*Condemns killing of Fulani in Mambila, says no media, NGO must be biased against any tribe, religion

*Wants to partner with government to avoid lack of information

Mr. Remi Adebayo is President of Accountable Leadership for Better Nigeria (ALBNI) and Lagos-based media practitioner of substance.  His concern most of the times, away from what many other activists are criticized for, is premised on betterment of Nigeria and nothing short of that.  His organisation, non-governmental, however was considered to be part of the voices accused by some of our readers for blaming President Muhammadu Buhari for his seeming silence over the Benue killings, as the ALBNI leadership, like what it blamed Buhari for, appears to be part of  the alleged media conspiracy denying killings of over 700 Fulani in Mambila plateau and in other parts of the country while giving media hypes to others when it affects non-Hausa/Fulani or Muslims.  But the ALBNI President, in this interview conducted online by Kemi Kasumu, General Editor of The DEFENDER, cleared his organisation’s position, not only on issues locally but also globally including the Nigeria’s vote against USA’s policy on Jerusalem as capital of Israel. We invite you to patiently read through as the journalist and civil society director speaks senses into all strata of national endeavours in the long interview. Excerpts:

As President of ALBNI, what can you tell us about the organisation: the aims and objectives, where you are coming from, how you have effected transparency and accountability in Nigeria?

Thank you. The Accountable Leadership for Better Nigeria Initiative, ALBNI, is a recent and new addition to the quest to responsibly engage government, by representing the fading voices of the mammoth Nigerian populace towards benefiting from accruals of good governance by promoting accountability in public leadership.

“We are Nigerians, who have the mindset to proffer Pan-Nigerian ideas that can positively impact on governance; and the quality of members on board of the association tells a lot about that. We do not claim to know all, but while we have politicians of different political parties, adherent of different religions and different professionals in several callings among us, we have a template that specifies the unity of this country which we believe should be replicated in governance and everyday living among the Nigerian people.”

Our membership is swelled by Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora such as United States of America, Canada, United Kingdom, South Africa, New Zealand, and we have diversity across the geopolitical sections of this country, but we are united on the promotion of good governance in Nigeria.

We are Nigerians, who have the mindset to proffer Pan-Nigerian ideas that can positively impact on governance; and the quality of members on board of the association tells a lot about that. We do not claim to know all, but while we have politicians of different political parties, adherent of different religions and different professionals in several callings among us, we have a template that specifies the unity of this country which we believe should be replicated in governance and everyday living among the Nigerian people.

Among other items, our core objectives revolve around assisting the government, through constructive and sustainable engagement in reducing corruption, nepotism, leadership inefficiency, wastage and other vices that point at the direction of deficiency in public service.

ALBNI is not a political party or organisation, as such, we are limited to engaging institutions of government in matters and policies that have direct implications on the Nigerian populace, first to restore integrity in public service and then guarantee good governance.

Recently, President Donald Trump of America mulled the idea of stopping foreign aids to Nigeria because Nigeria was part of the many UN member countries that voted against his interest of Jerusalem as capital of Israel. Seeing NGOs as of the beneficiaries of such foreign grants, how would you react to Nigeria’s partaking in voting against US and how would you react to the Trump’s planned blockage of grants?

Firstly, we have to admit that Nigeria’s interest is first of all the priorities of Nigerian government. ALBNI members are all Nigerians, regardless of where they live, and we are of the opinion that Nigeria cannot go against the rest of the world by adopting policies government considers to be against the rights of other people around the world. Nigeria, like many in the United Nations, should have its mind and that is what President Muhammadu Buhari’s government may be asserting, that global peace is of priority but must be anchored on justice. In doing that, phobia of aids cut should not come into play but demand for justice, which I believe dictates the way Nigeria vote is decided.

Question we should be asking truly is; yes we need foreign assistance towards growing our economy since Nigeria is not, and cannot be an island, but must Nigeria continue to be an ‘aids-begging’ nation? This is where ALBNI and organisations like ours come in, in steering the conscience of the leadership of this country to make Nigeria work for Nigeria by doing things right and using our enormous resources, including those from the non-oil sector, for the prosperity of our citizens and restore their confidence in leadership through the provision of basic deliverables and protection of lives. If we look inward, Nigeria has all it takes to sustain itself while not playing smart to be a pariah state in welcoming genuine people around the world that want to invest in our economy.

ALBNI is being funded through donations and levies by our members; and in pursuing our mandate going forward, we can only accept assistance from verifiable sources without injurious intentions against Nigeria, if we must seek such help at all.

“I will say that he who asserts must prove. Again, ours is not activism really, but engagement so we cannot afford to be selective. ALBNI is officially about three months in existence. But if anyone nurses such position about any NGO, they should be engaged for clarifications. Nevertheless, while I will not totally discountenance such feelings, it would be erroneous for any civil society organisation to form its priorities along tribal, ethnic, religious or partisan line and that explains our reasons for safeguarding ALBNI from falling into such trap; if the idea is about Nigerian then, Nigeria must come first no matter where we come from.”

Many of the NGOs of Nigeria have been accused of selective activism.  One of it is that when it comes to religion and ethnicity, they are said to choose to be on the side of Christian Association of Nigeria as hyped by the media.  What is the role of your own organisation in the alleged selective activism?

I will say that he who asserts must prove. Again, ours is not activism really, but engagement so we cannot afford to be selective. ALBNI is officially about three months in existence. But if anyone nurses such position about any NGO, they should be engaged for clarifications.

(Cuts in) Which is what we are doing with you now, engaging you for clarifications although we have proofs like none of the NGOs uttered a word while 12 years old JSS 2 girl in Lagos was given 43 strokes of cane in Lagos for wearing hijab after school hours.  Teachers associations, Muslim groups later staged protests to that effect but little were those protests reflected in media reports and no NGO said any word.  There are more proofs, do I go on?

Nevertheless, while I will not totally discountenance such feelings, it would be erroneous for any civil society organisation to form its priorities along tribal, ethnic, religious or partisan line and that explains our reasons for safeguarding ALBNI from falling into such trap; if the idea is about Nigerian then, Nigeria must come first no matter where we come from.

It is even impossible to impose biased opinions or decision on my members; with the mix of highly intelligent, educated, resourceful and successful people who are doing great in their callings at home, in the Diaspora; and we share different faiths but driven by the need to get this country out of the woods, and you would be amazed at their passion. From the start, our code has a structured template that not even I can bend; it allows you to discuss politics without being a politician, discuss religion without being a bigot and talk about tribe without that psychology, and we have a strong purging system that throw anyone out; including the president in case of default. I can tell you that this has largely helped us and given us the heart to put Nigeria first in all our engagements so far.

To explain that, in view of what seems like many Nigerians have adopted corruption as a way of life, let me ask, did you know that there was a government that Nigerians generally agreed corruptly drifted Nigeria towards extinction; let me be precise, Goodluck Jonathan-led PDP government?

I believe that the past government led by Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has cases bothering on corruption; especially as it concerns top members of that administration. Well, I wouldn’t know if driving Nigeria to extinction justifies this setting or was a consensus, depending on who you are talking to. I’m saying this based on varied explanations on why Nigeria slumped into recession in particular, where pundits have blamed both forces of the past and poor economic management and delayed policy decisions by the current leadership.

But if you take the trial of the former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (Rtd.) and forfeitures linked to the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Dezieani Alison-Maduke, and volume of resources involved, you would want to conclude in consenting to that mindset but without aggregating enough document and data, I cannot be precise on the drifting to extinction.

However, revelations from institutions of government like the EFCC and instances being thrown up, even under this government, indicate that the Buhari-led government has the Herculean task to contend with on the issue of corruption, looking back and peeping into his government as well.

Whether you knew or not, Sir, did you agree or not that, that government of Jonathan was guilty as said and what role did you play in the ousting of the “corrupt” government?

Like I said earlier, ALBNI’s role is not political and in fact, we were not in existence way back to oust any government; we do not have the capacity to do that or designate a regime with sweeping blanket of corruption.

Corruption, like some of our challenges, is systemic and does not start or end with any particular regime. Right from the days of military interventions in the Nigerian politics, corruption was the alibi for regime changes that far.  So, we cannot in the right conscience label a regime to be corrupt above other. I say this bearing in mind that almost twenty years after his death, Nigeria is still taking proceeds of stolen funds stashed abroad by the Abacha administration.

But that notwithstanding, we have a duty to sensitize Nigerians to look out for the best candidates, and not limiting their judgment or narrowing their choices to candidates in elections to pecuniary, tribal, religious or party considerations. We can only play our roles by asking Nigerians to ensure they exercise their franchise at elections, by registering to vote, for those of voting age, and vote according to their conscience.  But we lack that ability to tell Nigerians, who they should choose.  Should we do that, we would be stretching our luck too far.

Our role in ridding this country of corruption is not limited to the Federal Government, we have states where corruption cases are going unhindered, and as you can see, governors as far back as 1999 are still in courts standing trial over corruption charges.

We are desirous to play complimentary roles with government and citizens, by provoking new thinking that will prevent, rather than confront corruption and the best way will start with leadership recruitment process. If we have reputable leaders in charge of federal, states and local administrations, chances are that we would have accountable leadership and Nigerians can enjoy good governance. This organisation is about the society, its future and posterity, not about any particular government, in fact, we have to commend good policies from public officials as part of our drives, so that good work and efficiency can be noticed and rewarded to motivate others to replicate same.

Currently, President Muhammadu Buhari is said to have failed Nigeria.  Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who said Jonathan was corrupt, impunity-minded and agent for brewing insecurity, also told APC not to pick Atiku but that he trusted Buhari.  But the same Obasanjo has today said the same Buhari has failed.  Now, what Obasanjo is accusing Buhari for is seen by other sections of the country to be natural consequences of #FightAgainstCorruption.  They are therefore accusing Obasanjo of not being profound in his investigation before coming out to attack Buhari, especially when they say neither Obasanjo nor the Press or the Courts and lawyers joined the President when the natural challenges of #FightAgainstCorruption began to crop up leading to the hardship that Nigerians have suffered and that Nigerians too are not ready to find out why?  Looking at all of these positions that I have helped you highlight, what is your take?

Nigeria is a very complex state to manage; with over 250 ethnic nationalities, different languages, traditions and cultures. Typical of the former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, his letters have always come out at decisive political moments, and I see his recent letter directing the political conversation from here.

Now, if I have to look at the issues raised by the former president, I will want to agree that President Buhari is yet to take full control of certain elements in his government in view of recent happenings.

See, when the President was sworn in, my expectations at that time was that he would immediately commence reforms in the judicial system to set the pace for his anti-corruption drive but, the president had to wait for a sweeping six months to form his cabinet. I believe during this time, he allowed for the consolidation of forces within to assess and form a position against his fight.

This president came on board with a lot of expectations; and recall he said his government would be for no one and for all; I believe this is where he would be largely scrutinized.

My take is that the Federal Government should do a checklist on Obasanjo’s letter and do inward review to analyze the success and failings of his administration. Obasanjo and, in fact, any other Nigerians will keep writing letters. Ovation publisher, Dele Momodu, Pastor Tunde Bakare and others have all been pointing at low performance and slow response by government in security matters and I think there should be a new disposition in that regard.

Mrs. Aisha Buhari, who is the wife of the president, has been saying the same. Instead of coming out with attacks against Obasanjo or profiling everyone with genuine concern about Nigeria as aiding corruption, I believe that the President can keep an open mind and sieve through to see where he needs to adjust.  He still has some time to do that.

You sent a press release on Friday January 27 calling for the arrest and prosecution of Miyetti Allah’s leaders over Benue killing on New Year eve, which is a good thing that is expected of ALBNI.  But some of our respondents have asked us to seek clarifications from you why you failed to mention the massacre of over 700 Fulani people in Mambila plateau Taraba and killing of Fulani earlier in the same Benue and losing of their over cows to same massacre.  Now the question is first to ask if you agree that the Fulani were ever correct to say that their members were massacred in Mambila or not.  Do you agree?

Believe me, criminality should be discouraged across boards and crime should be called what it is – crime. I think in a previous release we issued, we clearly spelt it out, that criminality festers on impunity and indecision. To us, we condemn prejudicial killing anywhere and by anyone in the country. No one has the right to take the life of another, whatever the circumstances.

We can’t take side. The alleged killings of the 700, or as claimed earlier, 800 Fulani herdsmen in Mambila is unfortunate and condemned, even if it is only one life. Fulani are Nigerians and, of course, we have a lot of law-abiding pastoralists, who are just doing their job. The issue is, the subject is still shrouded in controversies and ALBNI’s position must be precise.

This informed our call on the government to release white papers on different clashes without playing into the hands of our enemies in passing bucks.  It’s our problem and the government has the responsibility and capacity to lead the way towards resolving them, with the right mind.

So, the Mambila killing is still contentious; however, criminals and murderers must be fished out and prosecuted to get justice for victims of evil, and serve as deterrence for other criminal elements in the society be they in Mambila, Kaduna, Borno, Benue or anywhere; either herders or farmers.

Yes, the Mambila killing is still contentious because it is said to be the very intention of those who prevented the media from paying attention to equal reportage of it.  If you agree therefore that Mambila killing actually took place, there is a sense in which someone would want to accuse your NGO of bias for talking about action only when it is now against people CAN called Christians in Benue.  Why did you not talk against the massacre of Fulani earlier in Benue or you did not believe that those AK47 carrying militiamen arrested who claimed they were sponsored by Taraba and Benue states’ governments are actually as reported?

The question should have been if the media, like yours brought the Mambila killings to the public space in the first place? It sounds sufficient to blame Islam and Christianity for our problems but then, as Nigerians, we should jointly hold our leaders to account not minding where they come from.

The alleged Benue armed militia; I am aware that those arrested have been handed to the military authorities for investigations, we will only respond to that at the end of that exercise.

See, we pointed out the lopsided security setting in this government which may find safety in protective narrative.  Our organisation strongly holds the view that the government has the capacity to quell all forms of security problems, if it intends to do so. ALBNI’s Secretary is a Fulani man, a Muslim from Katsina and has spent reputable years in advocacy and media.  How do we insert positions that would rubbish his ethnic extraction and faith without a fight? We have many Christians and Muslims of reputable backgrounds on board to delve into these sentiments.

Assuming ALBNI or other organisations that existed before us had sufficient information on these, there would have been reactions. So, ALBNI does not answer to CAN or any religious organisation whatsoever.

You kicked against cattle colony. But you also do not support cattle open grazing. What do you suggest should be done to stop these age-long herdsmen/farmers clashes in the country?

Yes, kicking against the concept of cattle colony responds to the insensitivity by the ‘crafters’ of the word ‘colony’ in their ingenious haste.  Colony sounds unsuitable to manage the situation at such a time when tensions were high. Wars have been fought all over the world on expansionist suspicion and you will agree with me, that apart from destruction of crops which has always caused frictions between farmers and pastoralists, land is of essence to the farming communities and, unlike the North, the South, with its smaller land mass would not likely be going to concede to giving up its land to herders in anyway and we have been justified.

If today, states in the North can ranch these innocent herders and support them through grants, it would even be at great advantage to the breeding and herding population, in that they could settle at a location to get security, education and their livestock have access to the best of grass, water and medical attention. This will translate to increased productivity and profit to herders while governments will also take tax and even invest in ranches. Open grazing is surely out of model and vogue, considering the global best practices and livestock as business.

The truth is, we believe that government should not find it convenient to throw itself into this controversy by delving into personal businesses of people at the expense of another. If government takes land for herders, will it also take land for farmers or other livestock; so, we should not create another problem while resolving others.

We support ranching, either privately or in clusters of cooperative societies. It is certain that we may be creating future problems when populations swell in colonies and there will be need for more land. Ranching are the norms and the federal government should be courageous to embrace that.

“First, government needs to free itself from seeing civil society as opposition or contenders; doing that will enable it take ideas and suggestions coming from them seriously. We are partners with government to ensure that Nigerians get their expectations met.”

Moving forward, what is the plan of your organisation to partner the media and government in ensuring that this kind of controversies and violent crisis in Nigeria do not happen in future?

First, government needs to free itself from seeing civil society as opposition or contenders; doing that will enable it take ideas and suggestions coming from them seriously. We are partners with government to ensure that Nigerians get their expectations met.

We will always need government to open its doors and space to access information when needed and form partnership to reach out to the people on policies and programmes that touch on accountability.  In the bid to rid this nation of corruption and deliver on good governance, we need government to implement policies and ideas and this is where we cannot afford to be at loggerheads.

When occasion demands, we will always offer non-partisan alternatives as part of our patriotic duties to support nation’s leadership and sustainable policies.