Buhari will repeat 1983 feat in our democracy – Jibrin

What is your assessment of the recently concluded general elections?I am absolutely satisfied with the conduct of the elections from top to bottom. I am happy that the election has come and gone without violence as predicted by some. It was generally peaceful and I must also say that INEC really did its job well. […]

What is your assessment of the recently concluded general elections?
I am absolutely satisfied with the conduct of the elections from top to bottom. I am happy that the election has come and gone without violence as predicted by some. It was generally peaceful and I must also say that INEC really did its job well. This is a credit to Nigeria, Nigerians and democracy.  We expect more transparent, free, fair and credible elections in the future.
What are you expecting from the incoming government at the federal level?
First of all, I will tell you that I foresee a new Nigeria.  In 1983, while I was the Vice Principal of WTC Yauri, that was when Buhari became the Head of State. I was new in the town and there were about three people who were the money bags in Yauri with big cars. Suddenly, when Buhari became the Head of State, those cars disappeared from the streets. So it was later that we understood that Buhari was a disciplinarian. I can also remember at that time, by 7am, you are in your office.
So with the incoming government in Aso Rock, there will be discipline. I believe I am going to see what I saw  that time. Buhari, I believe will not condone corruption and when there is no corruption from top to bottom in the country, life will be better.
There is mass exodus of PDP members to the APC.  Are you worried about that?
Yes, I am worried. If the PDP members are disciplined and really have integrity in them, they wouldn’t have been defecting to the APC. That shows they don’t have anything to offer; they are just joining the party that is forming the government at the centre. If they were disciplined, PDP would still be as they say the biggest political party in Africa.
What would you say was responsible for PDP’s defeat at the presidential poll?
PDP failed because of indiscipline in the party. If they were disciplined, there would have been internal democracy in the party and when there is internal democracy in the party, there is justice and fair play which makes every member to have a sense of belonging and without crisis after any primary election.
Do you foresee any intrigue in the handover by President Goodluck Jonathan to Buhari?
I believe General Buhari has enough experience and will not make any mistake. He knows Nigeria very well; he knows everybody, as military head of state and all these years that he has been contesting for president, he has enough experience and can’t be intimidated or fooled by anyone.
I believe that he will not let himself down because people are willing to make sure that he succeeds; from the peasants to those who have integrity so I don’t think anybody can mislead him or  make him blind or whatever. I believe he knows this country too well, we will pray for him.
The presidency has said that Nigerians should not expect the rescue of the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls before the May 29 handover date. What is your reaction to this?    
I am very worried about this issue of Chibok schoolgirls. It is sad that for over a year, the government has not been able to rescue them and is still telling us until another government comes in; this is really sad. I have two daughters, they are all graduates, for your child to disappear for over a year, I imagine the kind of pains the parents of these girls are passing through but we believe that God will intervene.