By Shola Oshunkeye
As the nation reels in palpable suspense, waiting for the official announcement of the winner of last Saturday’s presidential election, an eminent Nigerian has set an agenda for whoever emerges as Nigeria’s next President.
In an exclusive interview with The Crest, General Abdulrahman Dambazau, a former Chief of Army Staff and ex-Minister of Interior, made a mental checklist of what the new President should achieve in his first 100 days in office.
In Dambazau’s estimation, there are some “low-hanging fruits” that the new helmsman should pluck to put his administration in a cruising mode.
Dambazau, a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Adviser, Strategic Engagement, to the party’s presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, says the low-hanging fruits reside in the security sector, economy and foreign policy.
The former Army Chief also appraised last Saturday’s presidential and National Assembly polls and submitted that despite obvious challenges, he was optimistic that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, will deliver on its promise to give Nigeria a clean and credible election.
He prayed for Nigeria’s prosperity and peace as the country moves a notch higher in its democratic journey.
Please, enjoy the full interview below:
Though the elections are far from over, especially with the postponement of the vote in several polling units, how do you see the process so far?
I am aware that for some reasons, INEC postponed elections of some polling units and also extended voting time for many others. However, generally speaking, going by my personal experience in Kano, and from media reports, so far, the elections have been fairly conducted, with much improvement from what we had in the past.
How do you appraise the performance of INEC, the use of BVAS, deployment of personnel and sensitive materials on election day, response to contingencies?
It will be difficult for me to give overall assessment of INEC performance. First, the elections are yet to be concluded and results declared. Second, I have no information for all polling units. However, judging from my personal experience I think the conduct is generally good. Of course, there were some delays in getting materials on time, which I also experienced in my polling unit, but the extension of time given has compensated for that.
Are you optimistic that INEC would be able to deliver on its promise to give Nigeria a clean, transparent and credible election?
I do hope and pray that INEC would deliver on its promise to give Nigeria a clean, transparent and credible elections. So far, the signs are there.
Since there is no perfect system anywhere in the world, what areas would you want to see improved upon before the governorship and assembly elections on March 11?
I think areas of improvement is, first, in the timely delivery of election materials; and also ensuring that every polling unit has everything it requires. I note, for example, there was shortage of ink. But in the long term, INEC should arrange for permanent locations to warehouse its materials in each state and also improve on the means of transportation. These are critical infrastructures for very successful, hitch-free election exercises in the future.
As a General, and security expert, don’t you think that the pockets of violence we have seen so far, despite assurances, can negatively impact the elections, discourage voters, leading to voter apathy?
From my observations so far, I believe the security agencies have been able to prevent and contain most security threats to the elections. Of course, there are few areas of violent eruptions, but they have not significantly reduced the quality of performance.
Whichever way this election goes, how much hope is there for a new Nigeria that many citizens so earnestly yearn for?
I wouldn’t speak for others, but I know that the TINUBU/SHETTIMA presidency is one of renewed hope. The manifesto or Action Plan is practical and implementable, and would definitely move Nigeria forward. I am very optimistic with the kind of leadership the TINUBU/SHETTIMA presidency would provide in a very positive direction.
The earnest hope of many people, especially the youth, is that Nigeria, through this election, should have a clean break from its not too impressive past. When would the old brigade quit the scene and allow the youth demography give the country a breath of fresh air? Something different?
I am not sure of your definition of OLD BRIGADE. Is it in terms of age, or knowledge or experience or years of political participation? I believe that what we need is good leadership, the kind of leadership that would make Nigerians proud. We need leadership that would ensure good governance and consolidation of democracy; that would reinforce the unity of our country; that would ensure inclusive participation, especially of women and youth; that would ensure accountability, transparency, rule of law, and human rights. I think we have such leadership in Tinubu/Shettima.
When I talked about OLD BRIGADE, it’s terms of age and agility to cope with pressure of the high office; in terms of the willingness and political will power of the helmsman to do things differently; tapping the abundant potentials of Nigerian youth.
A good leader, no matter how physically strong and agile he or she is, requires a team to implement his decisions or vision. Rather we need leadership that is mentally sound, with focus and identifiable objectives. It does not matter if he is on wheel chair as long as he has the capacity to give direction. But I agree that we should have a hybrid of the well experienced and the young. Don’t forget that President Buhari signed the “Not Too Young to Run” bill; therefore, there is ample opportunity for the young and women too. By and large, Nigerians deserve good leadership and the duo of TINUBU/SHETTIMA will provide it.
Lastly, what would you want to see in the first 100 days of the incoming administration?
There are “low hanging fruits” that the new administration should pluck in the first 100 days. They are generally in areas within the security sector, the economy, and foreign policy.
What is your most critical prayer for Nigeria at this time?
My prayer for Nigeria is for strength in unity, stronger economy, and guaranteed peace and security.
.