Professor Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stated that the two major political parties in the country have led Nigeria astray in the last 21 years of democratic governance.
This was stated by the former INEC chairman while speaking at the maiden inaugural lecture of Kwaravisioners Network for Rural Development, in Ilorin the Kwara State capital, on Saturday.
Professor Jega advocated creation of new special vehicles to free Nigeria from its present strangulation.
Speaking on the theme: “Politics, Governance and Leadership Recruitment in 21st Century Democracy” Professor Jega, who described Nigeria as a failing state, urged Nigerians to work hard to change our ways for the country to move forward.
“From the local, state and federal government levels, we have clueless leadership because of the way they got into power,” he declared.
He warned that Nigeria may run aground if the needful is not done at the right time.
The former INEC chairman, also called for development of a people-oriented party structure that will be accountable to the people, adding that people must also elect leaders with integrity and competence.
Jega, used the occasion to dismiss speculation about presidential ambition, saying ” I have no presidential ambition, all I am doing is to contribute to a credible, reliable and acceptable process of election and leadership recruitment in the country.
In his own contribution, the Head of News and Current Affairs, TVC, Babajide Kolade Otitoju, said nobody should pretend that all is well with the country presently.
He warned that if the present situation in Nigeria is not well managed, ” we will all go down together.”
Otitoju observed that there is no leadership recruitment module that can deliver Nigeria.
He challenged voters to change bad leaders through the ballot box or else the current situation in the country may continue unabated.
Otitoju, while reflecting on the current worried situation in the country wondered what was the difference between the ruling APC and PDP, the main opposition party.