A former Energy Minister, Professor Tam David-West has expressed concerns over the rising level of poverty and suffering in the land under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
David-West, who was minister under the Buhari military regime between 1984 and 1985, made this known in an interview with The Guardian published on Friday.
The ex-minister however said that Buhari remains the candidate to beat in the 2019 presidential election.
But he urged appointees and supporters of the president against saying that Buhari could not be defeated.
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Asked if Buhari stood a chance in 2019 despite rising unemployment, unpaid workers’ salary and high cost of living, David-West said, “Yes. Mr. President can make impact in few months that people will clap for him.
“He stands a chance, because all those against his second term do not have alternative yet. That is in his favour.
“There is discontentment in the land no doubt, but can you change this condemnation to commendation?
“You can if you do the right thing, but some of these things take time to mature. Can people still vote for him?
“I heard someone say that you cannot defeat Buhari and I said no. The probability is that they will still vote for him.
“People are suffering. I am a diehard Buharist, but I cannot close my eyes and my conscience to admit there is not a lot of suffering. And something should be done about it.
“Don’t believe your people who say nobody can defeat you. As you can win, so can you be defeated. I read in the papers some people saying nobody can defeat him.
“By saying that you are not helping him. Any politician going to polls either wins or loses. So, if you say nobody can defeat you then there is no point for election.”
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