Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and chieftain of All
Progressives Congress, APC, Malam Nasir el-Rufai in this interview
culled from Saturday Sun talks about why he has remained a
constant critic of President Goodluck Jonathan, why he cannot serve
under the current administration and his plans for 2015.
Mr. el-Rufai, who said he understands President Jonathan better than
those around him now, also adduced reasons why he thinks the present
administration cannot succeed.
Excerpts…
When asked if he has a hidden agenda for his persistent criticism of
government, Mr. el-Rufai says, “No, no, no. Jonathan was actually a good
friend of mine at the time he was deputy governor. To me, when a friend
of mine is destroying Nigeria, I have to speak. And I believe strongly
that Jonathan has been systematically destroying the fabric of unity in
this country. He has been promoting divisions and corruption and
impunity at the highest level. Even if we were from the same mother, I
would criticize him if he does that. I don’t care! I think Nigeria is
more important than any relationship, personal or familiar. And if my
own brother was the one running Nigeria the way Jonathan is ruining it, I
will criticize him.”
Don’t you think your criticism will be better channelled if you participate in his government?
No! I don’t believe that. I don’t believe that the devil will repent. I
don’t believe that when you see something and you know how devilish it
is, you will improve. There is a limit to how much you can change what
is technically bad. I believe that the Jonathan government is completely
and totally bad and anyone that joins will only come back spoilt. So, I
don’t believe that. I have never for a moment even considered having
anything to with the Jonathan government. Not even for a moment.
People believe he listens more than former President Obasanjo whom
you worked with and that you were one of the arrowheads that made that
government succeed. Those advancing this argument also believe that
being part of this government, you would also make it succeed. What is
your take on this?
Nothing can make Jonathan succeed. He is grossly incompetent, he doesn’t
listen, he doesn’t even understand the issues. I am sorry! I know the
man more than those that are shouting with Jonathan because when he was
my friend, none of them even knew him. I knew Jonathan as a deputy
governor in 2002. That was when I first met him and we have been
relating. So, all these new found Jonathan lovers should just shut up. I
know him and I know what he can do and what he cannot do. So, please,
they should just leave me alone. Those that want jobs can go and take
jobs. I don’t want.
His plans for 2015
I am going to continue to work on building our party at every level and
hope that we will present an excellent presidential candidate that will
ensure that Jonathan goes back to Otuoke. That is my plan.
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