PDP’s troubles insurmountable - ACF chieftain

Category: Sunday politics Published on Sunday, 09 November 2014 05:00 Written by Ibraheem Hamza Muhammad Hits: 161
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Alhaji Saleh Gacha Bade is a chieftain of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), three-time senatorial candidate and a former member of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) during late Sani Abacha’s era. The former member of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) spoke on his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Excerpts:
Why did you leave the PDP for the APC?
My reasons for dumping the PDP are so many. The PDP does not respect the rules of law. The reasons also include bad leadership, insincerity, dishonest and above all lack of cohesion. For instance, this government under the PDP breaks international laws as in the case of about $15 million scandal in South Africa. The party does not respect or obey even the Nigerian Constitution. You can consider the recent withdrawal of Hon. Speaker Aminu Tambuwal’s security details, and the 50 per cent reduction of Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s security details during the appointment of the Emir of Kano etc. The problem which the PDP is facing is insurmountable. The level of corruption has worsened the matter as most Nigerians don’t believe that the missing $20 Billion has not been siphoned or corruptly diverted.
Another issue is the allegation that N10 Billion was used to charter aircraft by the Minister of Petroleum Resources Diezani Alison-Madueke, who has refused to be probed by the National Assembly. Even internationally, the world acknowledges that the present administration is highly corrupt.
Don’t you think that the PDP government under President Goodluck Jonathan is doing well in the fight against insecurity?
That is the worst aspect of this administration. We have over 150,000 soldiers, but few insurgents have taken away substantial parts of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. The occupied territories include Bama, Gwoza, Dikwa, Michika, Mubi, Buni Yadi, Nafada etc. The PDP has failed Nigerians. We need change. Apart from its failure to tackle the insecurity, there is lack of infrastructural development, high level of unemployment, and gross indiscipline. The administration is dividing Nigerians along religious, ethnic and sectional differences. We really need change before it is too late.
You have declared support for Rabiu Musa Kwankwanso’s presidential aspiration. Why do you think he is the man to beat?
Kwankwaso is very honest and hardworking. He is fearless and open-minded. His performance in Kano is commendable. For instance, he has transformed Kano State to a modern state with so many infrastructural developments all over the state.
In his effort to develop educational sector, Kwankwaso sponsors over 3,000 children of less privilege people (talakawas) to abroad to study.
He has the courage and zeal to bring positive changes in Nigeria. He is not a religious bigot. He is not despotic. He is not a jingoist. Above all, he has cordial relationship with most of his colleagues’ governors, both in the PDP and the APC, including past governors, senators and members of the House of Representatives etc. This was confirmed during his declaration that was attended by 27 senators, 70 House of Representatives’ members, eight governors and the multitude of his supporters all over the country.
Definitely, Kwankwaso may have a courageous running mate as a “Winning Team” for APC 2015. Kwankwaso has the support of so many traditional rulers, retired generals all over the country. Even some PDP governors, including previous leaders and other prominent Nigerians will support him.
What will you do if Kwankawso fails to get the APC ticket?
If former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, retired Major General Muhammadu Buhari or Sam Nda-Isaiah emerges the flag bearer of my party, I will do whatever it takes to render my support. I will be ready to serve under any committee of the presidential campaign as I did in strategy and planning committee for Buhari in 2007. Our main goal and objective is to have a change so that Nigeria will heave a sigh of relief. Change by God’s grace is inevitable as the case in other countries where leaders have failed.
Why did you declare similar support for Governor Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe State ahead of 2015 governorship election?
Governor Ibrahim Geidam has performed wonderfully well in terms of infrastructural development despite security challenges. For instance, there is a road which the PDP awarded its contract between Gashua and Yusufari. After paying mobilization fees, the project was abandoned for 12 years. Geidam has completed it within a short time. Similarly, township roads in Nguru, Gashua, Potiskum, Gaidam, Damaturu etc have been solidly constructed.
Also, his administratin has completed different housing projects. Many hospitals have been upgraded despite security challenges. He really deserves another tenure to enable him achieve his desired goal of transforming Yobe State from a poor and rural state to a modern and developed state.
What will you advise Nigerians in view of the forthcoming 2015 general elections?
Let’s all be law abiding citizens. We should respect the laws of our land, our constitution. Let’s be God fearing in all our dealings as one day we shall all account for our deeds. Both Muslims and Christians should imbibe the culture of brotherhood. God decides to place us in one country called Nigeria. Thus, let us team up to develop our country. We should not allow people to fool and throw us into chaos.