One of the “stars” of the 9th Senate, Senator Muhammad Bima Enagi was defeated in the 2023 elections, hence he was unable to serve in the 10th Senate. He talks about why he wants to try again and how the nation could be better in this interview reporter.
What are your thoughts on the current administration?
I have to acknowledge that this administration’s policies serve the interests of the nation. A few of them should have been introduced years ago. I applaud Mr. President for his audacity since the introduction of the programs requires audacity and someone with a clear vision. Fuel subsidies were depleting this nation’s GDP excessively. It was slowing down the nation’s progress. As a consuming nation, we import commonplace goods that we ought to manufacture domestically. We are fortunate to have fuel, but we are unable to refine it, thus Mr. President’s choice is admirable. Everyone will benefit in the future from this audacity and vision. I also wholeheartedly applaud the president’s foreign exchange floating strategy. Through what is known as “round-tripping,” many people were profiting while harming the country. They would purchase dollars at the official rate, go to the market, stockpile them, and resale them for outrageous rates.
Don’t you think it’s an issue that these policies have led to inflation and made life more difficult for the typical Nigerian?Current Affairs in Nigeria
There will undoubtedly be pain as you take specific steps. That’s what’s taking place right now. Everything will work out in the long run. If we don’t follow the policies, things won’t go smoothly, thus for the time being, we must all put up with it.
As a former central banker, how would you suggest mitigating the impacts?
First and foremost, we should focus on producing rather than continuing to exist as a consuming nation. The money saved by eliminating the gasoline subsidy should be put toward increasing output. Second, since our nation is arable, we shouldn’t experiment with farming. Farming equipment, fertilizers, seedlings, pesticides, herbicides, and other agricultural inputs should currently be subsidized by the government. Local farmers would perish as a result of this country’s policy of importing food. I would also advise the government to take a firm stance in the battle against corruption. The adage “corruption will kill Nigeria if Nigeria fails to kill corruption” is true. Corruption must be eliminated if Nigeria is to flourish and the good policies we currently have in place are to have long-term positive effects. Thankfully, the current administration has begun taking actions that demonstrate its commitment to combating corruption. All that is required is to maintain or even speed up the beat. The effects of insecurity on agriculture and other facets of our economy require the government to take decisive action. Right now, a lot of farmers have left their crops and fled their communities in search of safety, therefore something needs to be done to maintain order.
Do you think President Ahmed Bola Tinubu will serve another term in light of his performance?
Sure. I think Nigerians would give him their mandates once more so he may keep working for the country’s improvement as he has put it on the correct track. The nation currently requires consolidation.
How would you rank the performance of Niger State’s current administration?
It’s going fairly well. Because the governor is a young man with experience from the Mational Assembly, he is likely to perform well. But I would suggest that the education sector be given more attention.
What is your opinion of being excluded from the 10th Senate?
God is aware of the reasons behind my exclusion from the 10th Senate. I won the election, but because I don’t participate in corrupt politics, it was taken away from me. When it comes to politics, things are different from the hierarchical organization where I used to work, where “wuru-wuru” is not tolerated. Policies
Why are you claiming to have won even though INEC did not declare you the winner?
It’s obvious I won the election. I received more than 100,000 votes, while the PDP received almost 99,000. However, the PDP was able to alter the numbers in two local government areas: Lavun and Katcha. not the numbers announced in the senate collation center in Bida, which were counted at the local government collation centers. They took 2,000 away from my votes in Katcha. I received more than 13,000 votes in Lavun, while the PDP received almost 12,000. However, in the senate collation center, the PDP received 14,000 votes. Although everything was altered, it was evident from the iREV data that I won.
Why were you unable to establish your case in court?
My petition was dismissed on technical grounds in both the high and appeal courts because my attorney made mistakes in the petitioning process. They didn’t take the time to review everything we sent. I’m not sure if it was an act of God or if my lawyer intentionally messed me up.
Given that you acknowledged that politics is a dirty game and prone to manipulations, which your type of person isn’t comfortable with, what lessons have you learned now that you are running for office once more?
I’m running once more because I think the system has to be altered. If we want things to function, we must purify our politics and our way of life in general because cheating is wicked. Yes, I was cheated, but I’m glad I wasn’t the one who did it because I don’t want God to be angry with me. Today, our people have come to the realization that my exclusion from the Tenth Senate was a grave error. Every day they beckon and beg me to come out once more. Things will improve if there are morally upright individuals in positions of power in our nation.
What would you say about your time in the Senate?
I am pleased with my accomplishments throughout that time. I give thanks to God for His guidance; I was able to do several things that I had not anticipated. Perhaps this explains why my people are eager for me to return. People value the bills I sponsored, the motions I was able to make, and the projects I was able to complete. I presented them with a strong case. There are the records. I’m not allowed to evaluate myself, but I have everyday conversations with people.
If you go back, what are your plans?
My people will be much better off if I come back. I’ll apply my knowledge to improve things. I’ll travel there with enough energy for our nation’s citizens as well. I have bills that have the power to alter the course of events in our nation. Among other things, I have bills on power, education, and corruption. We are all aware of how corruption has severely impacted Nigerian society and how the government is impeding the country’s progress. Without electricity, our nation would never be industrialized. By God’s will, everything will be different when I go back.
How well did you use the resources you were given while in office?
Visit Niger South to witness the many high-caliber projects I completed. I’m not boasting; everyone is aware that what I accomplished in just three years exceeded what all of my predecessors accomplished between 1999 and 2019 when I joined. I’ll do more when I get back. My ability to manage resources and my constant concern for the well-being of people are my secrets.
