‘How Northeast Development Commission can succeed’

Alhaji Habu Muazu is a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State. He spoke with reporters in Gombe, the state capital, on his ambition, the Northeast Development Commission and how the opposition can can do well in the next poll in the Northeast state.Excerpts:

What is your assessment of the state of the nation?

We thank God that things are becoming normal. We thank God the recession is over and the economy is gradually taking shape. The oil is now appreciating in the world market. We also thank God the president has fully recovered and he is now in charge and politically, things are getting better. So far so good, things are getting better compared to the previous years.

What is your position on restructuring?

Sincerely, I don’t buy the idea because I don’t know what we want to restructure, we started from 2 regions to 3 from 3 regions to 12 States from 12 to 19 States from 19 to 21 from 21 we now have 36 States, with Abuja we have 37. With this structure, what are we going to restructure, in terms of representation each state is being represented in the federal cabinet and at the national Assembly, so what are we asking for. States need to be restructured. The Federal Government gives allocation to the states I expect Nigerians to focus more attention on the States in ensuring that such allocations are properly utilize to the benefit of the Masses. So, instead of all this noise about restructuring let’s monitor the states governors and know what they are doing with funds allocated to them and there local governments from the federation. I will rather call for total power to the local governments to checkmate the excesses of the governor and bring development to the grassroots.

The argument is that restructuring will address the marginalisation of the minorities…

Who are the minorities? Every state has its representation at the Federal Executive council and the National Assembly and federal character address other issues of appointments, if you are talking about the issue of marginalisation, there are many tribes that are also crying of marginalisation at the states and local government levels. Therefore, even if the country is restructured people will still complain. Our problem should be that of proper utilisation of resources to the benefit of the masses. When people loose power they start talking of marginalisation. It is the elites that always propagate this idea of marginalisation, religious sentiments and other related issues of division they moment they are out of power.

From your position, it seems you are in support of local government autonomy.

Of course, I am in total support of local government autonomy, I believe if the local governments are independent of the states a lot of issues can be address locally without people bothering on the states or the federal. Let’s allow the local government system to function properly without the interference of governors. Even in the aspect of conducting elections let it be handle by INEC not states electoral bodies, this will help in conducting credible elections and in electing credible leaders. If this is done it will also reduce the pressure on the states.

Do you think the governors will buy the idea, since they are benefiting from such arrangements?

Is not about them buying the idea, but is all about doing the right thing to the benefit of the entire country. It is very unfortunate that local governments have been reduced to the position of a ministry. The governors manipulate things and control their fundings. That is not right. Let’s allow the local governments handle projects like primary health care, construction of boreholes culverts, rural roads and others then the states concentrate in handling bigger jobs. In those days when the local governments were functioning people don’t bother to go to state capitals, they concentrate in deriving dividends of governance from the local councils. Let’s please allow them autonomy for the benefit of the common people. The states can play supervisory role through there various representatives at the state Assemblies. I thank God the national Assembly as assented to that which is a good development.

Nigerians are saying things have not changed, especiallythe  management of local government funds by the governors

The governors should know that no condition is permanent is better we built a vibrant system by doing the right thing. So, I will advice the governors, especially those in the APC, to bring about the change we promised Nigerians because people are watching and the electorate are now more enlighten. Let them try and make history now by changing the system so that the next generation will be proud of them.

What is your assessment of the anti- corruption war of President Buhari, considering the recent controversy in his government as regards to the Maina, Babachir and other related cases?

The President is doing well. He has taken a very serious decision by sacking Babachir, the NIA boss and Maina and he has ordered investigation. He has also implemented the recommendations of the Vice President’s Committee and a new SGF has been appointed this the best thing he could do. It is now the responsibility of the anti- corruption agencies to do the rest base on the directives of the President. He has done excellently by proving he is a man of high integrity.

The President recently signed the Northeast Development Commission Bill into law. How will you describe the development?

This is one of the most wonderful developments in the entire North, especially the Northeast. The President has demonstrated love and interest in rebuilding the Northeast. He started by tackling the problem of insurgency and now a commission to rebuild the states in the north east, this is commendable. This development will no doubt help in boosting the economy of the zone and also help in providing basic infrastructure. The President has done a lot to us in the north east even in terms of appointments at the federal level and also the Mambilla hydro electric project in Taraba state. We in the north east we are very thankful to Mr President and we shall continue to give him our maximum support.

Let’s have people with high integrity and the fear of God to manage the commission and also ensure that funds meant for the development are properly utilise.

There are fears that it will be business as usual, and  the funds will be diverted. what do you suggest should be done to avoid this ugly development?

I am sure it won’t be business as usual. Let the President appoint people with high integrity to manage the commission and also let the stakeholders in the Northeast region give the commission their full support. If that is done, no one will even think of diverting funds. I am also very sure that the President, being a man with high integrity, will ensure proper monitoring and evaluation of the activities of the commission.

Some APC leaders are accusing the President of surrounding himself with cabals, who are said to be misleading him…

I don’t believe in what people are saying. The President cannot work alone. He must work with people and I don’t think those around him are bad. I am sure the President will not allow himself to be surrounded by bad people, being a good man himself. I believe  President Buhari is to experienced and powerful to be controlled by any group called cabal. He has held several positions in the army. He was Head of State. So, I don’t think someone can manipulate such a person with high experience in leadership. Although he is human and he is bound to make mistakes but I am sure if he discover any abnormalities he will take the appropriate action.

In the lastwo years, GombeAPC was engulfed with leadership crisis, but recently, the party held an election elected a new leadership. How will you describe the election?

It was a very free and fair election. This the first time we have had this in Gombe State without people complaining. This is a very good development in building a vibrant opposition party in the state. We thank God and anybody that loves the party sincerely must be loyal to the leadership and the party.

What are the expectations?

The people of Gombe will surely see a new APC, stronger and vibrant. We have been talking with ourselves on the need for unity; that it is the only thing that can guarantee us victory in 2019. Like I always preach, let’s all bury our individual differences and ensure internal democracy for the victory of our party. That is why I have been going round and talking to the people about APC and the need for unity. We must be seen to be doing something as an opposition party to motivate our supporters and also keep our party lively and that is exactly what I have been doing and I am calling on other stakeholders to join me so that we can build the party.

What are some of the measures adopted to achieve reconciliation?

I strongly believe in myself and what I am doing. I have confidence in what I am doing, that is why I am also trying to build confidence in others.

Are you sure  with your rising profile, some people will not come later to create confusion and division in the party?

Of course, it is very possible because everybody has his way of doing things. Maybe, some people will show up few months to elections, but believe me, I am not exhibiting any fear. I am not afraid of anybody coming into the race because I believe in myself. I am doing this, not because I am desperate to be a governor, but because I am interested in building a stronger and vibrant opposition party in Gombe state, luckily, I am not new in the game, I have done a lot for my people without holding any political position or appointment. There is no local government or ward within Gombe State that has not felt my impact. I have sunk a lots of boreholes, assisted a lot of people. I have given out scholarships to many and I have paid hospital bills to a lot of people. These are some of the things I am doing quietly and in my own little way to create impact in our society. With all these and the grassroots support I am enjoying, why should I be afraid? Like I always say, you don’t have to be a billionaire before becoming a governor or you don’t have to wait until you get political appointment or elected before you start helping people.

What are your plans for the state?

I have my plans. For now, I am keeping it to my chest. But, we are going to work in accordance with our party manifesto. We are definitely going to form a people-oriented government.

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