Former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mr Kanu Agabi has said Nigeria is yet to have the right leaders that can move the country to a greater height.
He also said until Nigerians use power of ballot wisely to vote in qualified leaders and also use the same ballot to prevent those whose sole interest is to continue their work of diving and exploiting the country at the expense of others, the country would find it difficult to progress meaningfully.
Agabi shared this thought and perspective as a guest speaker at the 23rd Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture in Lagos on Thursday.
The lecture held at the Muson Centre was to commemorate the birthday anniversary of Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM).
Speaking on ‘Nigeria’s pathways: Diagnosis and the Prescription’, Agabi noted that democracy in Nigeria is gradually turning to dictatorship because corruption has permeated every sector of the society.
He explained that despite the efforts of anti-graft agencies such as EFCC, ICPC and so forth in the country, it appears the agencies are not recording expected successes because they are overwhelmed.
He said the fear of the anti-graft agencies have substantially discouraged many corrupt leaders in the country from investing their money in the economy, rather they take the money abroad or stall it at home without adding value to the economy.
According to him, “in the bid to amass wealth, today’s Nigeria leaders are ready to give their children snakes instead of bread. They believe they can purchase the kingdom of God. Getting power in the country has been founded on bloodshed. So, we have to repent of that.”
He said it was disheartening that Nigeria parades so many genuineness, who excelled across fields and also helped built other prosperous countries and yet Nigeria remains among the poorest nations of the world.
According to him, Nigeria and its people have been in chains right from colonial times and can only be free when citizens use the power of ballot wisely.
He pointed out that Nigerians have a total misconception of democracy and presidential system of government, noting that the presidential system of government in its real sense for example, is designed for the president to use his executive power to unite the people and not to further divide them like the case of Nigeria
He said Nigerians irrespective of ethnic or religion differences and culture must see themselves as true brothers and sisters and also allow merit and quality to prevail rather than nepotism and mediocrity to determine who becomes leaders.
According to him, we must begin to reach to one another across state boundaries. It ought not to be that the case that indigenes of one state no matter how competent or patriotic, cannot find employment in the public services of other states.
“If Nigerians can be members of the English cabinet, if Nigerians are participating in running the affairs of other nations, there is no reason indigenes of one state in Nigeria cannot find tangible employment in the public services of other than their own.
“So, we must integrate as a nation to the extent that once you are a Nigerian, you can seek elective position or any other position outside your state of origin.”
He, however, listed the qualities expected of leaders in a time like this, to include leaders with vision, leaders who communicate with people, listen to them and also be appreciative of being chosen to serve.
“So, we don’t need leaders who will be so far from the people and won’t say anything or listen to anything. We need leaders who will identify with the people, leaders with a sense of purpose. We also need leaders who will appreciate the fact that they must impact positively on the lives of the people,” he stressed
He also pointed out that Nigerians should not think let alone believe that the country is beyond redemption, noting that what is required is for everyone either in or out of government to do what is right at all times.
In his own remark at the event, the chairman on the occasion and founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Atedo Peterside, eulogised the virtues of Bishop Okonkwo, saying his contributions to God’s work, knowledge sharing, and humanity is priceless.
He urged Nigerians in both political and outside political circles to do the right things that can help develop the country to appreciable height.
He also particularly noted that good leaders talk and inspire those they lead with their actions.
In his own remark, the celebrant and presiding bishop of TREM, Bishop Okonkwo, said to develop Nigeria and make it a nation we all deserve is the responsibility of everyone and not only that of the political leaders.
He said, “That is why I urge every Nigerian in their respective corner and at whatever level, to be a positive change agent. Nigeria is our country, and we must all contribute our little quota to take it to a greater height.”
He also urged government to designed school curriculum in a way that would teach students from foundational class societal values and norms that would make the country corruption free society.
He said though the process may be painful and take a long time, but it would lead to the betterment of the society later in future.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of prizes to the top seven winners of this year’s Mike Okonwo Essay Competition, among secondary school students.
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