Nigeria needs leaders to end oppression — Datti Baba-Ahmed - Punch Newspapers

The former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has called for leaders capable of ending what he described as oppression in Nigeria. Baba-Ahmed made the call on Monday while delivering a keynote address at the second edition of the Bala AbdulKadir Mohammed Colloquium, held at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre, Bauchi, to commemorate the 68th birthday of the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed. He said Nigeria needed leaders who would stand for the people and protect their rights, stressing that oppression must not become entrenched in the country’s leadership and society. He said Nigerians must unite and take responsibility for demanding good governance and holding elected leaders accountable. He said, “Nigeria needs leaders that will stop oppression. Do you remember that there is a saying about injustice and helping the oppressed and the oppressor? “How do you help someone who is oppressing? You stop him from oppressing. That is what we need to begin to do because now oppression is getting into the DNA of Nigerian leaders and the Nigerian people.” The former presidential candidate also urged Nigerians to stand up for themselves and participate actively in the democratic process. Baba-Ahmed said, “Why can’t the Nigerian people come together? Why can’t the Nigerian people think for themselves, fend for themselves, stand for themselves and fight for themselves?”See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google He said democracy must be centred on the welfare and interests of the people, questioning whether the country’s democratic system was adequately serving Nigerians. He further called for forgiveness, unity and trust among Nigerians, adding that citizens must appreciate leaders for their positive contributions without turning such appreciation into sycophancy. He said, “When you appreciate leaders, it is not to massage them. What is even more important is to educate others to appreciate and understand, and take an example, even if it is one single quality from that leader.” Baba-Ahmed also reflected on his involvement in the 2023 general election, saying he did not regret supporting what he described as the defence of Nigerians’ constitutional rights. He urged Nigerians to learn from the country’s political history and ensure that future leadership was focused on the interests of the people. Bauchi Assembly to establish additional sexual assault centres Tinubu’s CNG promise won’t end hunger, says Jigawa LP chieftain States benefiting from Tinubu’s economic, security reforms – Bauchi gov Also speaking at the event, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kabiru Turaki, called for improved quality of representation and legislation in the National Assembly. Turaki said lawmakers should focus on making laws that would positively affect the lives of ordinary Nigerians rather than increasing the burden on citizens. He said, “Every day, laws are being turned out of the National Assembly. Every day, legislation is made. But the question is, do these legislations fundamentally affect the lives of the common man in this country? “We need legislation that will add value positively to the lives of Nigerians. Legislation that will tackle the problem of unemployment, poverty and insecurity that we are facing today.” Turaki criticised what he described as legislation that placed additional burdens on Nigerians, saying lawmakers should be more responsive to the challenges confronting citizens. He also urged young Nigerians to become actively involved in politics and governance, rejecting the notion that the youth should simply wait for their turn to lead. According to him, young Nigerians should not continue to be told that they are leaders of tomorrow without being given opportunities to participate meaningfully in governance. He said, “They will tell you, ‘Youths of today are the leaders of tomorrow.’ You are 28; you will even get to 68. When will that tomorrow come?” Turaki also urged Nigerians from different sectors of society to participate in politics and the democratic process, warning that withdrawing credible and experienced individuals from politics could create room for people without integrity or credibility to take over leadership positions. He said traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, businesspeople and other respected members of society should take an interest in political affairs and elections. He added that citizens had a responsibility to monitor elected officials and demand accountability from those entrusted with public offices. Turaki said, “It is only by doing so that we will unlock the process. And when we unlock it, then we have the legal and moral right to call those we elected into responsibility.” Umar Sani

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