My wish for Borno — Wanori
Engineer Mohammed Kabir Wanori is a chieftain of
the APC from Borno State and a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of
Engineers (NSE). In this interview he speaks on the second year
anniversary of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, his take on
politicians from his state and how he thinks Borno should look like in
Post Boko Haram era. Excerpts:
Are you among those who believe there is nothing to celebrate after two years of the APC government?
I see this as a very wrong assertion. From all indications, the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has succeeded so far; many of his major promises are being achieved, especially in the area of anti-corruption crusade and insecurity. He has done excellently well.
Some analysts are of the view that security and welfare of the people are primary responsibilities of any government, and therefore, could not be cited as an achievement. Do you share the same view?
Where there is insecurity and where corruption is widespread, you would not even be able to have a level playing ground for development.
Many say the state of the economy is worst off under the present administration…
What do you expect when the previous government put the economy in very bad shape and mismanaged the treasury? There are numerous problems created that the present administration has to tackle otherwise the nation cannot move forward.
For how long will the government continue to blame the past administration and for how long should Nigerians wait for the dividends of democracy?
Sooner or later things would be fine and better. For now, the government has achieved security and everybody believes there is peace; especially in the North East.
What would you say on the accusation by some international organisations that the level of corruption under Buhari government remains high despite all the stories?
Some of the lieutenants of the president are not like him or share his ideals. The president has to get better hands so that he can achieve his promises.
Are you saying the president should reshuffle his cabinet?
He has to look within; with what Nigerians can see and even from his point of view, I believe he can see what is wrong and do the needful and that is the truth of the matter.
What is your take on those calling for the breakup of Nigeria?
Those making such calls do not understand what it took to make Nigeria to what it is today. Our past leaders laboured to make the country one and workable; so those making such calls should look beyond sentiment.
I do not think it is wise to break up the country; we all have something that others don’t have and vice versa. I think we are better as one.
How would you assess the performance of Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno, your home state?
I believe no one can be 100 per cent. From all indications, I can say that he has tried. He came in the midst of insurgency and for him to address that means he has tried.
How then do you assess the performance of Borno politicians in the face of challenges facing the state?
Borno politicians include those at the federal, state and other levels. Everyone is trying his best.
For some reasons, Borno is yet to be where it should be. What do you think should be done to fast track development?
This is true and those on the top must come together to bring about the development.
Don’t you think the problem is the same even at the national level?
What brought us here is the level of corruption and not lack of potentials.
What is your projection of Borno in the days ahead?
I want to see a Borno with indigenes working day and night; sleeping in their houses with their two eyes closed. I want to see a well-educated Borno youths as the future of the state. I want to see Borno indigenes enjoying free primary and secondary education and a subsidised tertiary education.
I want to see Borno where everyone has access to free primary healthcare. I want to see Borno where selection and appointments are done based on competence and integrity. In the next six years, I want to see a corrupt-free Borno State.
What does your recent installation as the Zanna Ngamzaima by the Shehu of Borno mean to you?
The title conferred on me by His Royal Majesty, the Shehu of Borno, Dr Abubakar Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, shows that the state and the people know and appreciate my contribution to the development of the state. The title means the Comptroller of Prison of the Kanem-Borno Empire.
POSTED BY:OPUOMONI PRIYE
DATE:07/06/2017
I see this as a very wrong assertion. From all indications, the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has succeeded so far; many of his major promises are being achieved, especially in the area of anti-corruption crusade and insecurity. He has done excellently well.
Some analysts are of the view that security and welfare of the people are primary responsibilities of any government, and therefore, could not be cited as an achievement. Do you share the same view?
Where there is insecurity and where corruption is widespread, you would not even be able to have a level playing ground for development.
Many say the state of the economy is worst off under the present administration…
What do you expect when the previous government put the economy in very bad shape and mismanaged the treasury? There are numerous problems created that the present administration has to tackle otherwise the nation cannot move forward.
For how long will the government continue to blame the past administration and for how long should Nigerians wait for the dividends of democracy?
Sooner or later things would be fine and better. For now, the government has achieved security and everybody believes there is peace; especially in the North East.
What would you say on the accusation by some international organisations that the level of corruption under Buhari government remains high despite all the stories?
Some of the lieutenants of the president are not like him or share his ideals. The president has to get better hands so that he can achieve his promises.
Are you saying the president should reshuffle his cabinet?
He has to look within; with what Nigerians can see and even from his point of view, I believe he can see what is wrong and do the needful and that is the truth of the matter.
What is your take on those calling for the breakup of Nigeria?
Those making such calls do not understand what it took to make Nigeria to what it is today. Our past leaders laboured to make the country one and workable; so those making such calls should look beyond sentiment.
I do not think it is wise to break up the country; we all have something that others don’t have and vice versa. I think we are better as one.
How would you assess the performance of Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno, your home state?
I believe no one can be 100 per cent. From all indications, I can say that he has tried. He came in the midst of insurgency and for him to address that means he has tried.
How then do you assess the performance of Borno politicians in the face of challenges facing the state?
Borno politicians include those at the federal, state and other levels. Everyone is trying his best.
For some reasons, Borno is yet to be where it should be. What do you think should be done to fast track development?
This is true and those on the top must come together to bring about the development.
Don’t you think the problem is the same even at the national level?
What brought us here is the level of corruption and not lack of potentials.
What is your projection of Borno in the days ahead?
I want to see a Borno with indigenes working day and night; sleeping in their houses with their two eyes closed. I want to see a well-educated Borno youths as the future of the state. I want to see Borno indigenes enjoying free primary and secondary education and a subsidised tertiary education.
I want to see Borno where everyone has access to free primary healthcare. I want to see Borno where selection and appointments are done based on competence and integrity. In the next six years, I want to see a corrupt-free Borno State.
What does your recent installation as the Zanna Ngamzaima by the Shehu of Borno mean to you?
The title conferred on me by His Royal Majesty, the Shehu of Borno, Dr Abubakar Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, shows that the state and the people know and appreciate my contribution to the development of the state. The title means the Comptroller of Prison of the Kanem-Borno Empire.
POSTED BY:OPUOMONI PRIYE
DATE:07/06/2017
Share story
0 comments: