Strike: FG Lacks Justification for Witholding Lecturers’ Salary – Kano Guber Candidate
By Adnan Mukhtar, Ozumi Abdul
POLITICS DIGEST- Mallam Ibrahim Khalil is the gubernatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Kano State.
In an exclusive interview with our POLITICS DIGEST crew in his office, he maintained that the federal government must pay striking universities’ lecturers as part of resolving the over seven months old ASUU industrial action.
Khalil, however revealed his blueprints for Kano and the people of the State if elected governor, in next year’s poll
POLITICS DIGEST – The people of Kano State know you as a renowned Islamic cleric. But who is Ibrahim Khalil?
Like you rightly said, I am Ibrahim Khalil. I was born and brought up in Kano State. I did my Islamic and western education all in Kano State. And I am also a Frontline politician.
*Tell us, what prompted you to join politics?*
I am into politics to bring development to the people. Despite being an Islamic Scholar, I believe I can still offer exemplary leadership to people of Kano State through politics.
Politics cannot be done without a political platform. That was why I joined ADC, in order to have a platform to contest in next year’s Kano governorship election. And if elected, I will bring on board the desired leadership that will take Kano to the next level.
The problem this country is facing worries me a lot. 23 years since our return to democracy, our people are yet to enjoy the dividends of democracy. Our power sector is in shambles, as the federal government is yet to find a solution for it.
There is the need for change so that people can feel the impact of a new Nigeria that will add value to its people.
*You have contested for Kano Governorship on several occasions, in the past. Why are you in the race this time around*
I choose ADC because of the monetary aspect of politics. Most of the parties are either the ones in government or are guilty of the failure of leadership.
If you want to bring change, these kind of parties will not give you the opportunity. This is why I make the decision of joining ADC. The party has given nomination form for free to people below 40 years of age. If the party is satisfied with your integrity, it can give you the form for free.
ADC is the party that suits my philosophy and principle.
*It may seem as if your party, the ADC, is not so popular in Kano State. Do you think you stand a chance against your formidable opponents like the serving Deputy Governor, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, who is the candidate of the APC, and Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf of the NNPP?*
APC, the party in government has been intimidating people that no party can beat them at the poll because of resources.
To me, we don’t have small parties, but governing and opposition parties. A political party is a party.
Read Also:
These parties are always promoting nepotism by imposing their sons and daughters in the position of leadership. The governing party cannot intimidate us with this. I will campaign at the grassroots and will emerge victorious in the election.
*Are you and the Kano ADC party exco marketing your party in the State, ahead of 2023?*
Yes, we are doing that. You will agree with me when we emerge victorious at the poll.
*Many people see you as a principled politician. Will you engage in money politics, as part of wooing Kano electorates, when campaign begins?*
Unpatriotic people that didn’t value themselves think that money will give you anything. When you look at NEPU and PRP, it was all about ideology. I am calling on people to shun money bags.
*Local Governments are not autonomous. Governors have denied them their allocation for years. Will you give Kano local governments their autonomy, if elected?*
I am a man of due process. Local Government is the most nearest to the people. I will allow them to operate independently but with strict supervision for people to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
*In your plans, you stated that you will accord priority attention to Kano’s economy. What are you going to do to eliminate poverty in the State?*
Kano is a big state. I will listen to the problem of my people by creating ways of employing and empowering them. The main aim of a government is to facilitate.
I will revive the industries, bring the desired result in the civil service. When you empower people, support small scale industries, people will get jobs. So, I will work by giving people the real definition of government in practical sense.
*What are you going to do to attract investors for Kano?*
What you don’t understand is that, many of the leaders that we have today didn’t understand the concept of government. What is scaring investors away is corruption.
I will welcome every investor by looking at the advantage of what he is coming with, as far as it is not what will bring harm to the state.
I will give investors an open opportunity in Kano. Government will provide basic amenties and security that will attract investors to the state. I will make sure that both the public and private sector work effectively by supporting them.
*You must be worried about corruption in Kano? Tell us how you intend to fight it?*
The first thing is that the leader shouldn’t be corrupt. Is like what Sayyid Ali was saying to Sayyid Umar that those bring bounties to us are the most trustworthy. He said, its because you’re the leader.
The leader or the governor will give a very good example of fighting corruption by not being corrupt.
The biggest corruption is starting the work that you cannot finish.
*What is your take on ASUU strike?*
The strike should not have lingered for long. Let the government fulfill ASUU’s demands. It should do the needful, and pay the aggrieved lecturers their withheld salary.
*Should government pay their withheld salaries?*
Why not? Has the government sacked them? If not, then the remuneration of the striking should be paid, as part of resolving the ongoing industrial action.
