‘Eminent Nigerians persuaded Buhari to join politics’

FORMER Senate Minority Whip , Saidu Muhammad Dansadau who represented Zamfara Central senatorial zone 1999 -2007, disclosed at the weekend that the President -elect, Muhammadu Buhari was persuaded to join politics by some eminent Nigerians after he had initially shunned the calls .

Fielding questions from journalists at his Gusau, Zamfara State residence, Dansadua described Buhari as the first military Head of State in the country to be persuaded by some eminent Nigerians to join politics in view of the nation’s many ills.

He said he was fully aware that about 32 eminent Nigerians first approached Buhari to join politics, but that the former army chief was not initially keen and objected to the request

His words: “They persuaded and continued until such a time they convinced him to join politics, that is the fact of the matter. It was not Buhari himself who angled for power , one can say he was ‘coerced’ by some of eminent Nigerians who approached him and requested him between 2001-2002, to join politics in order to contest, having recognized his ability, credibility, and experience in addressing the many problems confronting the nation.’’

He added, ‘’By the grace of God, Buhari will be able to get Nigeria out of her many woes, describing the incoming administration as very challenging one .
He however, said that Nigerians were willing to contribute their quota in ameliorating the numerous socio- economic and political problems bedeviling the country.

He said the election of Buhari has also become an instrument of uniting the country, adding that his victory has proved wrong the prophesy that Nigeria was likely to disintegrate in 2015.

‘’In fact if there is any body that you can say is the winner of the election is the Nigerian people and Nigeria’s nation. Nigerians and Nigeria are the winners of this election. So, we thank God, and we should thank all Nigerians particularly the religious leaders, Muslims and Christians for their devotion and prayers for the conduct of peaceful election,’’ said Dansadau

He advised Buhari and his team to take advantage of the unity in diversity, the commitment and interest that Nigerians across the country have shown in uniting this country to initiate policies that would build better foundation for the country.