A former Ambassador of Nigeria to China, Olusola Onadipe, has chided Nigerian leaders at all levels, for lacking in foresight, which has resulted in the many socio-political woes confronting the country.
He also condemned the Nigerian brand of democracy said to be driven by money rather than superior ideas and policies.
Onadipe said this while addressing newsmen after being conferred with the Merit Award of Excellence by the Ijebu Professional Excellence Foundation, held at Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
He insisted that except the country retraces its step, good governance and qualitative life would remain a mirage in the country.
“As a diplomat, I have been to several countries of the world and I have seen citizens of many countries which have no up to 10 per cent of what God has given us in the country that are enjoying qualitative life.”
“They have good roads, good schools and healthcare system with constant power supply but things are very bad here, we are not living a quality life here and this is simply because the country lack leadership with foresight,” he added.
He explained further that there was nothing like democracy in the country and that what is being practiced is democracy of selection, where those who have the money to throw around find their way to the corridor of powers, while those with superior ideas to move the nation forward roam about the streets.
The former envoy said that until leaders of the country began to play politics of issues, the much expected turnaround of the country would remain elusive.
Onadipe also urged the federal government to devolve more powers to the state and local governments, adding that the federal government have been saddled with too much responsibilities that are many times left undone and thus inhibiting the progress of the country.
He, however, applauded Ijebu Professional Excellence Foundation, IPEF, for promoting and celebrating professionalism among the distinguished sons and daughters of Ijebu land, adding that the award would no doubt spur oncoming generations to embrace hard work and diligence.
Speaking at the programme, Chairman of IPEF, Engr. Olusegun Mafe, described the group as a body of professionals founded to promote excellence in professionalism, support educational endowments and contribute largely to the socio-economic development of Ijebu land and Nigeria as whole.