A coalition of several groups in Nigeria on Friday called for the emergence of conscientious leaders who come forward from the grassroots with proven character and competence to lead.
They also advocated for switching of candidates’ selection process for political parties from those who pursue elective positions for self-gratification to one in which the communities approach people of good standing, character and competence and persuade them to vie for elective offices.
Convener of the coalition, Professor Pat Utomi stated this while addressing newsmen on the state of the nation in Lagos.
Professor Utomi noted that Nigeria’s political parties continue to be run as private business estate of those who “Own and fund them. This is why they continue to be questionable as instruments for the advancement of the Common Good.
“We are therefore calling on Faith groups, community leaders, illuminant associations to seek out where credible members of their community are and bring them forward with suggested positions they should contest. We seek to build old generation consensus and collegial leadership as our approach, not to proclaim Messiahs. In this college of reformers, a new politics and the new Nigeria that puts the people of Nigeria first will be birthed.”
Security
Professor Utomi bemoaned the killing of innocent Nigerians by bandits and terrorists and reiterated calls for all Nigerians to unite and fight the perpetrators of these evil acts.
“These times call for people of courage and conviction to bring wisdom to the table. In many ways, providence is showing us a path in the convergence of a Christian season of repentance, lent, reconciliation, and renewal with the Ramadan season of equivalent or similar spiritual disposition. We would therefore call on all gladiators to sheath their swords and recognize that which is at the very survival of Nigeria and the future of our children”.
He, therefore, called for a structure that can navigate the country through these very trying times and uncertainties as well as cement the desperate desire of our people for a new beginning that will ensure that Nigeria rises up again.
“We want here to invite Statesmen to approach the challenge of the moment in building a national unity solution with the same adroitness that General Yakubu Gowon approached matters in 1967, the Babangida step aside transition and the Yaradua season doctrine of necessity.”
PIAK
