Yusuf Agabi
Alhaji Yusuf Agabi was the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party during the last general election in Nasarawa State. Agabi speaks on the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and other political issues, in this interview with Adams Abonu. Excerpts:
You were the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last governorship election in Nasarawa State. How would you describe the election?
It is true that I contested the last governorship election in Nasarawa State. Myself, Tanko Al-Makura of the All Progressives Congress, and Labaran Maku of the All Progressives Grand Alliance prominently contested that election. It was a three-horse race, if you would see it that way, with one horse having all the advantages of muscle and space while the rest two dragged along with one protesting all the way.
I joined the governorship race in Nasarawa State because of my desire to meet the yearnings of my teeming supporters in the state. They prevailed on me to contest for governor because they saw a readiness for service. They saw in me a wealth of experience that could be used to the benefit of the people of Nasarawa State. Of course, a lot of other things happened on the way to nomination but in the end the will of the people prevailed.
At the early stage of the contest, we in the PDP, including Labaran Maku, agreed that we would support any candidate who emerged at the primary election. Our party was so formidable that we were confident we would win the race. But Mr. Maku decided to jettison the entire consensus arrangement and went into APGA to pursue his ambition. The rest, they say, is history.
Don’t you think Maku’s defection to APGA was the undoing of your party, the PDP, in the election?
It was his (Maku’s) inalienable right to seek any platform to actualise his political aspirations. His departure from PDP, though very ungentlemanly, did not much affect our chances in the election because our supporters kept faith in the project. If he stayed in the party and supported us, as we earlier agreed, it would have been a different result, but the eventual outcome was the will of the Almighty God.
Why did you and your party not challenge Al-Makura’s election in the electoral court?
I believe that the Almighty Allah gives power and I am an advocate of politics without bitterness. My decision not to challenge the process in the tribunal or any court of law was borne out of the desire to allow the will of Nasarawa people prevail. As far as I’m concerned, we are all fighting for the development of Nasarawa State and there was no need to bring acrimony and sentiments into this struggle. The Nasarawa people are watching us and they know better who they could trust with their mandate. My understanding of public service as an avenue to serve rather than to use the people was the basis for my non-challenge of the electoral process. After all, it is the people we are supposedly striving to serve and not our narrow considerations.
There have been allegations from some quarters about your time in the civil service, where you served in various capacities until your retirement. How would you react to these allegations?
I want to assure you that I did my best during my years of civil service. I executed my responsibilities creditably and was rewarded with a stellar career wherein I rose through the ranks to the height of the ladder. The allegations you referred to are already at courts of competent jurisdiction and it would be prejudicial of me to comment on such issues. I believe in the judicial process and I am confident that the innocent should not be afraid of justice.
How would you situate the current anti-graft drive of the Buhari administration?
The anti-corruption crusade embarked upon by the Buhari administration is long overdue. Corruption is the cankerworm that breeds poverty and insecurity and to have an administration that is committed to ending this menace is very timely and deserves all support of the entire citizenry. A number of factors led to the dire need for a concerted commitment to ending graft within our national life. First, the effect of poverty on the citizens and the image of our nation in the eyes of the international community. Corruption leaves in its wake an impoverished citizenry and a low sense of nationality. There was every need to halt this rot and President Buhari came just in time.
It is true that I contested the last governorship election in Nasarawa State. Myself, Tanko Al-Makura of the All Progressives Congress, and Labaran Maku of the All Progressives Grand Alliance prominently contested that election. It was a three-horse race, if you would see it that way, with one horse having all the advantages of muscle and space while the rest two dragged along with one protesting all the way.
I joined the governorship race in Nasarawa State because of my desire to meet the yearnings of my teeming supporters in the state. They prevailed on me to contest for governor because they saw a readiness for service. They saw in me a wealth of experience that could be used to the benefit of the people of Nasarawa State. Of course, a lot of other things happened on the way to nomination but in the end the will of the people prevailed.
At the early stage of the contest, we in the PDP, including Labaran Maku, agreed that we would support any candidate who emerged at the primary election. Our party was so formidable that we were confident we would win the race. But Mr. Maku decided to jettison the entire consensus arrangement and went into APGA to pursue his ambition. The rest, they say, is history.
Don’t you think Maku’s defection to APGA was the undoing of your party, the PDP, in the election?
It was his (Maku’s) inalienable right to seek any platform to actualise his political aspirations. His departure from PDP, though very ungentlemanly, did not much affect our chances in the election because our supporters kept faith in the project. If he stayed in the party and supported us, as we earlier agreed, it would have been a different result, but the eventual outcome was the will of the Almighty God.
Why did you and your party not challenge Al-Makura’s election in the electoral court?
I believe that the Almighty Allah gives power and I am an advocate of politics without bitterness. My decision not to challenge the process in the tribunal or any court of law was borne out of the desire to allow the will of Nasarawa people prevail. As far as I’m concerned, we are all fighting for the development of Nasarawa State and there was no need to bring acrimony and sentiments into this struggle. The Nasarawa people are watching us and they know better who they could trust with their mandate. My understanding of public service as an avenue to serve rather than to use the people was the basis for my non-challenge of the electoral process. After all, it is the people we are supposedly striving to serve and not our narrow considerations.
There have been allegations from some quarters about your time in the civil service, where you served in various capacities until your retirement. How would you react to these allegations?
I want to assure you that I did my best during my years of civil service. I executed my responsibilities creditably and was rewarded with a stellar career wherein I rose through the ranks to the height of the ladder. The allegations you referred to are already at courts of competent jurisdiction and it would be prejudicial of me to comment on such issues. I believe in the judicial process and I am confident that the innocent should not be afraid of justice.
How would you situate the current anti-graft drive of the Buhari administration?
The anti-corruption crusade embarked upon by the Buhari administration is long overdue. Corruption is the cankerworm that breeds poverty and insecurity and to have an administration that is committed to ending this menace is very timely and deserves all support of the entire citizenry. A number of factors led to the dire need for a concerted commitment to ending graft within our national life. First, the effect of poverty on the citizens and the image of our nation in the eyes of the international community. Corruption leaves in its wake an impoverished citizenry and a low sense of nationality. There was every need to halt this rot and President Buhari came just in time.
Secondly, the state of our national economy demands that all leaks from the treasury be blocked and available resources harnessed for national development. It became very necessary to ensure that monies collected on behalf of the government are remitted to the national treasury so that all could benefit from the works. That the administration has seen and appreciated this need deserves appropriate commendation.
Since the independence of the Nigerian nation, this is the first time that we are having a president with a clear sense of purpose. This is the first truly inspiring leader Nigeria has been blessed with and the country should be happy for it. Aside political affiliations, we should be able to objectively steer the government towards better service to the people and this is why you would find some of us applauding President Buhari’s determination to create a new national consciousness. I think Nigeria is in for a new thing and like all new things, they take time before complete acceptance.
How would you describe the new national consciousness President Buhari is trying to engender within the context of the change agenda of the administration?
The Buhari phenomenon is a nomenclature of exemplary leadership determined and ready to lead with the fear of God. The identity of sincerity of President Buhari has spurred discourse on leadership in Nigeria towards sincerity of purpose and selflessness. This is the first time in our national history that we are having such inspiration in leadership and some of us see a model in the man.
Do you see the administration successfully navigating through the economic downturn occasioned by the decline in crude oil prices in the international market?
The recent fall in oil prices is a global issue and Nigeria cannot be immune from such because of the country’s dependence on crude oil. The onus is on the government to evolve novel ways of generating revenues from alternative sources. I hear about the projection of the Federal Inland Revenue Service targeting N5 trillion and I want to give them every benefit of confidence. Our economic challenges present us with the opportunity to diversify our economy towards agriculture and solid minerals and I want to believe we will eventually come out stronger.
How would assess the status of your party in Nasarawa State and across Nigeria after the last general election?
The PDP is very intact in Nasarawa State. We have a teeming base of supporters to make things happen for the party any day. Remember, we used to be the ruling party not long ago. Our supporters are die-hards who believe that if we conduct ourselves well before the people, we can still get their mandates.
There have been defections from PDP to other parties, especially the ruling APC recently, do you see this adversely affecting your party?
Those defecting have their reasons and we must respect their wishes. Unfortunately, some of these people are defecting for the fear of Buhari; some are defecting because they think the grass is always greener out there. But I am hopeful that the PDP has a good chance in taking the mandate of the people again.
Are you considering defecting to the ruling APC?
Up until now, I remain a member of PDP. I believe we should have strong reasons for our actions and be guided by reason. My major preoccupation is to better serve the people and encourage genuine leadership.
What advice do you have for the administrations in Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large?
I advise the Nasarawa government to work for the generality of the people, which I am confident that Governor Al-Makura is doing. They should refocus on the welfare of the people and make efforts at sustaining peace. I equally charge the Buhari administration to pursue its anti-graft campaign to a logical end, as this is the only way we can regain our status as the giant of Africa
How would you situate the impact of religion on the politics of Nasarawa State?
Nasarawa is a multi-religious state. This is a state where you could have Christians, Muslims and even traditional worshippers from a particular family. Those who whip up religious sentiments do a disservice to the people and breed disharmony. While everyone is entitled to their faith, religion should be a unifying factor instead of being employed by some unscrupulous elements to drag us behind.
Do you nurture the aspirations to govern Nasarawa State in the nearest future?
Only the Almighty Allah gives power and I believe that He is the only one with my political destiny and the collective destiny of the people of Nasarawa State. Elections have come and gone and we have an interregnum before the next electoral circle. I wish to suggest that we focus on improving the lot of the people within this time frame and give necessary support to the administrations across all levels of governance. It is my sincere hope that committed leadership would take root in Nasarawa and the current efforts at development would be sustained.
How would you describe the new national consciousness President Buhari is trying to engender within the context of the change agenda of the administration?
The Buhari phenomenon is a nomenclature of exemplary leadership determined and ready to lead with the fear of God. The identity of sincerity of President Buhari has spurred discourse on leadership in Nigeria towards sincerity of purpose and selflessness. This is the first time in our national history that we are having such inspiration in leadership and some of us see a model in the man.
Do you see the administration successfully navigating through the economic downturn occasioned by the decline in crude oil prices in the international market?
The recent fall in oil prices is a global issue and Nigeria cannot be immune from such because of the country’s dependence on crude oil. The onus is on the government to evolve novel ways of generating revenues from alternative sources. I hear about the projection of the Federal Inland Revenue Service targeting N5 trillion and I want to give them every benefit of confidence. Our economic challenges present us with the opportunity to diversify our economy towards agriculture and solid minerals and I want to believe we will eventually come out stronger.
How would assess the status of your party in Nasarawa State and across Nigeria after the last general election?
The PDP is very intact in Nasarawa State. We have a teeming base of supporters to make things happen for the party any day. Remember, we used to be the ruling party not long ago. Our supporters are die-hards who believe that if we conduct ourselves well before the people, we can still get their mandates.
There have been defections from PDP to other parties, especially the ruling APC recently, do you see this adversely affecting your party?
Those defecting have their reasons and we must respect their wishes. Unfortunately, some of these people are defecting for the fear of Buhari; some are defecting because they think the grass is always greener out there. But I am hopeful that the PDP has a good chance in taking the mandate of the people again.
Are you considering defecting to the ruling APC?
Up until now, I remain a member of PDP. I believe we should have strong reasons for our actions and be guided by reason. My major preoccupation is to better serve the people and encourage genuine leadership.
What advice do you have for the administrations in Nasarawa State and Nigeria at large?
I advise the Nasarawa government to work for the generality of the people, which I am confident that Governor Al-Makura is doing. They should refocus on the welfare of the people and make efforts at sustaining peace. I equally charge the Buhari administration to pursue its anti-graft campaign to a logical end, as this is the only way we can regain our status as the giant of Africa
How would you situate the impact of religion on the politics of Nasarawa State?
Nasarawa is a multi-religious state. This is a state where you could have Christians, Muslims and even traditional worshippers from a particular family. Those who whip up religious sentiments do a disservice to the people and breed disharmony. While everyone is entitled to their faith, religion should be a unifying factor instead of being employed by some unscrupulous elements to drag us behind.
Do you nurture the aspirations to govern Nasarawa State in the nearest future?
Only the Almighty Allah gives power and I believe that He is the only one with my political destiny and the collective destiny of the people of Nasarawa State. Elections have come and gone and we have an interregnum before the next electoral circle. I wish to suggest that we focus on improving the lot of the people within this time frame and give necessary support to the administrations across all levels of governance. It is my sincere hope that committed leadership would take root in Nasarawa and the current efforts at development would be sustained.
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