APC’ll win in Gombe come 2015 – Mailantarki
the G- 7 governors?
It is a very good development for the APC and for Nigerians at large. Looking at the current crisis plaguing the PDP at the moment, the G- 7 governors have no other place to go or party to sustain their political career other than the APC. These are governors with good potentials as well as good records in their respective states, and they will only become better by joining the APC. These governors are not treated well in the PDP, their rights are being violated and that is not a true representation of democracy. The APC is a party basically formed to salvage, ease and promote the lives of Nigerians.
Are there chances that the APC would take over Gombe State come in 2015?
Yes, we’re quite optimistic that the APC has a strong chance of taking over Gombe State come 2015. Looking at the current crisis in the ruling People’s Democratic Party, coupled with the fact that Nigerians are tired of being maltreated, there is no doubt that the APC has a strong chance. The PDP is widely despised by the masses due to its dictatorial traits exhibited by most of its members, and that’s a huge advantage to us. If we field the right
Hon. Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki is a member of the House of Representatives, representing Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye Federal Constituency in Gombe State, under the platform of the opposition APC. He is also the Vice Chairman, House Committee on FCT Area Councils. He speaks about how elections in Gombe come 2015 is going to look like
Wthe last two years? EEKLY TRUST: What democracy dividends have advanced your constituency in
Hon. Khamisu Mailantarki:
Ahmed
I have secured jobs for about 100 youths in my constituency with government agencies. I have also facilitated the enrolment of some into the military and paramilitary organizations. I have launched an empowerment fund for youth chosen from all 31 wards in Gombe, Kwami and Funakaye federal constituency. Also, women, mostly widows were also assisted to get on the path of self- sustenance. They were given materials such as sewing machines so that they could start businesses. There are a lot more anyway.
There is the insinuation that you are the sole financier of the APC in Gombe State. Is this true?
There are other APC members who hold positions in the Gombe State, though I’m the only federal representative who won on the platform of the APC in Gombe State. Also, I think it would seem a bit like a show- off if I claim to finance every single thing, but I do facilitate many aspects of the party’s affairs in the state. For instance, in the recently held council elections, I bought the forms for all of our aspirants and made contributions to their campaign funds.
As the only APC Reps from Gombe, how have you been relating with other elected leaders, especially those from other parties ?
When the CPC and the AC were mereged, it gained widespread recognition in no time at all. This was due to the fact that people had been yearning for change and the 2011 polls testified to that. Besides, I enjoyed overwhelming support as over 95 per cent of the electorate in my constituency voted for me. This, to me, is a clear indicator of the fact that they voted irrespective of which party they belonged to, and it would therefore be wrong for me to restrict myself to those in my party alone. I believe that I am not just representing APC members in my constituency alone, but every single person in it; I must therefore work for them all and strive to empower them all irrespective of what party they belong to.
What is your perception of the recent visits by leaders of the APC to candidates, utilize good campaign strategies and my good people show their support as they always do, then there is no doubt the APC will take over Gombe State.
What is your feeling on the national dialogue being proposed by the federal government?
In line with what Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the revered leader of the APC said, I think it’s a distraction and might even conflict with the roles that legislators are empowered by the Constitution to play. Of what use is the National Assembly if a separate committee has to be set up to address the issues supposedly faced by the people that we represent? What then is the purpose of being Federal Representatives, if the Presidency feels that our job needs to be outsourced?
What should Nigerians expect from the APC?
Change, that is our slogan. And that is what the party is set to bring, and not just any type of change, but sustainable, positive change. The welfare of the people comes first in the APC and I want Nigerians to be rest assured that we intend to rescue this country from the brink of destruction.