By Milcah Tanimu
1. *Yorubanisation Agenda Allegations:*
– Bello Bala Shagari refutes the claims of a ‘Yorubanisation agenda’ against the Tinubu administration, stating that northerners hold powerful positions at the federal level.
– He argues that northerners are well-represented in Tinubu’s government, and the perception of bias is based on hearsay.
2. *Tinubu’s Policies and Leadership Style:*
– Shagari defends President Tinubu’s policies, stating that it is too early to judge their effectiveness.
– He highlights the differences in leadership style between Tinubu and former President Buhari, emphasizing Tinubu’s vision and goal-oriented approach.
3. *Appointments and Diversity:*
– Shagari addresses concerns about the perceived ‘Yorubanisation’ of appointments, stating that Tinubu’s administration is committed to inclusivity and fairness.
– He argues that the geographical origin of appointees becomes inconsequential when considering past instances of concentration in certain regions.
4. *Security Situation:*
– Shagari acknowledges that it is too early to judge the security situation under Tinubu’s administration but mentions a decrease in kidnapping cases on the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
– He expresses optimism about the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu’s approach to tackling security challenges, especially addressing root causes.
5. *Judiciary and Opposition:*
– Shagari attributes the nullification of opposition victories to the judiciary, stating that courts base rulings on presented evidence.
– He believes that mistakes made in court contribute to the nullification of opposition victories and that it is a systemic problem, not specific to the APC.
6. *Obasanjo’s Views on Democracy:*
– Shagari respects former President Obasanjo but disagrees with his recent statement about the failure of liberal democracy in Africa.
– He emphasizes Nigeria’s strong democracy and suggests that such rhetoric can be counterproductive, especially in the context of coups in Africa.
7. *Personal Political Ambitions:*
– Shagari discusses his past aspiration to lead the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) but states that he has lost interest in the position after encountering challenges during the elections.
8. *Family and Political Affiliation:*
– Shagari acknowledges that prominent members of his family, including Mukhtar Shehu Shagari and Aminu Shehu Shagari, have affiliations with the PDP.
– He highlights individual choice within the family regarding political affiliations and mentions family members in both the APC and PDP.
In summary, the interview provides insights into Shagari’s perspectives on various political issues in Nigeria, defending the Tinubu administration against certain allegations and expressing optimism about its direction.