Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who is currently on a special visit to governors and traditional rulers in the country hinted some pen pushers that his motive is part of his commitment to reunite the country to what it used to be. He also said he is not tired but he is vibrant and willing to work. Enjoy the excerpts…

Sir, you began year 2014 with a visit to states and traditional rulers, what is your motive?

Well, I don’t have a specific motive but to contribute my own little quota to the stability of the nation. I am going to the states, meet with their leaders, hear from them and I will give my own advice on how the states can move forward. I believe we should not only wait for the government to do this alone, I am a stakeholder in the country, a progressive and as a progressive, we look for ways to bring progress into the country. I started my visitation from the South-West though my plan is to visit all states, the North which I come from, I understand the style of governance there, so I am not working for the interest of myself but for the development of this nation.

Some people said this tour is based on the fact that you would be the APC presidential candidate, is this part of your consultation process?

Well, you mentioned consultation, a PDP man consulting for APC, the way you read it in the newspaper is the way I also read it, the APC has not met with me to tell me I am their presidential candidate, if someone would be a party flag bearer that person must be in that party, so can you see the difference. If I may put it straight on what you said, I will say it is a rumour.

If the APC makes you their candidate, would you accept their request?

For that to happen, there are processes involved.

But you were the party’s presidential candidate in 2007, so you are not new to the party?

Yes, that was in 2007, I was in ACN not APC now, so that is it. Again, if you say there are lots of progressives in that party, if I will like to work with progressives like myself, I will say yes. If the progressives invite me to work with them, I will surely do because those people have the interest of the  country in their minds.

What will you do with the result gathered during your visit to those states?          

Yes, after the assignment, I will make sure I present my findings to the federal government to see and probably work on it. As a stakeholder, I believe with that I have contributed to the development of the country.

Is there any assurance that after your presentation of the finding, they will make use of it?

Either they do or not, my conscience is clear, I have done my best but I will advise they cross-check if they can make use of the findings.  

Are you contesting for 2015 presidential election?

If the people want me to do it, I will do it with the support of Almighty Allah and more so if my party also wants me, why not, I am still vibrant and healthy to discharge my responsibilities.