NATIONAL Woman Leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Hajiya Ramatu Tijani Aliyu in this interview, flays allegations of lopsided appointments against President Muhammadu Buhari as misplaced, adding that the President is a key believer in the Federal Character Principle. Excerpts:

By Charles Kumolu

What is your assessment of your party’s 100 days in power at the federal level?

He has been impressive. We are witnessing significant improvements in virtually all aspects of our life. Look at power for instance. Just a few months back most parts of this country barely enjoyed electricity supply regardless of whether or not we paid electricity bills.

But today, virtually all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria enjoy improved power supply. Also the refineries are now operating close to their respective maximum capacities, when hitherto we were made to believe they would never work again.

Filling Stations now sell at the stipulated pump price of petroleum products as against ripping off hapless and helpless Nigerians. The Anti corruption crusade is taking firm roots across the country in spite of attempts to frustrate it.

On single treasury account

The treasury single account will go a long way in blocking the leakages in the system and enthroning accountability and probity in the public sector. The assets of our President and Vice President were published in line with their promise to Nigerians.

Security forces

You can also see the renewed sense of responsibility and dedication on the part of our security forces from the military to the police. It’s indeed a restoration of those basics which the decades of misrule had made us believe were unattainable luxuries. And this is just the beginning.

What is your reaction to allegations that the president has not reflected federal character in his appointments?

In my opinion, it is rather premature in the life of this administration to make such assertions. He will cater for the needs of all parts of this country in the fullness of time. Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. Nigeria is so diverse, over 200 ethnic groups. There are competent and honest Nigerians in all parts of this country.

In any case The President himself alluded to the issue of federal character when he said even if he wanted to sideline any part of the country the law would not permit him. There are still plenty of appointments he is going to make and for a government that is set to appoint on merit and ethical balance, there is no doubt that the best of the best will emerge from all quarters.

Does your party have a chance in the Kogi State governorship election?

It has never been brighter. The wind of change which swept across Nigeria earlier this year has not abated. The people of Kogi State deserve better than the back to back PDP administrations they have had. The PDP leadership in the state has not been beneficial to the people. The primaries have come and gone, we must now go into the elections as a united front. The people are ready to go out and vote massively for the APC and even the opposition can sense it, hence their jittery and restlessness.

You were recently elected the President of the Council of African Political Parties (women wing) in the Republic of Sudan. Of what significance will that be to Nigeria?

The Council of African Political Parties is an umbrella body of the Political parties or associations across Africa. I was chosen to represent APC, which happens to be the ruling party in Nigeria today and it was a rollercoaster experience.

Everything happened so fast. I was encouraged by my peers from other countries to give it a shot as according to them I was eminently qualified for the position which had only just become vacant.