In an exclusive interview, former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, shared his insights on a range of critical issues affecting Nigeria, calling for a thorough probe of the immediate past administration, addressing economic challenges, and discussing the political crisis in Rivers State, among other topics.
As Nigerians grapple with economic difficulties, Bafarawa emphasized the need for President Bola Tinubu to acknowledge the inherited challenges and not ignore them. He argued that the blame for the current state of the nation should be placed on the shoulders of former President Muhammadu Buhari, asserting that Tinubu should probe Buhari’s administration to uphold transparency and fulfill electoral promises.
Bafarawa insisted that investigating the previous administration is crucial for accountability and urged Tinubu to ensure justice prevails. He drew parallels between Buhari’s investigations during his tenure and the potential benefits of probing the former president.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the judiciary, Bafarawa refrained from passing judgment, citing his limited expertise in legal matters. However, he criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for advising contestants to seek legal redress, suggesting that INEC should focus on conducting fair elections to prevent unnecessary legal battles.
Bafarawa also delved into economic issues, linking the difficulties faced by Nigerians in accessing cash to the alleged printing of trillions of naira by the past administration. He advocated for a careful control of the money supply by the current administration, highlighting the importance of addressing past financial mismanagement.
On the topic of fuel subsidies and the importation of refined oil, Bafarawa clarified that it was Buhari, not Tinubu, who removed the fuel subsidy. He called for accountability and proper management of funds borrowed by the Buhari administration, emphasizing the role of investigations in ensuring financial integrity.
Shifting focus to the political landscape, Bafarawa expressed his reservations about commenting on political crises in states outside his purview. However, he stressed the importance of justice in resolving such disputes and encouraged the parties involved to prioritize fairness.
In response to questions about godfatherism in Nigerian politics, Bafarawa suggested that the current situation in Rivers State serves as an opportunity for politicians to reconsider their roles and emphasized the importance of justice in maintaining peace.
Touching on the strained relationship between the governor and deputy governor in Edo State, Bafarawa maintained that he could only speak on matters concerning Sokoto State.
Regarding the continuous borrowing by the Federal Government, Bafarawa questioned the impact of the borrowed funds and insisted that President Tinubu must probe the previous administration to gain clarity and potentially uncover financial mismanagement.
Reflecting on his own governance in Sokoto State, Bafarawa attributed the enduring respect and love from the people to his trustworthiness and dedication to serving their interests. He encouraged leaders to prioritize the welfare of their constituents.
In response to questions about his political affiliation, Bafarawa affirmed his membership in the PDP but emphasized the collective responsibility of all parties to move the nation forward.
On the issue of insecurity, Bafarawa cautiously addressed the Minister of State for Defence’s assertion that insecurity would end by November 2024. He acknowledged the minister’s statement but urged patience to see if the government could fulfill its promise.
Concluding the interview, Bafarawa discussed former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s suggestion for the PDP to merge with other parties, considering it as Atiku’s personal opinion rather than the official stance of the party. He urged patience and emphasized the importance of evaluating the performance of the ruling party.
The interview also touched on the underdevelopment of local government areas, with Bafarawa urging state governments to allow direct allocation of funds to local government chairmen to foster development.
