Speaking with journalists in Ilorin yesterday on the recent misunderstanding between Nigeria and South Africa, the former governor said, "I am happy that South Africa finally did the right thing. If you look at the trade balance, you will see that South Africa is benefiting more than Nigeria and if you are benefiting, it means that you must guard what you are benefiting.

Nigerians ought to be pampered by the South Africans because we are doing a lot to help their economy".

Speaking on the forthcoming national convention of the ruling Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), he said the party will likely produce a consensus candidate, saying it is not a do or die affair. He added that arrangements have been concluded to resolve all grey areas and challenges facing the party.

"All we know is that as a party, we need to get a good candidate, who can unite the party. We need a candidate that is well respected, that can move the party forward. There are many challenges facing the party presently. Our convention is still about three weeks away and you know in this kind of thing, a lot of things are done behind the scene. But by and large, I think we are getting close to tidying up some of the grey areas", he said.

He also thanked God for the success of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmad at the Supreme Court, adding that the judgement had put an end to speculations.

"The wish of the people has been re-confirmed by the judiciary. We have always known that the PDP was the choice of the people of Kwara during the election. I am sure that with the steps already taken by the government, Kwarans will not regret voting for the PDP", he added.