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By Bayo Davids
The former Chief Security Officer to General Sani Abacha (the late Head of State), Major Hamza Al-Mustapha (retd) has urged Nigerians to ask deep questions concerning the profile of politicians advocating for a coalition to wrestle power from President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
While acknowledging that a coalition force to reposition the country for good would be a step in the right direction, the retired military officer said such a movement must not be championed by those who in the past, embezzled public funds for their personal enrichment.
In a recorded video sent to Pointblanknews.com, the Yobe-born politician said those rallying politicians to form a coalition are looking at him while he is also looking at them. He noted however, that there has been no formal contact between him and the group.
Recall that the quartet of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi and erstwhile Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi are currently mobilising opposition forces with the sole aim of sending Tinubu back to Lagos in 2027.
He said, “With regards to coalition, I know how to work together to bring change to this country but who are those in this coalition? Are they those that embezzled public funds? Are they the ones that helped in making Nigeria where it is now in a state of underdevelopment?
“We want a coalition of people with good track record, with good heart, fear of God and those that love Nigeria-those working to protect the interest of Nigeria and the entire people.”
According to him, “We are at a stage where they (pro-coalition) are looking at me and I am looking at them but they didn’t contact me. But they sidelined me, asking all the party leaders to leave their positions for them to take over, just like armed robbery.”
In a veiled reference to the defections currently sweeping across the political landscape, the former presidential candidate warned against subtle moves to foist a one party state on Nigerians.
He continued, “I look at it this way: those that want to turned Nigeria into one party system should be told that this is a great offence.
“The laws of Nigeria, of the electoral umpire and even of the political parties frown at this. Anyone who attempt to turn the country into a one party state has betrayed Nigeria.”
He also noted that he has joined the Social Democratic Party whose readiness to join the coalition, he doubts
“It is true I have joined the SDP, but I am not sure if SDP was contacted to joined the coalition, because I am a member. If there is anything like that, I believe I should be able to know.
“But we heard there is one (coalition) going on through the back door which the laws do not allow. For those that are doing that through back the door, I am sure even if they get the leadership (of the country), they will betray Nigeria and Nigerians,” he added.
That said, the former CSO chided the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for the current hardship in the land, saying, “Since the creation of Nigeria, Nigerians never found themselves in this kind of situation.
“The poor people are suffering from lack of money. Water, food, fuel and electricity are too expensive. May God forgive me, had it been these leaders have a chance to tax the air the people breath, they would have done so. I never see heartless people like these.”
He however added that “The poor people are now getting enlightened. They understand where they are now because of the difficult situation they are experiencing.”
The retired military tactician did not disclose if he would seek the highest office in the land in the 2027 election cycle.