Buba Galadima, a key figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has openly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to continue the policies of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
In an interview with Saturday Sun in Abuja, Galadima argued that Tinubu’s promise to uphold Buhari’s policies conflicts with his administration’s current tendency to distance itself from the nation’s existing problems.
Galadima pointed out that during his campaign, President Tinubu had expressed his intention to build upon the policies of his predecessor.
As a result, Galadima believes it is misleading for Tinubu and his administration to now blame the previous government for the country’s economic challenges.
Galadima stated, “President Tinubu should take responsibility for his office’s actions, especially since he committed to following in Buhari’s footsteps. It is unfair to now attribute the current issues to Buhari alone,” he emphasized.
A former close associate of Muhammadu Buhari, Galadima acknowledged that Buhari’s administration had caused significant damage to the country, particularly in terms of the economy and security.
“Everyone knows that Buhari has severely harmed the nation, but Tinubu promised to continue from where Buhari left off. Therefore, he cannot now shift the blame to Buhari. He has assumed responsibility for Buhari’s actions,” Galadima added.
Furthermore, Galadima expressed his opposition to the establishment of state police in Nigeria. He warned that such a move could backfire on the governors advocating for it.
He cited historical instances where state police were misused, leading to migration from regions like Kano and Jigawa. He cautioned that current governors might be barred from their own states by their successors if state police were implemented. “Governors do not understand the repercussions of state police. They will be the first victims if it takes root,” Galadima warned.
Addressing accusations of nepotism against Tinubu, Galadima defended the president, stating that nepotism is inherent in the presidential system of government, even in the United States. He asserted that the president has the right to appoint individuals he believes can help him achieve his goals.
Galadima elaborated, “In a presidential system, it is at the discretion of the president to hire those he believes can deliver democratic dividends. What is problematic is if those appointees lack knowledge and capacity, leading to poor governance.
Historically, U.S. President Kennedy appointed his brother as Attorney-General, and the Bush family held significant political roles. If such practices are acceptable in the U.S. and Europe, why should we criticize similar actions here? Our focus should be on demanding accountability and good governance,” he concluded.
