Getty Dele-Lawrence, Lagos State Women Leader of Buhari Youth Organisation (BYO), shares her views on some national issues, including attack on former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari, challenge before President Goodluck Jonathan and APC’s chances in 2015, with Assistant Politics Editor, DANIEL KANU
Attack on Buhari
Getty Dele-LawrenceThe attack on Gen. Muhammadu Buhari was shocking to me. How would anybody want the retired General dead? There have been allegations and counter-allegations between his All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on those responsible for the attack. What is happenning points to one thing: nobody is safe any longer, and this is dangerous.
Although General Buhari ruled Nigeria as military head of state, over the years since the beginning of our democratic experiment, he has shown that he has passion for democratic institutions and has conducted himself to the best democratic traditions. When he felt aggreived about the way the presidential elections were conducted, he simply went to the law court to challenge it. For me, Buhari has conducted himself well and his record of service shows he is not a corrupt leader. Nobody or any probe panel has indicted him on corruption charges and I was told he still operates one bank account which he has always had over the years. You cannot link Buhari to acquiring estates or buying up houses in London, America or in Dubai like some of his colleagues. It is sad the way Nigeria is drifting and the challenge is on President Goodluck Jonathan’s leadership and the police to ensure that the issue is well investigated. I learnt that somebody linked to the attack has been caught, so it is left for the security agents to do their job well and tell Nigerians those responsible. The primary aim of any government anywhere is to ensure the security of lives and property as well as take care of the welfare of the people.
We have serious security challenge in the country today and government must rise to the occasion. Those that attacked Buhari, if we simply gloss over the matter and nothing is done, can equally wake up tomorrow and attack the presidential convoy. The situation now is one that requires all hands to be on deck, and Nigerians must wake up and collectively take action on this issue of insecurity. Northern elders must find a way to reach out to Boko Haram leadership – they are their children – and appeal to them to drop their arms, embrace peaceful option and let their grievances be known. Boko Haram militants commanding President Jonathan to vacate power and wanting to Islamise Nigeria can only worsen the Nigerian condition.
Inability to rescue abducted Chibok girls
I am worried on the situation of the Chibok girls. They are turning the entire issue into a drama that you begin to wonder what exactly is happenning. There appears to be lots of intrigues and politics that one is at a loss at the development. Look, let me tell you, there are still some Nigerians who do not believe that there was any abduction of the Chibok girls, but that what is happening is a political game. Those holding this view do so simply because of the way the Chibok girls’ matter has been treated from day one. Imagine over 200 girls were abducted, and the government and even the parents of the girls in the first one week were behaving as if nothing happened. This is not the Nigeria I grew up to meet. But as I said before, the earlier the Boko Haram militants drop their agenda, the better for all of us. We have been reduced to a level that when there is a bomb blast, people now ask: How many people died? We are walking through a dangerous path in Nigeria. The country is drifting speedily, and don’t forget that in war situations, it is us, the mothers and children, that are always the biggest casualties. Everything humanly possible must be done to bring back the girls alive. It is unimaginable that Nigeria is gradually becoming a terrorist country. We need concerted efforts if we must overcome this mess.
APC defeating PDP as opposition party
It is not impossible to beat the PDP in the election. APC is a strong opposition party and Nigerians are yearning for change, change for the better. I still believe that the PDP is afraid of Buhari and our national leader, Bola Tinubu, among others. PDP is showing desperation in some of its actions against the APC. APC, as an oppostion party, has capacity to provide the right type of leadership. I urge Nigerians to vote wisely and to protect their votes. If PDP has not delivered on promises, there is nothing wrong trying an alternative party which is APC. We should not be afraid of change which we know is the only constant thing in life.
Women participation in politics
I am happy about the present development on women participation in politics; but I can’t say it is enough. More women need to be encouraged to come out and be part of our political process. Political parties should give them waivers like on registration funds. Governments at the federal and state levels must abide by the 35 per cent affirmative action and even improve on it. They should involve women in more appointments because they will not fail to deliver. Of course, you know that women are not prone to corruption like men. Women do not have this acquisitive instinct like the men. So, like mothers, they are always moderate and committed in whatever they are assigned to do. I learnt that Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, is living up to expectation in terms of appointments for women and empowernment of women by his wife, Odochi. I commend them and urge other governors to emulate him.
Afraid of 2015?
I am worried about it, but not afraid. I am sure every well-meaning Nigerian is also concerned. It is important for our politicians to play according to the rules of the game. If our elections are free and fair, good candidates will emerge. Politicians must show restraint not to heat up the polity because we cannot afford to experience what is happening in Sudan or Gaza. We need peace in the land and I pray God will restore peace in Nigeria. We must be very careful not to turn Nigeria into a theatre of war.