What inspired you to go into politics?
I joined politics October 21, 1978 and I started by accident. I was invited by the late SG Ikoku to attend the then PRP convention in Kaduna. I attended it and after the convention, I felt I had something to contribute in politics. I looked up to Mallam Aminu Kano as a mentor. He was one of my inspirations at the time. I went to the convention representing Lagos State. When Lagos was called I stood up, I felt at that point in time that if Aminu Kano could fight the cause of the less privileged, I also could do something for the less privileged within my locality. That was the starting point for me.
I have worked with many presidential candidates like late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, late Umaru Yar’adua, General Muhammad Buhari. I was also the first woman to aspire to rule Lagos State, but I was disqualified by the then electoral body for being under age. Honestly, politics is very interesting, I will say it is a mixture of good, bad, and ugly.
What do you think is the major factor leading to the depth of corruption in this country?
When you talk about corruption, Nigerian leaders play a major role in where we find ourselves today. The Military also contributed a lot. The Military bastardised our psyche. If Nigeria had been left to develop at its own pace, we would have been better off. But because the military kept on coming and going at different levels, claiming they were on rescue mission, that is why we kept going back to square one. So the military have a lot to share in this blame.
Corruption has become a monster in our nation and it started long before President Jonathan’s administration. Part of the problem is that our leaders are not committed. For instance, Malaysia came to Nigeria to take our palm fruit for cultivation and now they are the largest producers of palm oil in the world. This is simply because such countries have committed leaders. In a nutshell we all need to join hands to curb this monster called corruption.
Do you think the on-going CONFAB will bring succor to the challenges of this country?
Honestly, the CONFAB is good, but I think it is coming at the wrong time. For the CONFAB to have meaningful impact, three months is too short. They have been talking now for almost one month. Discussing Mr. President’s speech, at the end of this discussion, they will break down into committees. The committees themselves have problems, in a situation where you put someone who is a professional as deputy chairman of a committee, and you put a business man as the chairman of the committee, it doesn’t send the right signal. I just hope that these little problems will not bring the CONFAB down. The men and women in the CONFAB are people of integrity. Even though it is belated, it is still a welcome development. I pray that the delegates will rise above their differences by putting their religious and regional sentiments aside, and putting Nigeria first. If they put Nigeria first the CONFAB will be successful.
Do you think Nigeria is ripe for a female president?
Why not? I have some friends in different countries that are currently aspiring to be President. The President of Malawi, Rt. Hon Joyce Hilda Banda, is my friend. The Vice President of Zimbabwe, Hon Mrs. Joyce Mujuru is also a close friend of my organization. Likewise, there are able women in Nigeria, who can aspire to be president. However, let us start by aspiring to be vice president. If we have a woman as a running mate in one of Nigeria’s strong parties, women will rally around her if she is capable. We have great women like Senator Daisy Ehanire Danjuma, who is a detribalised Nigerian. Same for Sen. Joy Emodi, Prof. Dora Akunyili, and a host of others.
So where is the hitch coming from?
The problem is from the political class. Men want to have everything but women are the voters. Men want to be Presidents, Vice Presidents, Senate Presidents, Deputy Senate Presidents, Speakers and even Deputy speakers. From number one to number six, none is a woman. We have been greatly marginalized. We are being used and dumped. Women are capable, but the political terrain is not conducive for women. Women are used for campaigns, to mobilize voters but then, when the time for reward comes, women are always at the back. The only government that has carried the women along is the present one. That you can see a woman as number one in the judiciary has only happened under this present regime. President Jonathan is the only person who has given Nigerian women something to boast of. But even at that, there is still a lot of gap that we need to bridge. Even for the position of Secretary General of the Federation, women are not considered. So, tell me where do we fall in?
What is the permanent solution to all these?
It is for Nigerian women to rise up to the challenges, it is for women to coordinate themselves, it is for women to see themselves as partners, as colleagues, and not as enemies, it is for women to stop the pull her down syndrome, it is for women to rise above pettiness, it is for women to become selfless and consider others. Men are able to work as a team that is why they are succeeding. Why can’t women put Nigeria first? It is only when we rise above sentiments that we can build a strong team that will help us succeed.
There is clamor for change in Leadership and some are advocating that the youth should be given the opportunity to serve. What is your take on that?
It is very unfortunate. Some people are above 70years and they are still aiming to be President in this country. What do they have to offer? At 70, even the brain has started depreciating. People that have been there in the last 30 to 40 years still want to return . When then will they leave the stage? Gen. Yakubu Gowon went into power at the age of 29, when are we going to allow another 29 or even 40 year old lead Nigeria? Until this people see themselves as elder statesmen, and as advisers to the younger generation, we are going to continue dwelling in the same problem.
Do you think President Jonathan deserves re-election?
The Nigerian constitution allows two term President Jonathan is therefore very qualified to contest again. However, it is left for Nigerians to decide if they want to accept him when he finally declares his interest to contest 2015 election.
Culled from: Aisha Alubankudi
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