‘Good leadership key for women advancement, participation’

With women’s poor performance in the recent general elections, what do you think is the way forward?I agree with you that Nigerian women’s participation in this year’s general election was poor. That takes us back to issue of integrity. The system that brought those women is already messed up and that is what is responsible […]

With women’s poor performance in the recent general elections, what do you think is the way forward?
I agree with you that Nigerian women’s participation in this year’s general election was poor. That takes us back to issue of integrity. The system that brought those women is already messed up and that is what is responsible for their poor performance. If we fix the system, the quality of women and the quality of services they will give Nigeria will be completely opposite what we had in the past.
The Jonathan administration gave 35 per cent affirmative action to Nigerian women in appointive positions . Do you think this new administration will sustain that?
Certainly, but not in the same way. We want to get quality people, those who have the capacity to rule us and deliver quality service. There will be difference and their impact will be felt.
Why did you found the Buharian Culture Organisation?
 I founded the organization because at the moment the security situation in Nigeria needs some kind of re-orientation. Since my return to Nigeria from the United States where I spent half of my life, I have been actively engaged in the activities that will uphold the ideology of President Muhammadu Buhari, and what he stands for worldwide, which is good leadership and integrity.
Africans in general are not used to creating their own heroes. As a supporter group for Buhari, we strongly believe in preserving his legacy, spreading his philosophy through education and mass mobilization of citizens to further the ideals of an orderly, disciplined and just society.
Our objective is to sensitize and mobilise communities on Buhari’s unusual integrity, and to reach Nigerians across the nation and beyond with the message of a new Nigeria based on these ideals. It is also aimed at educating citizens on issues of good governance.
How is your organisation going to impact on the lives of women and children in Nigeria?
All the ills going on in the country has impacted negatively on the lives of women and children. It is women and children who bear the brunt of conflicts and corruption. If we uphold the philosophy of good leadership and integrity it will automatically affect the lives of women and children positively.
You returned to Nigeria when the country is facing security challenges , and  when a new government is being sworn in. As an international security consultant, what are the strategies you are bringing in to help address the problem?
We have assessed it and I am actively involved as a citizen on how to address the problem of insecurity in the country.Most especially the issue of Boko Haram and that of the Chibok missing girls.
 I have written a proposal and sent it to the security agencies from the high to the lowest level. I was there myself but my proposal was ignored. What I think needs to be done is community policing and engaging everyone.
The system that works in other countries may not work in Nigeria. So, I am coming with a proposal that will encourage grassroots community policing.
Corruption  has eaten deeply into the Nigerian society. How do you think Nigerians will respond to your ideas as a way of addressing the problem?
It is a shame that a country as big as Nigeria and which has been blessed with natural resources is faced with poverty everywhere. I agree corruption has become a part of our culture. Culture is something that is developed over time and pass from one generation to another. This is culture of impunity.
Though it may take time to be eradicated in the country but this is how it should start. We will start by re-orienting the people and by changing our ways of thinking. Our institutions have weakened over time because of corruption. We have systems in developed worlds which still encourage whistle blowers. People need to work with  government for it to be effective, so this is where activism comes in.
Are you going to work with the government?
Yes. We will be a watchdog and we will be suggesting for them and writing proposals as well as pushing bills. We will be doing a lot of work from the citizens’ perspective.
Before coming here, have you ever worked with the government of the United States of America on security issues?
I worked as a security consultant and security activist in the United States of America. I was one of the directors of African Affairs in Montgomery county in Maryland. I also sat on the Board of community health in the states. There they have a lot of funds for the activities of NGOs.
You are returning to Nigeria after spending more than half of your life in diaspora which some Nigerians see as greener posture. Why is it so?
It is part of what we are taught in the developed world. We are taught not to acquire knowledge for the salary of what you will gain but to acquire the knowledge and give back to the society.
At the moment Nigeria needs a lot of professionals in diaspora to come home and help in changing the country now that we have a visionary leader. I came to support in my own way by contributing my quota so that the future of our children and generations to come will be secured.
Do you have checks and balances or ways of making people accountable?
We are still working on that but I assure you that we will make sure power goes to the citizens; and make them know that they have that power to elect leaders and not to re-elect them when they are not performing. That is what the Buharian Culture Organisation will be instilling in Nigerian citizens.
What is your advice to Nigerians?
On the issue of peace, I will focus on the media because the media has a lot to offer in promoting peace. We need to empower the media on investigative journalism which can bring one or two facts to the table.
How do you juggle the demands of your home and career?
I have good people around me who I am working with, and who make things easier for me and I delegate.
Do you see President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory as an eye opener to Nigerians?
Yes. His victory came with a lot lessons. One of the lessons is that Nigerians now know they can elect leaders of their choice not a party. 
I think before  Nigerians did not know their strength in the voting system and that they can elect leaders of their choice without imposition.