Former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido, has declared his readiness to meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu if invited, saying such engagement would be in the interest of Nigeria’s unity, progress and development.

Lamido, who spoke exclusively to The Nation at Bamaina, his country home on Sallah day, said he remains open to dialogue with the President if it would advance the nation’s well-being.

“I will be more than willing. So when are we going to see him?” he said, emphasising his readiness to engage constructively.

The former governor, however, dismissed claims that he had turned down an invitation from the President to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that no such offer was ever made to him.

“When was I invited? Let me know, please. Did he send you to me? I’m hearing this from you for the first time,” he stated.

He maintained that any meaningful interaction between him and the President should be focused on national interest rather than partisan considerations.

“If it is about the progress and development of Nigeria, I am open. I will be willing to meet him,” Lamido added.

On reports linking him to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following viral images showing him with the party’s logo, Lamido described the claims as products of social media manipulation.

“In this era of social media and content creation, anything is possible. People sit in their rooms and create stories. I have not seen such pictures,” he said.

Commenting on recent developments in the country, the former governor stressed the need for Nigerians to take responsibility for their electoral decisions, noting that leadership outcomes reflect the choices made by the electorate.

“When we were campaigning, we urged Nigerians to vote right, with integrity and conscience. People voted, and whatever you put in is what you get out,” he said.

He also used the occasion of the Eid al-Fitr to felicitate with Muslims, urging prayers for peace, unity and stability in Nigeria.

“We thank Allah Almighty for sparing our lives to witness Ramadan. It was a period of repentance, prayers and supplications,” he said.

Lamido further prayed for national peace and prosperity, calling for divine guidance for leaders at all levels.

“We pray that Allah secures Nigeria, restores peace, stability and prosperity, and guides our leaders to do the right thing,” he added. (The Nation)