By Suzan Edeh
FORMER Governor of Buachi State, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu has just  returned to Bauchi after about four years in self exile. In this interview with journalists at his residence, he spoke among others on Bauchi politics, his personal life and political ambition. Excerpts:

Now that you are back what is your political ambition in 2011?

I have not been able to confirm myself what I want to do with my life. My associates bought a Senatorial form for me to contest for Bauchi South Senatorial District. I am contemplating that, I have not finally decided. However, it is most likely I may fill the form and send it to them.

A Government white paper indicted you and the Bauchi State Government barred you from holding public office for 10 years. Won’t the ban affect your aspiration?

The report has nothing to do with me, it is their opinion. And if you insist on that it will motivate me to say ‘I will contest,’ because they have no right to stop me from holding any public office.

You said at the Emirs Palace that you have forgiven everybody and you want everybody to forgive you, as well, are you referring  to political reconciliation here?

I have not been fighting with anybody. If you observed, since I left office, they accused me of everything negative, have you ever heard me saying anything about anybody? So, the issue of fighting does not even arise. God willing, those who are insulting me on daily basis will see in their heart to stop abusing me. I think I have paid enough for the sins they think I have committed in terms of insults that I have received. All the same, I will never  belittle the office of the Governor and I will never belittle the office of people that have been elected as leaders.  I will not join words with anybody that is why I have shut up and I will not talk even now on such issues.

Do you have any regret while serving as governors?

I am ready to answer that question because if you want to see a lot of these things you should read my book that is coming to the press very soon. I have written a book on Politics and on my life.

What is your reaction to recent endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan by the PDP governors and  some Northern Elders endorsement of d Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for the next coming elections?

For the fear of being misquoted or my words twisted I will not answer this question.

Could you clear the air on the alleged issues between you and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC?

That I am not ready to comment as well

What would you say about the zoning of PDP presidential ticket?

I would also not like to comment, I am sorry.

A large crowd came out to welcome you at the airport, what was on your mind on seeing the crowd?

I saw it as a surprise, honestly, and I am very happy. I am very happy because after sometime the good people of Bauchi are still seeing the things that I did for them. The common man, the masses that mattered came out en mass to welcome me. I remain indebted. I remain grateful to them and particularly I remain grateful to the almighty God.

During your self-exile what were the political issues that touched your heart?

You have to read my book,  that is why I have written two books. I am sure you have seen the other one: “My Tenure?” There were pictorial and data on my tenure. There are many accusations against me that are false, for record purposes I decided to write.  Throughout my life, I have not been associated with laziness or non performance. However, I have been belittled  by the government of today to say I had done nothing.  That is a total lie because I have done something for the people of Bauchi.

God knows and the people know. I am not perfect and can never be perfect because God made me human and full of errors. I have done the beat and pieces that I could do and I pray God to forgive me for all my mistakes here  and there. However, I have worked very well and  I have remained steadfast and committed to doing the job I was elected to do and I assure you anytime I am given the chance I will continue to serve God and the people to the best of my ability.

Are you going to remain in The PDP?

I want to not only remain in PDP but also to build the PDP. I am one of the founding fathers of the PDP not only in Bauchi but in Nigeria. Right now, I am a member of the Board of Trustees, BOT and National Executive Committee, NEC. I will continue to do whatever I can to ensure that we remain the leading party in this country.

Could you comment on perceptions that you are in Bauchi to drum support for a PDP gubernatorial candidate?

That is your opinion,  I don’t have any candidate. I am too small to support any candidate other than the PDP candidate. After the primaries, whomever becomes the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP I will support him fully.

What is your message to politicians?

I am not happy with the politics of today where people go to their godfathers and not the electorate to install them. When I started contesting for governor in 1990, 1991 under the National Republican Convention, NRC there was no village in Bauchi and Gombe State when they were together that I did not in, hold a campaign rally and carry an entourage of over 1000 people to canvass for votes. That was how people knew me. But today when people want to become governor the only time you will know that they are seeking for gubernatorial position is when you see their picture in the capital city.