From Joe Effiong, Uyo
Former minister for land, housing and urban development, Nduese Essien, has advised President Bola Tinubu to perish any second term ambition and begin the plan on how to handover to a government of national unity in 2027.
Essien, a former South South cacaus chairman of the House of Representatives, who said this while addressing newsmen as part of his 80th birthday celebrations, at his country home in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, said the advice to Tinubu became necessary because of endemic corruption, insecurity, impunity, nepotism, bad governance, and a flawed leadership recruitment system that have jeopardised the future of the nation.
He said: “Today, I stand before you with a heart heavy with concern and a spirit emboldened by resolve. Our beloved country, Nigeria, is at a crossroads, grappling with crises that threaten the very fabric of our society.
“Endemic corruption, insecurity, impunity, nepotism, bad governance, and a flawed leadership recruitment system have cast a shadow over our nation’s future. But, even in the face of these daunting challenges, I remain steadfast in my belief in the resilience of our people and potential of our great country.
“First and foremost, let me address the cancer of corruption that has plagued our society for far too long. Coming out of military rules and an interregnum of civilian administration in 1999, Nigeria was rated the second most corrupt nation in the world. The new administration in 1999 was aware of the enormity of the problem and set out to immediately address it by instituting mechanisms to reduce corruption.
“By 2008, Nigeria had ascended the corruption index to 121 out of 180 – a significant improvement resulting from the efforts of eight years. By 2023, 145 out of 180, reflecting the deteriorating level of corruption in the country.
“Corruption is not merely a crime; it is also a betrayal of the trust placed in our leaders and a theft from the pockets of every hardworking Nigerian. We cannot hope to move forward as a nation until we root out corruption at all levels of government and society.
“Regrettably, corruption is most unlikely to reduce in Nigeria with the laissez-faire attitude of successive administrations wanting to accumulate excess resources to outpace opponents to win the next election. What is required is a selfless leader with a determination to address the menace the way Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore tackled it.
“Equally pressing is the issue of insecurity, which has left too many of our citizens living in fear for their lives and livelihoods. From the menace of Boko Haram in the North East to the banditry and kidnapping ravaging our communities, no Nigerian should have to endure such terror. We must bolster our security forces, invest in intelligence gathering and technology, and address the underlying socio-economic factors that fuel extremism and criminality.
“But we must also recognise that security is not just about guns and bullets; it is also about justice, opportunity, and dignity for all.”
Essien also lamented that since 2015, Nigerians witnessed the worst levels of nepotism – the lopsided appointments which have negated not only the federal character principles enshrined in the constitution, but also the tenets of justice and equity.
“Impunity too, has been ever so pervasive, with powerful individuals and institutions flouting the law carelessly while ordinary Nigerians suffer the consequences. This culture of nepotism erodes trust in our institutions and undermines the very foundations of our democracy.
“No one should act outside the law. No one should be above the law. We must collectively ensure justice is blind – meting out punishment to the powerful and protection to the powerless,” he said.
The former lawmaker, however, commend the governors of Akwa Ibom, Abia, Edo and Borno states for the good job they are doing for their people, emphasising that in Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno, has embodied humility, prudence and commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the people of the State.
“By settling the backlog of gratuities and pension to retired public officers, cutting the cost of public celebrations and leasing out the state aircraft, Governor Umo Eno has shown that it will no longer be business as usual.
“But there are still rooms for him to do more to cut the cost of governance. Running a smart cabinet made up of experts with proven record of integrity and achievement will not only deliver on the promise of good governance, but also show that honesty and hard work pays.
In the light of these challenges and as I wind down on the activities of my 80th birthday anniversary, I am also beginning the exiting process of my participation in active politics. I will, in a short while, sort out and disengage from the various political groups and leadership positions I have held for so long.
“At the age of 70 in 2014, I announced my disengagement from seeking elective office. Very soon, I shall be out of partisan politics to allow younger people room for ascendancy. As an elder statesman, I remain committed to offering guidance and counsel in the pursuit of a better Nigeria,” he said.