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Rahman Owokoniran, frontline politician, former commissioner for works in Lagos State. In this exclusive interview with INIOBONG IWOK, he spoke on the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, assessing his administration. Owokoniran also spoke on his decision to dump the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and join the opposition new coalition party, The Africa Democratic Congress (ADC). Excerpts:
How did you receive the news of the demise of Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s former president?
The former president has done his best even if it was not good at all. Himself and his family confirmed his failed performance by their apologies to Nigerians after his death. As a Muslim, he knows that his records on earth closed down when he died. So, what is the point for this request?
What are the lessons from Buhari’s life for today’s leaders?
Death is the equalizer and the ultimate end of life for all mankind and when death comes, we will all live the mother earth empty handed. Leaders are supposed to make sacrifices for the betterment of the people and the country to keep them safe and secure. They are supposed to protect their citizens and provide an enabling environment for their families and communities to thrive without fear and pain.
There have been divergent views about his performances in office. What is your take?
I don’t think he should have contested the election in the first instance. Not because of his age, but because of his health condition as well as his disability. He was a floating wrecker in his early career with the military. I remember him as a petroleum minister and I remember him being the chairman of PTF and other appointments he headed before 2015. They all cast shadows on his reputation and therefore, enough to tell his story before he became the president. I neither have any regrets or disappointment about Buhari’s performances in office because I knew his limitations too well to expect anything better from him.
Do you think his effort at anti-graft war was effective?
And what were those efforts? He was in office for the period it lasted to settle scores with imaginary enemies. He was highly opinionated. He was an irredeemable Fulani man who had no political affiliation but had a strong sense of self-worth and highly honored by his fellow tribes and friends. His knowledge of Nigeria was limited to his understanding of the situation in his region; therefore, he couldn’t have given what he didn’t have.
You recently resigned from the PDP and joined the ADC ahead 2027. How optimistic are you of the chances of the party in 2027?
I am good with the idea that our country has the opportunity to have a better future and a more equitable society to live in. I am also happy that we can continue to nurse our turbulent democracy in a manner that respects the rights of others and is respectful of the freedoms deserving of our citizens.
ADC provides a great opportunity for a healthy opposition to change the status quo and to ensure that we have opposing views and opinions on issues affecting our nation. Our chances are much brighter than surrendering to the ruling party in a landslide victory over the unopposed opposition of the incumbent President.
There is already a struggle between Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi on who would be the party’s candidate in the 2027 election. Is this not a setback that could destabilise the party ahead 2027?
I don’t think the two statesmen will come this far for nothing. They know what is at stake and they have all invested in this struggle for a purpose driven democracy and there will be no reason to turn back the wheel of progress made so far. To have come this far, they must have come to a measure of understanding, confidence and trust. This will not change overnight.
Atiku and other leaders also resigned in recent days, does this say that the party faces imminent collapse?
There is no doubt that PDP is substantially wounded by the exiting of people massively leaving the party in droves. But the leadership is to be held accountable for their failure. They allow hatred and fears to overwhelm their ability to do the right things. They sacrifice the party and the masses for their political ambitions by suspending their responsibilities, trading away the party and the people for their own selfish interests. Very sad indeed for them to choose collapsing the party built on trust and integrity for easy election gains. Where is the dignity of these so-called leaders of PDP.
Many Nigerians are worried that the current administration seems to be stylishly campaigning for 2027 already, when the focus should be governance. What is your take?
Everything goes in the jungle. This government has violated enough laws to make it clear that the bulk stops at its desk. It is most unfortunate that this administration refuses to lead by example.
