By Yinka Ajayi
Saddened by what he tags ‘the consequence of the actions of an incompetent administration’, second republic politician and former governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, in this interview, says Nigerian leaders do not make the nation’s 56th independence anniversary worth celebrating. 

On President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigeria at 56

The problem we are facing is that President Muhammadu Buhari is not a radical, yet he is facing radical economic challenges. He is not even a progressive. The realistic expectation of him by Nigerians is to maintain the status quo. But that will not be possible without justice and discipline. With the disturbing contradiction between what Mr. President says and does, the excruciating pains and poverty we are facing today as a nation are evident.

On recession

*Balarabe Musa

I am aware the situation is normal globally, but the situation under Buhari is obviously unspeakable. Yes, it may be global but our economy is worse of, and the consequence on Nigerians is clear indication of this administration’s incompetence. In other words, the recession is the consequence of an incompetent administration.

On assurance of revamping the economy soon 

Promises like revamping the economy have always been made, but have always turned out to be breached. The contradiction I mentioned earlier, about his saying one thing and doing another, is a clear indication of the indifference.

On the way forward

The socio – political and economic system is directly responsible for the development of any nation. But the system of government in Nigeria is based on selfish interest and it had produced political leadership that is self – centred.

On calls for restructuring of the Nigerian system

Of course we are calling for the restructuring of the system. You are aware that there are two types of the calls for restructuring: The desirable and the undesirable. Most people agitating for restructure are selfish and unpatriotic. The truth is that Nigeria is in dire need of restructuring that would make us stronger as a nation. But the undesirable call is based on ethnic and religious considerations. That is a selfish and inconsequential position on our unity as a nation. If such call is considered based on selfish motive, it would result in division that could ignite another civil war. The desirable restructuring is the one that would bring about the unity and development of our nation. For instance, we need to return to regional arrangement to forestall lingering national disunity.

On the justification for Nigeria’s independence from colonial rule

Our independence cannot be justified except for the fact that we are still geographically united as a nation. That may be an achievement worth celebrating. But how do we justify independence celebration in a nation that is ravaged by abject poverty and our industrial concerns are shutting down on daily basis, while existing ones are laying off the staff?