Nonagenarian elder statesman, Tanko Yakasai: I regret that what we thought Nigeria would be isn’t what we’re having now

THE SUN

Nonagenarian and elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, has expressed disappointment that the Nigeria of his dreams has yet to be realised.

“I regret that what we were expecting this country to become is not what we are having now. Be that as it may, nobody can change the situation. The only practical thing for anybody who wants to bring about some changes is to look at the future and the future that can make a difference,” he noted in an interview with Saturday Sun. He also explained why he threw his political weight behind the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, over other major candidates, saying he wanted somebody with experience, not in the realm of theory, but in practice.

According to Yakasai, “Atiku has never been a head of government. He was Vice president and unfortunately, they didn’t get along with one another, he and his principal, and even his contributions were not given serious consideration by his principal. So, we cannot compare. Atiku has never been a head of government throughout the history of Nigeria.”

On why he is not supporting either of the duo of Obi and Kwankwso, Yakasai said they joined the presidential race after he had committed himself to supporting Tinubu. Amongst other issues, Yakasai explained his opposition to the establishment of state police in the country. He spoke with AIDOGHIE PAULINUS in Abuja

What can be done to remedy the insecurity in the country?

Well, we are just about two months to the new election. Whatever anybody can think of any solution to our national problems, he has to wait until the new government comes and then, you can offer your advice. So, what I have in my mind, I would rather save it for the arrival of the new government so that I can advise them. Whatever I say now, even if Buhari will take it, he doesn’t have the time, the opportunity to implement it. I would rather wait for the new administration.

What would you say about the hardship in the land, the controversial fuel subsidy issues and skyrocketing debts?

Don’t ask me questions about things that cannot be done at the moment. We can talk about issues for the new administration.

Let’s talk about politics. What are your thoughts about the candidates?

I have made my mind, my choice known. You know I have been supporting Tinubu. That is my final decision.

Are you satisfied with the campaigns so far?

I am satisfied with the campaigns so far because this is the first time since independence that we are now conducting campaign without violence all over the country. You don’t have any report of violence in Nigeria regarding the election.

But there have been cases, reports of violence…

Yes, we have that kind of situation even before the election. These are daily. You have them in America, you have them in England, and you have them everywhere.

Why did you choose Bola Ahmed Tinubu?

Well, you have your choice; I have mine. I have my reasons for that.

What are your reasons?

I want somebody with experience. Not in theory, but in practice.

Are you saying Atiku is not experienced?

Atiku has never been a head of government. He was Vice President and unfortunately, they didn’t get along with one another, he and his principal, and even his contributions were not given serious consideration by his principal. So, we cannot compare. Atiku has never been a head of government throughout the history of Nigeria.

How about Peter Obi and Kwankwaso who have been heads of government in their respective state?

Yes.

Any regrets about the state of the county now compared to your time?

I regret that what we were expecting this country to become is not what we are having now. Be that as it may, nobody can change the situation. The only practical thing for anybody who wants to bring about some changes is to look at the future and the future that can make a difference. In the new election, not just this one, in consequent ones too, where new leaders will be brought to power, send your ideas before they come to power in the hope that some of them will pick up the ideas and when they are in power, they will implement them.

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