‘Focus on Governance, Not 2027 Politics,’ Osifo Tells Politicians

In the general elections of 2023, Mr. Stanley Osifo was a previous presidential candidate for the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is currently in power. In this interview, he discusses the agitation for state creation and politicians’ attention on the general elections in 2027. The previous candidate for president also discusses the need for state police and the reasons why Nigerians should back the ruling party. The following are extracts from Joy Anibogu:

What do you think about the way the government is dealing with the problem of banditry and the claim made by Malam Nasir El Rufai that the government is paying bandits?

Nigeria is not the only country where banditry is a problem. The government is addressing them with non-kinetic issues. According to Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), the administration is working and is not giving up. They are addressing the weather. Though it is extremely minor at the moment, everyone is in the same scenario as us, and the government is handling it.

Do you not believe that the government should address the state police issue specifically at this time?

The National Assembly is considering a measure on that topic, and I believe that the discussion is ongoing and that it will eventually receive the attention it deserves. In addition, state police are being developed in other states across the nation, including Amotekun in the South West. Policing actions have been brought up in several states, and the matter is being addressed in many localities. Before state police are officially authorized for them, we should be examining how states may utilize the current outfits they have.

In order to prevent a scenario where persons would be running for a second term two years after taking office, it is proposed that public office holders be granted a single five-year term, as we have seen in 2027.

Even though it is perceived as a campaign, what is happening cannot be classified as such. Rather than running for office right now, I believe that people should endeavor to meet all of the demands of the people and give good government and services for the masses. I have stated on multiple occasions that it is not yet time for politics. People are making political comments and saying a lot of things in the media, and you can see that many parties are unstable and in conflict with one another. There is a lot of bickering and arguing among politicians from the same party. There has been no declaration of intention to run for a specific office. Many refer to their actions as campaigns, but they haven’t stated that these are the things they will do for the public. All they’re attempting to do is set up shop and make plans for the various offices in 2027. In my opinion, politicians should concentrate on governance, give the people the benefits of democracy, and take actions that will advance the nation. To a significant extent, they can be referred to as political campaigns.

Regarding the accusations that the APC split the opposition parties in order to create a one-party state, what are your thoughts?

According to you, they are accusing the APC of attempting to establish a one-party state. You must provide proof to support your accusation; just because you make one does not indicate it is true. We can’t focus on it if you can’t back up your accusation. It’s up to the person making the allegations to explain why they made them. Currently, we are dealing with internal conflicts between the different political groups. However, it relies on how each side resolves its problems.

Is it appropriate for the government to raise the pay of public office holders at a time when Nigerians are feeling the pinch?

It is the Revenue Mobilization and Financial Allocation Commission (RMFAC) that is dealing with the problem of public office holders’ wages and emoluments. They are in charge of setting the pay for public servants and office holders. There are methods for accomplishing this. It is impossible for anyone to simply wake up and fix public office holders’ pay. They are responsible for making the decisions if they believe what they are doing is right. However, many people think that raising politicians’ wages is not advantageous for the nation. We must understand the specifics of the growth.

There are calls for the creation of new states because the southeast and others believe that Nigeria needs additional states. Do you agree with this? What should the current states do to enhance their current performance?

Even if you were to establish states right now, people would still come and demand their own. Adding more states is a good thing, but if you look at it, we started out as regions, then we had 12 states, 19 states, 21 states, 30 states, and now we have 36 states in the nation. As you can see, the state capital of a newly formed state undergoes growth, including the construction of roads, infrastructure, and other facilities. Although we may build new states in this way, I believe that we should prioritize the 774 local government councils nationwide and provide them with developmental funds instead. Since the development would have a greater influence, no one would push for additional states if all local governments were functioning effectively. Those who advocate for the creation of states are entitled to do so in order to maintain federal character and balance. In doing so, however, we ought to adhere to the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution. To give the populace a sense of governance, however, let’s give local councils more importance, as I mentioned.

You ran for president in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and in 2023 under the APC. What can we anticipate from you in 2027?

As a practical individual, I have faith in Nigeria. I have faith that we will overcome the obstacles, no matter what. I am confident that we will prevail in any circumstance. It is important for Nigerians to have confidence in themselves and to receive proper care. Additionally, they ought to be curious about what is going on. I think that we should have strong institutions and adequately address poverty. Those in positions of power ought to act in the best interests of the nation. I think that the masses should believe in democratic values because governance is for the people, not just the elites. I think we should be cautious when dealing with issues that harm people. That’s the reason I ran for president in 2019 and 2023. I think that by 2027, we ought to be prepared to take actions that will benefit the populace. Those present cannot be condemned. We should all do our part to ensure that the nation is wonderful. Regardless of the outcome, I would like to advise those running to cooperate with those in place for the advancement of the nation. If I were elected president, I think my experience would lead to even more progress than what we already have.