Leader of the fledging Northern Elders Council, NEC, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, has dismissed insinuations that the group is being bankrolled by the Presidency to be able to curry the support of the north ahead of the 2015 elections.
.
Yakassai, who spoke exclusively to Vanguard in Abuja, claimed that the NEC were working for the interest of Nigeria and not that of any individual or group.
.
The former National Assembly Adviser to President Shegu Shagari made it clear that he was too big to be used by anybody to advance their selfish political interest and described those making the allegations as enemies of progress and unity of Nigeria.
.
Yakassai said he neither belongs to the ruling political party nor holds the membership card of party in Nigeria.
.
“Look, let me tell you that the last time as voted for anybody was in 2003. I don’t belong to any political party in Nigeria and don’t hold any membership card.
.
That is to show you that I left partisan politics more than 12 years ago.
.
“What I am doing now is to achieve peace in Nigeria because we are concerned about the threat to the corporate existence of the country. If we allow a few reckless but vociferous elements to to cause trouble in the land, it is the ordinary Nigerians, who would be the worst hit.
.
“Why should we keep quiet and allow a few troublemakers to cause havoc for the majority?”the politician asked.
.
Describing himself as one of the northern leaders who have suffered to make Nigeria great, Yakassai described those who were criticising him and his group as talking rubbish and seeking undue attention.
.
He said, “Those who are making noise today about the north have never worked for Nigeria. They are self-seeking persons out there to work for themselves only.
.
“But I have always been at the forefront of the development of this country and I have been put in the prison 14 times because of working for Nigeria.
.
“I’m still committed to keeping Nigeria as a united country because if there is no Nigeria, there will be no north or South.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate