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Obasanjo calls for inclusion of technocrats in government
The former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has said that since the transition to civilian democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria has been beset by the misfortune of leaders who are neither selfless nor visionary but essentially greedy for power and money. but also as consolidators of poor democratic governance.
This is as former President Olusegun Obasanjo said many technocrats can help improve or build a robust economy in the country but wondered why Nigerians should cling to mediocrity that has landed them in difficult economic situations.
The former INEC boss argued that the country’s current rating, based on comparative global indices, tells a sad story about the nature and character of the trajectory of its ‘democratic development’ over the past 25 years of democracy.
Jega was speaking yesterday when he delivered a keynote speech at the opening of this year’s Directors Conference by the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria, in Lagos, on the theme ‘Good Governance as a Catalyst for Economic Recovery, Growth and Development’.
He said it is an unhealthy picture, which leaves much to be desired, and which calls for attention and urgent reforms and repositioning if Nigeria is to realize its potential to use its vast resources to meet the socio-economic needs of its citizens and to become a globally competitive member of the community of nations.
Jega, a professor of Political Economy at the Department of Political Science, University of Bayero, Kano, pointed to elected governments and legislatures at federal, state and local government levels, revealing a sad picture and evidence of systematic undermining of prosperity. and the well-being of citizens, as well as their needs and aspirations, by elected government officials.
Obasanjo, who was a guest at the farewell program organized by Chrisland University for the outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Chinedum Babalola, stated that Nigeria has men and women of substance who can lead the country to where it should be . are.
“No one will do it for us, we have to do it for ourselves, and I believe there are people everywhere and we just have to look for them. Two major development banks in Africa are led by Nigerians and the World Trade Organization (WTO) is also led by a Nigerian, as is the number two United Nations (UN). Why do we cling to mediocrity and languish in a harsh economy?”
He then urged Nigerians to look inward and diversify the economy through agriculture, tourism, industry and education.