The Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, has taken a swipe at Nigeria’s political class, urging those in leadership positions to prioritize public interest over personal and individualistic interests if Nigeria is to grow beyond its current state.
In a goodwill message yesterday in Abuja during the public presentation of the book Bold Leap authored by Senator Chris Anyanwu, the Obi warned that with the increasing level of corruption in the country—akin to milking a cow—Nigeria would soon “dry up” if the current corrupt practices are not stopped.
The royal highness lamented the insincerity displayed by the political class towards accountability and good governance, likening such behavior to continually milking a cow without replenishing or sustaining it.
Bold Leap, which was launched before a distinguished gathering of Nigerians, including former Presidents, ex-Presidents of the Senate, past and present Senators, and former Governors, is a 600-page autobiography divided into three parts and 19 chapters.
President Bola Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Hon. Zaphaniah Bitrus Jisalo. The Chairman of the event, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, was represented by former Senate President Senator David Mark, while former President Goodluck Jonathan was represented by former Senate President Senator Anyim Pius Anyim. Other notable figures at the event included the Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Jaja of Okpobo; former Governors of Anambra State, Chris Ngige and Peter Obi; PANDEF’s spokesperson Dr. Obiuwevbi Ominimini; current Senators; and captains of industry.
The Obi expressed concern that many politicians enter governance seeking personal gain rather than public service. He urged the political leadership to salvage the country, noting that there is still an opportunity to steer Nigeria back to prosperity if leaders have the fear of God and commit state resources to development and public welfare.
He praised the author of Bold Leap for her insightful perspectives, which he believes will serve as a guide for Nigeria’s youth, both male and female. He also noted that the book provides a valuable learning opportunity for anyone who wishes to emulate the Senator’s experiences.
Recalling the author’s early days as a young female broadcaster, democracy advocate, and later, a prison detainee during military rule, the Monarch acknowledged her journey from prison to becoming a Commissioner, two-term Senator, and a governorship aspirant.
His Majesty emphasized, “Should we continue milking the cow, it would die. In this country, since independence, we’ve been talking and talking, and talking. I think it’s time we start doing something. We have two alternatives: Keep milking the cow until it dies, or place Nigeria above everything else.”
He added, “Time is not in our favor. It’s either we milk the cow to death very quickly or we can turn around the country very fast.”
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Speaking on the need to challenge outdated views that discriminate against the girl child, the Obi pointed out that institutional discrimination against women still exists, not just in Nigeria but worldwide. He asked, “Why can’t we have a female president in Nigeria or a female governor?”
In reaction to Senator Anyanwu’s experience of being rejected as a governorship candidate on the grounds of “who will break the kola nut,” the Obi argued that there is no magic to breaking the kola nut in governance. He referred to Dame Etieba, a female acting Governor, stating that while kola nuts may have been broken, she was still the governor, underscoring that gender should not limit one’s capability in leadership.
He expressed admiration for Senator Anyanwu, describing her as someone who fights for what she believes in, never giving up, and encouraging others to follow her example.
The Dein of Agbor, Keagborekuzi I, who also spoke at the event, called for unity and rejected the notion of secession. He urged all Nigerians, especially those from the Igbo community, to embrace unity, emphasizing that despite Nigeria’s challenges, it has the strength to overcome them if its people remain united.
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who participated in the panel discussion “How Do We Fix Nigeria—System, Structure, Institutions, and Leadership?” criticized the current political system, describing it as “electoralism” rather than democracy. Fayemi noted that while elections take place every four years, little is done to address the needs of the citizenry, with only a select few benefiting from the system.
Fayemi argued that Nigeria’s underdevelopment cannot be blamed solely on colonialism, pointing out that other countries with colonial histories have made progress. He emphasized the need for a national consensus on the country’s future, stating, “We have been fighting to forge what in political science we call elite consensus, but we need to go beyond elite consensus to national consensus.”
He stressed that Nigeria’s challenges stem from a lack of clarity on what the country stands for and its vision for the future. He argued that Nigeria must first establish a national consensus before it can address its systemic issues.
Fayemi also highlighted the importance of equity and inclusion for peace and justice, noting that restructuring Nigeria should be seen as a way to reorganize the society to serve all citizens, not just a powerful minority.
Nkior Briggs, an environmentalist, supported the call for restructuring, stating that the country would not improve unless it undergoes a complete transformation. She explained that the current system disproportionately burdens oil-producing regions and other resource-rich areas, while leaving others without similar benefits. Briggs called for a political system that reflects the needs of all Nigerians, noting that the current system fails to serve the majority of the population.
Briggs also criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for failing to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, highlighting the need for political and systemic reform. She urged citizens to demand better representation from their leaders.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of APGA, Abia South, echoed concerns about weak institutions and cited the example of a public official convicted of embezzling N23.2 billion who received only a light penalty, illustrating the failure of the justice system.
Dr. Aminu Gamana called for societal reorientation to address Nigeria’s challenges, emphasizing the need for a shift in leadership values. He argued that the country’s leadership crisis is rooted in a flawed understanding of what true leadership entails, distinguishing between political positions and actual leadership that influences positive change.
In her closing remarks, Senator Anyanwu urged fellow politicians and Nigerians to write their stories and share their experiences, contributing to the national dialogue on the future of the country.
Source :Vanguard
