JOURNALIST:- some governors finishing their second terms in about six months – are heading to the Senate and you have decided not to. What is your political future? SULE LAMIDO :- I have been around for a long time. In all modesty, I think I have acquired the status of a father who should be guiding the children in this very difficult period of our history. I am in the last group of public office holders linked to the old order playing roles in the new generation. I am like a bridge with which people can cross over to the new generation of leaders in Nigeria. I do not think there is anyone who was in office in 1983 still occupying elective office today. I was in the House of Representatives in 1979. I was a very young man, but I enjoyed the mentoring and support of the founding fathers. Being the last man standing from that generation, I think the best I can do is to help the younger generation to capture some values one of which is the value of seeing public office not as an industry but service. So, I am going to be much more in the political arena than the government arena. I will be active, politically, in my ward after I leave office. I will also be very active in Jigawa State. I will be vigorously active at the national level in the party. I will be mentoring, influencing, guiding and advising. I will add more value outside government. My involvement in politics will not be seen as a means of employment or a sanctuary for me. I must not occupy a political office to be seen to be relevant. I am already relevant. I don’t need to be in the Senate to be relevant. I don’t need to be in an office for protection. So, it is only fair for me to allow the younger generation to play their roles in government while I act as a guide. I will be seen as father to all. I will be seen as the property of the people, whom they own. They will be coming to me as a father, friend, brother and mentor.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 11:26:53 +0000