The President, Nigerians in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (NiDCC), Ms Patience Key, has urged Nigerians to move beyond lamenting actions or inactions of past leaders and take strategic steps to build a better Nigeria.
Key, a former presidential aspirant of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) made the call in a statement she issued on Wednesday night in Abuja.
Reacting to an autobiography, “A Journey in Service’’, by former President Ibrahim Babangida, Key who was also the governorship candidate of the PRP during the 2024 Edo governorship poll, said that the confirmation in the book that the late Basorun MKO Abiola won the 1993 presidential election was not new to Nigerians.
According to her, the revelation (about the book) has not erased the consequences of the annulment which led to political instability, economic stagnation and national disillusionment.
While noting that the time for outrage was over, she urged Nigerians to channel their emotions into building a future where no one could annul their destiny just as she emphasised the need for Nigerians to reclaim political power through strategic mobilisation
She said, “If we continue in this cycle of reactionary frustration, nothing will change. Transformation requires more than righteous indignation, it demands disciplined, coordinated action. We must stop lamenting about bad leadership and start funding, supporting and electing transformational leaders at every level of government.”
She however advocated the need to harness Nigeria’s diaspora resources including the over $20 million annual diaspora remittance to political and systemic change in the country.
She added that there is the need to put an end to ethnic and religious manipulation in the country and called for coalition-building across tribal and religious lines. She also called for building of economic independence to free Nigeria from external control.
“Nigeria cannot remain a country that consumes everything and produces nothing. We must prioritise industrialisation, invest in local manufacturing, minimise environmental impact, effectively utilise natural resources, waste reduction, promote circular economy principles. We must ensure our natural wealth benefits Nigerians not foreign corporations and corrupt politicians,’’ she said.
Key, a former chairman, Board of Directors, Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas, USA, urged Nigerians in diaspora to use their influence to demand reforms, fund political change and invest in industries that would break Nigeria dependency on foreign aid.
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