Posted by By ABDULLAHI SHUAIBU, Lafia on
Brigadier-General Ishaya Anthoma Anche (retd), is a senatorial aspirant, Southern Kaduna Senatorial District. He was a brigade commander in Warri and Kano.
Brigadier-General Ishaya Anthoma Anche (retd), is a senatorial aspirant, Southern Kaduna Senatorial District. He was a brigade commander in Warri and Kano. He also served as a member, Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) during the late General Sani Abacha regime before he left the Nigerian Army in 1999, after serving for 35 years.
He was recently conferred with the traditional titile of Dalhatun Nimzo.
He says since the constitution could not stop anybody from contesting election in Nigeria; nobody can stop him from contesting for senatorial seat come 2007.
Background
I am Brigadier-General Ishaya Anthoma Anche (retd). I served the Nigerian Army meritoriously for 35 years before retiring in 1999. I was never found wanting throughout my period in the army. I am now retired but not tired, as the Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad Makarfi, has appointed me chairman, Kaduna State Property Development Company and on May 6, 2005, the Ochu Nimzo appointed me (Dalhatun Nimzo) one of his advisers and now, I am a successful businessman.
Senatorial ambition
My people felt that I can serve them better when elected as senator to represent them in 2007, and I felt that I have no choice than to answer my people's call. That is why I am now contesting for the Kaduna South senatorial district. As you know, the call of the people is the call of God and all the posters you have seen are being printed by my people, just for me to accept their call, which I now accept in good faith.
Ban on ex-military men from holding political office
Those calling for ban on ex-military men are jokers. Unless they change the constitution, which allows anybody to contest for any position in the country, there is nothing anyone can do about the political ambition of retired Nigerians, be it of military extraction or otherwise. There is nobody that can stop me from contesting the senatorial seat in 2007. In some advanced countries, ex-military men are ruling their countries. Why should Nigeria be an exception? Why do they fear ex-military men? We are all Nigerians. So, we should be left in peace to participate actively in the development of our country through politics or whatever means we can.
The Dalhatun Nimzo chieftaincy title
Before man and God, I didn't lobby for that title. His Royal Highness, Ochu Nimzo, only conferred me with the title. Maybe it was based on my achievement in the chiefdom. I am very happy with the title.
Final word
People should co-operate with the government to enable it serve them better. We should also co-operate with each other to ensure the development of our area. If elected as senator representing Southern Kaduna, I will serve my people well and they shall have no regret voting me.