The majority’s of Nigerian leaders were mainly incapable and self centered, say Prof. Attahiru Jega

From A A. Chakwa, Gusau

The Vice chancellor of Bayero University, Kano and former National Chairman of Independence Electoral Commission (INEC) Professor Attahiru Muhammad Jega OFR said, Leadership, democracy, and national development are deeply interconnected concepts that shape the trajectory of progress and development of any nation.

Prof. Jega stated this while delivering his address as a keynote speaker at the 3rd Hybrid Annual National Conference of the Department of Political science, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State.

Prof. Jega further buttressed that, Good leadership provides the vision and direction necessary for governance, while democracy offers the framework through which leaders are elected, held accountable, and guided by the will of the people.

“When leadership and Democracy function in harmony, they create an environment conducive to national progress and socio-economics development. Conversely, when in disharmony, they undermine governance, create the conditions for authoritarian reversal and block satisfaction of popular needs and aspirations for sustainable socio-economic development. Jega stated.

“Democratic systems empower citizens to participate in decision-making processes, ensuring that leaders in the governance processes focus upon the collective interests of citizens rather than the ambitions of a few. Jega said.

The former INEC Chairman Prof. jega said Nigeria lacks good and visionaries leaders as the majority of those in power were mainly to accumulate wealth.

“Without responsible and visionary leadership, democracy cannot thrive; without democratic principles, leadership risks devolving into authoritarianism/democratic backsliding. Jega said.

Lead Paper Presenter one and two, Hon. Commissioner for Information & Internal Security, Borno State, Prof. Usman A. Tar of the Dept. of Defence & Security Studies Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna presented by Dr. Taofiq Aminu from the Department of History, Federal University Gusau and Prof. David O. Moveh, Department of Political Science & International Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

The Special Guest of Honour and Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal presented by the Commissioner for Education and Technology, Mal. Wadatau Madawaki said, the conference will help the policy makers in both public and private sectors to restrategize their actions to address leadership decay.

“Even though it easy to point accusing finger to the public sector but the issue is all over. Madawaki said

Guest of Honour and the Emir of Kaura Namoda, HRH Major (Dr) Mohammed Ahmad Asha (Rtd) and the chief Host, the Vice chancellor of the University, Prof. Mu’azu Abubakar Gusau Presented by D.V Academic Prof. Aliyu Moyi said, the conference comes at a better time.

The Head of Political science Department and Host of the conference, Dr. Aminu Idris described the conference as transformative power of knowledge and further expressed his deepest appreciation to the leadership of our university

“No doubt, Professor Mu’azu’s commitment to academic excellence provided the enabling environment that makes a gathering of this magnitude possible. Your leadership is not only inspiring but exemplary, and we are indeed fortunate to have you as our vice chancellor. Dr. Aminu said.

Dr. Aminu Idris also assures the University of their continued dedication to uphold the values of scholarship, discipline. and progress that you champion so passionately.

“This year’s conference comes at a critical time in our national journey, at a time when the state, and indeed the nation, is grappling with numerous social and security challenges.

“We acknowledge the security challenges that continue to affect various parts of our nation.

Dr. Aminu Idris further stated that, the University’s department of Political Science recognizes the courageous efforts of Zamfara State Governor on some key areas of development.

“We in the Department of Political science we recognized your courage it takes to lead in such challenging times, and we commend your achievement, particularly in security, infrastructure, education and Health. Dr. Aminu said.

Dr. Aminu also said, the Governor Lawal’s support for the conference demonstrates his belief in intellectual engagement as a means of addressing societal issues.

Equally, the Host of the conference showed his appreciation to the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Nakwada, for his role in facilitating strong synergy between the State government and the Department.

“It may interest the audience to know that the Executive Governor, Secretary to the State Government and the permanent Secretary Cabinet Affairs, State Head of Service are all Political Scientists by training. Dr. Aminu said.

The chairman local organizing committee of the conference Comrade Abdulrahaman Adamu also shown dismay how Nigerian politics has been monetized.

“It is unfortunate our politicians monetized the system blocking chances of good and sound leaders to emerge for the rescue of the devastating Nigerian leadership. Comrade Adamu agonized.

The theme of the confrontation is “Leadership, Democracy and Nigeria’s National Development.