1978, I have been in the opposition and this shaped my view about politics. But I can assure you that they cannot derail our quest to turn around the country as the general is a principled person. I want to react to a report that quoted the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Attahiru Jega saying that he would not accept renewal of his appointment. This is not good. He has started a good job and there is need for him to complete what he has started in the interest of the Nigerian masses. INEC is the most important institution in the country’s democracy and a strong and reliable electoral body would enhance our country’s democratic journey.