Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, an elder statesman and founding member of the Arewa Consultative Forum, recently shared his insights with ADEBAYO FOLORUNSHO-FRANCIS regarding the presidential election held last Saturday and the expectations of Nigerians from the winner, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress. Amidst threats of protests from aggrieved supporters and candidates of opposition parties, who are demanding the cancellation of the election results, Yakassai emphasizes the importance of accepting the outcome in the spirit of democracy. He urges those who contested and lost to congratulate the winner, acknowledging that every election has its victors and vanquished.
Reflecting on the recent presidential and National Assembly elections, Yakassai commends the peaceful atmosphere leading up to the polls and congratulates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting a successful election. He also praises the federal government for its support of INEC, which he believes was crucial for the election’s success. He encourages INEC to maintain this standard in the upcoming gubernatorial and state assembly elections.
When asked about former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s call for the cancellation of the election results, Yakassai expresses his disappointment. He believes that such a statement from a figure of Obasanjo’s stature is unexpected and reflects a misunderstanding of the democratic process, which takes time to evolve. He appreciates that the election was conducted peacefully and that the results have been respected by both Nigerians and the international community.
Yakassai acknowledges the challenges facing the North and expresses optimism about Tinubu’s presidency, citing his extensive experience in governance as a former senator and two-term governor of Lagos. He highlights Tinubu’s achievements in developing Lagos, particularly the significant expansion of the city through land reclamation. This progress contrasts with the tendency of new administrations in Nigeria to abandon previous developments, which he views as a major challenge for the country.
Regarding the idea of forming a government of national unity, Yakassai disagrees. He believes that democracy thrives on competition and that Tinubu should implement his own programs as elected by the electorate. He argues that continuity in governance is essential for national development, likening it to the construction of a building where each phase builds upon the last.
When discussing Tinubu’s priorities for his first 100 days in office, Yakassai expresses skepticism about the concept of a 100-day agenda. He argues that such a framework limits the new administration’s ability to act according to its political party’s manifesto. He believes that incoming administrations should have the freedom to develop the country based on their comprehensive plans rather than being constrained by arbitrary timelines.
In conclusion, Yakassai advises Tinubu to create an inclusive government that fosters a sense of belonging among all Nigerians. He congratulates Tinubu on his victory and emphasizes the importance of reintroducing the National Development Plan as a strategy for nation-building, which he views as essential for the continued evolution and consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.
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