By Abdullahi Abdulrahaman,The Nation
Copyright thenationonlineng
Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has stressed that leadership, democracy, and national development are inseparable pillars that determine a nation’s progress.
Speaking as the keynote speaker at the 3rd Hybrid Annual National Conference of the Department of Political Science, Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Jega said good leadership provides vision and direction, while democracy ensures accountability and citizens’ participation in governance.
He warned that when leadership and democracy work in harmony, they foster socio-economic development, but when in disharmony, they enable authoritarian reversals and frustrate citizens’ aspirations.
Jega lamented that Nigeria suffers from a shortage of responsible and visionary leaders, arguing that many in power are preoccupied with amassing wealth rather than serving the people.
“Without responsible and visionary leadership, democracy cannot thrive; without democratic principles, leadership risks devolving into authoritarianism,” he said.
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The conference, themed “Leadership, Democracy and Nigeria’s National Development,” also featured contributions from academics and policymakers, including Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal (represented by Education Commissioner Mal. Wadatau Madawaki), who said the forum would help policymakers restructure to tackle leadership decay.
Other speakers, including the Emir of Kaura Namoda, HRH Major (Dr) Mohammed Ahmad Asha (Rtd), and the Vice Chancellor of FUGUS, Prof. Mu’azu Abubakar Gusau (represented), commended the conference for its timeliness amid Nigeria’s social and security challenges.
Dr. Aminu Idris, Head of the Department of Political Science and host of the event, described the gathering as a transformative platform, praising Governor Lawal’s support and the University’s commitment to scholarship and progress.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Comrade Abdulrahman Adamu, decried the monetisation of Nigerian politics, saying it has denied the nation opportunities for good and sound leadership.
