allure 07 October 2018

REPORTAGE
Who should be blamed for the squandering of
Nigeria’s riches? The political class or the
complacent populace? What should have been
done differently that could have put us at par
with countries like Malaysia which got
independence same year as Nigeria?
Nigeria is incredibly endowed with valuable
natural resources - organic, mineral and even human
resources. We have the potential to be far ahead of
Malasia and other so-called Asian Tiger nations. As a
nation, we just have to be resolved to develop our
economy to the fullest.
So, what should be the new narrative for
women? Especially, as the country is preparing
for another election?
Until women prioritize contesting for elective
office, our fortunes will continue to be dependent on
the whims of men in government. Ordinarily, our
numerical advantage ought to work for us but we
appear to be unwilling to exploit it. In the U.S., a
record number of women are billed to participate in
the mid-term Congressional elections. I believe
women in Nigeria should be primed to participate in
the 2019 General Elections.
How can we translate our numerical superiority
to our advantage such that we can have more
elective positions in order to be at the core of
party decisions taken – especially as it affects us
as women?
We must leverage on our numerical advantage in
creative ways; one of which is to make voting for any
male governorship candidate dependent on his
running mate being a woman - in effect, a nowoman,
no-vote campaign. Women must also make
it a point to financially and morally support any
woman seeking elective office. This has worked for
men and will certainly work for women also. When I
entered politics, it was women who surprisingly
called me names but all that has changed. Now,
women are much more supportive but I believe we
can make the support total by putting our money
where our mouth is.
How would you describe your own experience?
Did you get support from women and what is
your next move?
As I said, when I first entered politics, women
were a novelty and men had no qualms trying to
intimidate me but I soldiered on and even gave as
good as I got, matching them fire-for-fire. All this
happened while women were either indifferent or
downright hostile towards me. I am glad to say that
all that has changed now and women are a
formidable part of my support structure.
Would you ever consider going for the
governorship of your state or the country is not
ready for a female governor?
Nigeria is over-ripe for a female governor and
even had one when Peter Obi was “impeached” if
you recall. Taraba State nearly had a female
governor in the 2015 election cycle. In my case, I am
no longer interested in elective office but I am
available to put my weight behind any woman who
desires to run for governor in any state.
With all the horse trading going on, will there
ever be merit in our democracy?
Politics and horse trading are synonymous so
horse-trading will always be a part of our politics for a
long time to come. However, merit also has found a
place in Nigerian politics. If you notice, some critical
areas of governance have been reserved for
technocrats. All that is needed is a right balance of
political horse-trading and meritocracy.
Nigerian politics is reputed to be very dirty. Do
you agree?
No matter how dirty politics may be, not
participating will guarantee it will get even dirtier.
Decent people must not shy away from politics. We
Until women
prioritize
contesting for
elective office,
our fortunes will
continue to be
dependent on the
whims of men in
government.
all must roll up our sleeves and do the needful,
politically, for the benefit of unborn generations.
The Minister Of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun,
resigned a few days ago because of allegations
that she presented a fake NYSC discharge
certificate. Do you think it was a wise decision,
considering the job she has been doing as a
minister?
Kemi Adeosun chose the path of honour and I am
proud of her. Like some people with similar issues,
she could have gone to court to get an injunction
preventing any action being taken against her but
she chose not to. I have no doubt that she is a victim
of circumstance and wish her all the best in her
future endeavours.
We have had ‘Toronto’; we have primary school
certificate holders in office. Do you think being a
woman puts unjustified pressure on women to
take a higher road.?
Without sounding immodest, I believe women are
diagnosed to be more dignified than men. Naturally,
women like to uphold and protect their integrity so,
automatically hold themselves to a higher standard
than men who are less scrupulous.
Personally, what quotes or philosophy do you
live your life by?
The motto of my Children of Bakassi Foundation
is “Service to Humanity”. God has been extremely
good to me. I don’t think I have any choice than to
do my best to make others happy. My personal
mission statement is “putting smiles on people’s
faces”. That is what I live for.
What is one of the best or most worthwhile
investments you have ever made (it could be
money, time, energy)?
As I said, I have been incredibly blessed in my life
but as far as my most worthwhile investment goes, it
is what I have put in to improve the life of helpless
children of Bakassi. I adopted over a dozen of those
children and it is with gratitude to God that I can
boast that no less than four of them have graduated
from some of the finest universities in Africa. For me,
they are my most worthwhile investment ever.
In the last five years, what new belief, behaviour
or habit has most improved you as a person?
One of the greatest advantages of getting to a
mature age is that you become more
accommodating and less critical of others. In the last
five years, I have come to appreciate not allowing
anyone or any situation the privilege of annoying me.
I have come to value the wisdom of just moving on in
the face of provocation and all what not.
Finally, when you feel overwhelmed or have lost your
focus temporarily, what do you do?
The rare moments when I feel overwhelmed, I
usually pause, take a deep breath and give my self
time to gather my thoughts and composure. Then,
reset my goals as I soldier on.
What advice would you give women who are
competent and may want to go into politics but
are scared or may not have the financial
wherewithal?
My advice to women desirous of a career in
politics is first to get first class education, overcome
your phobia for politics, realise that it is a game
where intimidation is the order. Men have become
experts at playing the intimidation card. Believe me,
if it was real, I wouldn’t be around now. It’s simply a
myth. I also advise women to also concentrate on
building a life of financial security. I cannot overemphasize
the need to be financially independent
when coming into politics for the first time.
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/ October 7, 2018