ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – Ahead of the 2019 general election, the Nehemiah Apostolic Resource Centre on Thursday convened the second edition of its political and leadership roundtable under its School of Government and Politics, which according to its Founder; Apostle Obii Pax-Harry, is where discussions that will provoke change are held.
The event with the theme, ‘’Politics and Good Governance in Nigeria,’’ was held at the Nehemiah Apostolic Resource Centre in Wuse, Abuja on Thursday, 29th November 2018.
In her opening remarks, the convener, Apostle Obii Pax-Harry, stated that the School of Government and Politics is a mentoring platform for men and women who will take charge and help deliver good governance in Nigeria.
“It is a platform for sharing knowledge and information, where we talk about relevant issues and look for solutions,” she said.
The edition featured four panelists: Dr Sani Abdullah, head of Human Capital Development Sector, CBN and DG, Buhari/Osinbajo Mandate Group; Chido Onumah, journalist, rights activist and media trainer; Adaora Onyechere, journalist and Imo State House of Assembly Candidate; and Hon Ochiglegor Idagbo, Member of the Federal House of Representatives.
According to the first speaker, Dr Sani Abdullah, one of the problems of governance in Nigeria is that the measurement of performance is usually influenced by sentiments.
“Unfortunately, measurement of governance in Nigeria is usually based on where the president hails from. There is a sentimental judgement, which is the greatest tragedy in Nigeria. It has created fault lines. Measurement ought to be balanced,” he said.
In order to address the leadership and performance problem in Nigeria, he suggested that Nigeria should adopt the China model, where leaders are chosen from youth, based on evident qualities.
Chido Onumah, in his contribution, said that Nigeria can’t work because her federalism is warped.
“Nigeria’s is unlike any other federalism in the world. Nigeria is not a nation. Nigerians don’t believe in Nigeria. We don’t have ownership of the construct called Nigeria. That’s why we loot the country’s wealth. A nation should be an organic construct, and we ought to negotiate our existence. Our leaders have not made effort to build a nation out of what was handed to them at independence,” he said.
He added that Nigerians should strive to build a Nigeria that is based on justice, in what he called “the need to reinvent our Nigerianness.”
Adaora Onyechere, the next speaker harped on citizen participation, as one of the ways to change Nigeria.
She spoke about how citizens apathy is a problem to change in Nigeria.
She said: “We need to be angry enough. What has been our role outside agonizing? Citizens must do better, else they become accomplices. We can’t afford to feel helpless. Let’s participate. We shouldn’t be following and cheering on a failed leadership.”
Hon Idagbo also emphasised on the need for youth involvement in politics and the processes of governance.
He stated that everyone doesn’t necessarily have to stand for an election to make an impact, but can choose to support those they consider to be the right candidates.
“Beyond signing bills that encourage youth participation, we ought to do more to enable the process. Also, young people given opportunities too should endeavor to do well in order to encourage others and lay a good foundation” , he said.
He also spoke on the importance of such events like the School of Politics and Governance, and encouraged all religious organisations to serve as mentors.