Governor Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu
By Taiwo Akintunde
Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mua’zu Babangida Aliyu, Monday called on Nigerians to collectively address the current issue of insecurity facing the nation.
Aliyu, who disclosed this while giving a lecture at a Public Policy Forum organised by the Business Hallmark Newspaper in Lagos, said social conflict was another major obstacle delimiting the potentials of Nigeria adding that it has caused a huge setback in the cause for a united nation.
Speaking on the topic; Governance, Social Conflict and the Imperatives of Communal Harmony, Aliyu stated categorically that Nigerians must live in peaceful coexistence and in oneness of God to achieve the goals of national development.
He said: “The characteristics of governance may be described as elements of a successful governance even though the issue is of collective responsibility, these include; participation, Rule of Law, accountability, transparency, responsiveness, consensus building, equity, government effectiveness and efficiency, strategic vision, political stability and absence of violence, control of corruption, protection of human rights, sustainable economic opportunities and human development.
These are the elements that we must work together with to achieve the common goal that we all gear towards,” he said.
He stated that: “It is so unfortunate that we have found ourselves in this situation but we must remain one and unite to fight this terror militating against our progress. The issue of Boko Haram and other terrorism-related threats should be tackled not just by the government but by every one of us as stakeholders in the country.”
The governor, who explained that Nigeria was in a deep mess of corruption, said: “We need to also tackle the issue of corruption severely if we have to move forward.”
It pains my heart to see some people exploiting the peace and security of this nation but I believe their reign will not last forever. We have talked enough and now is the time to act and implement all the policies that have been drafted to fight against terror, corruption and political instability.”
Aliyu also addressed the issue of a recent call for a National Soverign Conference by some elite in the country.
He said the call for the national dialogue is a sign of progress and unity of Nigerians adding that the idea is a brilliant one.
“It is at this time that I wish to say that the call for a National Sovereign Conference which was tabled by elder statesmen and elites in our country is a good sign for the survival of democracy. We need the dialogue and I believe that the issues that will be discussed are issues that will drive the nation forward. We also have to work hard to protect the template of democracy and unity that our past heroes like Nnamdi Azikwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Anthony Enahoro and Sir Ahmadu Bello have given us in time past because we cannot afford to disappoint them even though some of them are no more,” he said.
The Publisher, Business Hallmark Newspaper, Prince Emeka Obasi, said the Public Policy Forum is one that addresses national issues
and brings key decision makers in both government and private sector to address the masses on current situation and solutions at hand to address them.
Other dignitaries present were Professor Anya .O. Anya, who was the chairman of the event, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, former Chairman of Hallmark Bank, Mark Nwabara; Dr. Tola Adeniyi, Ambassador Segun Olusola, Dr. Chidi Amuta, Hon. Zachari Muhammad, Mr. Sam Omatseye, Chief Olu Ayo Adebanjo, Mrs. Adunni Bankole, amongst others.