A former member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, Solomon Asemota, says the impasse between the Senate and the Executive arm over the confirmation of the EFCC acting chairman, should be resolved by the court. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria also insists that he will never recant his statement that “Nigeria has been Islamised.” He spoke with ADELEKE ADESANYA. Excerpts:
The meeting you and some Christian elder statesmen had in Abuja recently, where you raised the alarm over plans to Islamise Nigeria, has drawn flaks from some opinion leaders, who believe you were sponsored to take the action.
Do they know how old I am? I am 79 years this year. Is it now that someone will sponsor me on an action to take in this country? I have been a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in the country for over 32 years. That statement doesn’t make sense to me. There is no politician sponsoring anybody and I cannot stoop so low to such a level; no matter what the case may be. I am a leader in this country and I will not compromise on any of my decisions or statements.
Let me tell you, as Nigerians, we have the right to comment on issues that are of great importance to the nation, especially when our elected representatives choose to be silent. While we were worried about the lopsided appointments in the security services, we also noticed that the education sector had been privatised in the hands of only the Fulanis and Islamist Jihadists. Virtually all strategic federal educational appointments have gone to persons with Islamist Jihadist tendencies as heads in the universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, University Admissions Board, educational funding and policy departments, etc. Our concern is not about the job and appointments but the fundamental Islamist Jihadists’ agenda that is playing out in Nigeria. What the list of students’ admission will look like in the nearest future in our nation, with an Islamist Jihadist in charge of JAMB, we are constrained to ponder.
During the 2015 election, a major apprehension was the possibility of President Buhari dividing Nigeria along religious lines. This apprehension has now been justified as the President officially completed the last phase of the Islamisation exercise by instituting a strong Islamic foundation throughout the Nigerian education sector.
During the 2015 election, a major apprehension was the possibility of President Buhari dividing Nigeria along religious lines. This apprehension has now been justified as the President officially completed the last phase of the Islamisation exercise by instituting a
Why did you say so?
Most functional Boards in the Civil Service are headed mostly by Muslims and Fulanis, which is becoming a threat and danger to the very foundation of Nigeria. We, as Christians, pray that God will save us from the hands of the Islamist Jihadists. We appeal to Mr. President not to set a record as the most insensitive President ever in the history of Nigeria. Mr. President assured the nation during his inauguration that he belonged to everybody: “I belong to everybody, I belong to nobody,” he said. Unfortunately, since coming into office, President Buhari has consistently proved that he belongs only to Muslims and the Fulanis.
For some time now, you have been saying Nigeria is being Islamised. Apart from all you have cited, do you have a verifiable evidence that the country has been Islamised?
Let me tell you; anybody or country which joins the Organisation of Islamic Conference is already a Muslim country. Because, before you apply, you must see yourself as a Muslim country before your application is done at all. This is not an issue of what is just happening. Already, Nigeria has been an Islamised country long ago. So, what are you talking about? Let me tell you, I am not ready to join a prolonged argument with anybody. I have said it several times; anybody who has an argument over this should do at own will. I am old; I have been a Senior Advocate for 32 years. Also, I know the rule of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference. This rule is this; you consider yourself to be a Muslim country, then you apply for fund. So it is the expectation of the fact that what you already applied for will happen in your country. Let me tell you, that Nigeria is already an Islamic country is a fact; it is not hidden.
The Presidency is still at loggerheads with the Senate over the confirmation of some appointments, especially, that of the EFCC acting chairman, Ibrahim Magu. As an elder statesman who is also a legal luminary, what is your view on the issue?
It is a good thing, if I may tell you. It is a normal development, which also happens in other civilised parts of the world. You don’t expect things to always sail smoothly; you don’t expect the arms of government to be rubber-stamp arms of government.
But the senate seems to hold the presidency hostage over some cases…
Over the case of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Chairman, Ibrahim Magu, I would advise that the Presidency should go to court. Let me tell you, if this happens, all the evidence they have ventilated, the court will make a substantial decision on it and everyone will know his stand. As the case is, these people delay things for the country.
On corruption, some people believe that it was legitimised by a former head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida, during his administration. What is your take on this?
The conflict between elements within the military allowed Babangida to replace Buhari at that time. The coup then was regarded as a palace coup and an internal affair of the military. The armed forces, this time, began to rely on traditional institutions, as instruments for governance. They had to rely on traditional rulers and religious leaders to maintain stability, in conjunction with the police and security forces. They cultivated those in these institutions who were pliable and not in a position to disagree with the armed forces and demand change. It was even reported that Babangida had the habit of telling officers appointed into political positions, that it was time for them to make money and that it would be their fault if they left office poor.
This was the time when political assassination began in Nigeria, first with Dele Giwa. It was also the beginning of phantom coups and legal monstrosities whereby the method by which Babangida became military president, which was by coup, was not available to (Mamman) Vatsa, costing Vatsa his life for contemplating such an action. Babangida and the north were not too sure what to expect from (MKO) Abiola as president, and they were not prepared to take chances. While Shonekan was acting as head of state, Abacha was written into the transition decree.
