A former presidential candidate for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the general elections of 2023 is Mr. Stanley Osifo. He discusses agitation for state creation and politicians’ attention on the general elections in 2027 in this interview. Among other topics, the former presidential candidate discusses the need for state police and the reasons why Nigerians should back the ruling administration. Joy Anigogu provides the following excerpts:
How would you respond to the government’s handling of the banditry problem and Malam Nasir El Rufai’s claim that the government is paying bandits?
Since banditry is not just a problem in Nigeria, it is a global concern. To address these, the government is utilizing non-kinetic issues. According to National Security Adviser (NSA) Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the administration is working and is not giving up. They’re coping with the weather. Although it’s very slight right now, everyone is in the same predicament as us, and the government is handling it.
Isn’t it time for the government to address the state police issue specifically?
The National Assembly is currently debating a measure on the subject, and I believe that it will eventually receive the attention it deserves. In addition, other states, including Amotekun in the South West and others throughout the nation, are establishing state police. Numerous localities are addressing the issue, and other states have raised concerns about policing practices. Our focus should be on how states can utilize their current outfits before state police are officially authorized for them.
People have been running for political office in 2027, and it’s being proposed that public office holders should only serve one five-year term to prevent the circumstance where they would have to run for a second term two years into their current term.
Even though people see what is happening as a campaign, it cannot be labeled such. I have stated on multiple occasions that I believe that it is not yet time for politics and that instead of running for office, people should endeavor to fulfill all of the expectations of the people and provide good government and amenities for the masses. Many parties are unstable and engaged in internal strife, and you see people making political remarks and saying a lot of things in the media. Politicians from the same parties are seen arguing and saying a lot of stuff to each other. No one has declared their intention to run for a certain office. Much of what they do is referred to be a campaign, but they haven’t stated that this is what they will do for the public. All they’re doing is positioning themselves and making plans for the various offices in 2027. To a great extent, they can be referred to as political campaigns, but I believe that the politicians should concentrate on governance, give the people the benefits of democracy, and take actions that will advance the nation.
What do you think about the APC being accused of splitting the opposition parties in order to create a one-party state?
You mentioned that the APC is being accused of attempting to establish a one-party state. Making an accusation against someone does not establish a fact; you must provide proof to support your claim. We cannot linger on your accusation if you are unable to provide evidence. The onus is on the person making the allegations to explain his motivations. What we currently have is internal conflict between the different political groups. However, how each side resolves its problems will determine this.
As Nigerians are suffering, is it appropriate for the government to raise the pay of public office holders, according to reports?
The Revenue Mobilization and Financial Allocation Commission (RMFAC) is in charge of the matter pertaining to the pay and benefits of public office holders. They are responsible for setting the pay of public servants and public office holders. There are procedures for carrying out this task. No one can simply wake up and fix public office holders’ pay. They must make the choices if they believe what they are doing is right. The general public, however, feels that raising politicians’ pay is not in the nation’s best interests. We must ascertain the precise nature of the growth.
Do you think Nigeria needs additional states? What should the current states do to improve their current performance? There are calls for the creation of new states, with some arguing that the South East needs more states.
Others would still come and push for their own states even if you created them today. It’s a fantastic thing to add additional states, but if you look at it, we had regions before we gained our independence, then 12 states, 19 states, 21 states, 30 states, and now 36 states. When a new state is formed, the capital city experiences development, including the construction of roads, infrastructure, and other facilities. In that sense, we can establish more states, but I believe that instead, we should concentrate on the 774 local government councils that exist around the nation and provide them with funding for development. No one would push for additional states if all local governments were functioning effectively since the impact of the development would be greater. For the sake of balance and federal character, those advocating for the creation of states are entitled to do so. However, when doing so, we should adhere to the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution. However, as I mentioned, let’s give local councils greater importance so that the populace feels like they are in charge.
What can we anticipate from you in 2027, given that you ran for president in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and in 2023 with the APC?
I’m a realistic individual that supports Nigeria. In my opinion, we shall overcome the obstacles regardless of the circumstances. In my opinion, we will succeed regardless of the circumstances. Nigerians ought to have confidence in themselves and receive proper care. They ought to be curious about what’s going on as well. I think we need strong institutions and that poverty should be appropriately addressed. Those in positions of power ought to act in the nation’s best interests. Governance is for the people, not only the elites, in my opinion, and they ought to support democratic ideals. People’s problems should be handled cautiously, in my opinion. I decided to run for president in 2019 and 2023 for that reason. I think we should be prepared to take actions that will benefit the people in 2027. Those who are currently there cannot be condemned. To ensure that the nation is great, we should all do our part. Regardless of the outcome, I want to encourage those running to collaborate with those already in place for the nation’s advancement. With my background, I am confident that if I am elected president, the country will be even better than it is now.
