The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) fielded Mr. Stanley Osifo as a presidential candidate in the general elections of 2023. He talks about state police, insecurity, and the role of states in combating instability in this interview. He lays forth his arguments for why politicians ought to prioritize governance over the general elections in 2027. Among other things, the politician discusses the importance of concentrating on local government growth rather than state establishment. Excerpts from Joy Anibogu:
What are your thoughts on the government’s approach to combating banditry and the claim made by Malam Nasir El Rufai that the government is compensating bandits?
Because it is not just a problem in Nigeria, banditry is a global one. The government is addressing them with non-kinetic measures. According to Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), the administration is working and is not giving up. The weather is what they’re dealing with. While it’s extremely little right now, everyone is in a similar scenario to ours, and the government is handling it.
Do you not believe that it is time for the government to address the state police issue specifically?
There is a measure on that subject before the National Assembly, and I believe that the discussion is ongoing and that it will eventually receive the attention it deserves. State police are also being developed in a number of states, including Amotekun in the South West and others throughout the nation. The problem is being addressed in numerous places; various states have raised concerns about policing activities. Before state police are officially authorized to employ them, we should be examining how states can utilize the current outfits.
In 2027, we witnessed individuals running for political office, and it is proposed that public office holders serve a single five-year term to prevent the circumstance where they would be running for a second term two years after taking office.
People perceive what is happening as a campaign, although it cannot be labeled such. I have stated on multiple occasions that the time for politics is not yet right and that instead of running for office, people should provide good governance and services for the general public. They should, in my opinion, make an effort to satisfy everyone’s expectations. Political declarations and statements are frequently made in the media, and many parties are unstable and engaged in internal strife. You witness politicians from the same party arguing and saying a lot of stuff to each other. No one has stated that they wish to run for a certain office. Many refer to their actions as campaigns, but they haven’t stated that these are the things they will do for the public. Their only goal is to set up shop and make plans for the various offices in 2027. You may refer to them as political campaigns to a great degree, but I believe that the politicians should concentrate on governance, give the people the benefits of democracy, and take actions that will advance the nation.
What do you think about the accusations that the APC is splitting the opposition parties in order to establish a one-party state?
It is said that the APC is attempting to establish a one-party state. A mere charge does not establish a fact; you must provide proof to support your claim. We cannot linger on it if you are unable to substantiate your accusation. Allegations can be made, and the person making the accusations is responsible for explaining his motivation. The current situation is one of internal conflict between the different political groups. But how each side resolves its problems will determine the outcome.
The government reportedly plans to raise public servant salaries. Given the hardships Nigerians are facing, is this a good time to do this?
The Revenue Mobilisation and Financial Allocation Commission (RMFAC) is in charge of the matter pertaining to the pay and benefits of public office holders. Setting the remuneration of public servants and public office holders is their responsibility. There are procedures for doing this; no one can simply wake up and decide how much public office holders should make. The choices must be theirs if they believe what they are doing is right. However, a lot of individuals think that raising politicians’ pay is not necessarily good for the nation. We must understand the precise reason for the growth.
The south-east is calling for the creation of new states, while others are arguing that Nigeria needs additional states. Do you agree with this, and what can the current states do to better their current capabilities?
People would still come and push for their own states even if you already created them. Although the creation of new states is a positive thing, you should note that after gaining our independence, we were divided into regions, then 12 states, 19 states, 21 states, 30 states, and finally 36 states. Upon the creation of a new state, the capital city would undergo development, including the construction of roads, infrastructure, and other facilities. Therefore, we can create more states, but I believe that instead of doing so, we should concentrate on the 774 local government councils that exist around the nation and provide them with developmental money. Nobody would push for new states if all of the local governments were functioning effectively since the development would have a greater impact. For the sake of federal character and balance, those advocating for the creation of states are entitled to do so. The Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution, however, should guide our actions when we take them. To give the people a sense of governance, however, let’s give local councils more importance, as I mentioned.
At the primary level, you ran for president in 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and in 2023 under the All Progressives Congress (APC). What can we anticipate from you in 2027?
I’m an individual that believes in Nigeria and is pragmatic. Notwithstanding the circumstances, I am confident that we will overcome the obstacles. Whatever the circumstances, I think we’ll win. Nigerians should be given proper care and encouraged to believe in themselves. They ought to be curious about the events as well. I think that poverty needs to be effectively addressed and that our institutions need to be robust. People in power should 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. The issues that affect people should, in my opinion, be handled cautiously. That is why I decided to run for president in 2019 and 2023. In my opinion, we ought to be prepared to take actions that will benefit the populace in 2027. Those who are present now cannot be condemned. Everybody should do their part to ensure that the nation is great. Whether they win or lose, I want to encourage those running to cooperate with those in place for the nation’s advancement. If I am elected president, I think my experience will help the country achieve even more progress than it currently has.
