Nigeria is at a crossroads, and according to elder statesman and former Ahmadu Bello University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ango Abdullahi, the root of the country’s turmoil is failed leadership. In an exclusive interview, the 86-year-old convener of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) did not mince words as he tackled key national issues, from economic hardship and political failures to governance lapses and the controversial detention of Nnamdi Kanu.
Leadership Failure, Not Lack of Resources
Professor Abdullahi dismissed the idea that Nigeria’s problems stem from a lack of resources. Instead, he squarely placed the blame on decades of bad governance. He lamented that despite Nigeria’s vast wealth, citizens continue to suffer from poverty, hunger, and hardship due to the failure of leaders to harness the country’s potential.
“The crisis we have is not about the economy; it’s about leadership. Once leadership is wrong, everything else goes wrong,” he stated, emphasizing that the country has been mismanaged for the last 10 to 15 years.
On Fuel Subsidy Removal & Palliatives
When asked about the impact of fuel subsidy removal and the government’s response, he was unimpressed. “I am an old man, but I have not received any palliatives,” he said, suggesting that whatever relief measures were introduced had failed to reach many Nigerians.
Governors Running from Their States?
Professor Abdullahi also criticized state governors who spend more time in Abuja than in their own states. “People just want positions, but they don’t carry the weight of responsibility,” he remarked, adding that such attitudes contribute to governance failures at all levels.
On Local Government Autonomy
Calling the push for local government independence a “political gimmick,” he argued that as long as governors control state electoral commissions, local councils will never truly be autonomous. “What we have in the councils are the choices of governors, not the people,” he said.
Judiciary Lacks Independence
According to Abdullahi, Nigeria’s judiciary is compromised, making it difficult for opposition parties to challenge the ruling government. “Opposition parties can go to court, but they should know that their cases will be decided by those in power,” he claimed, stating that he has no confidence in the judicial system as it stands.
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While he acknowledged their right to contest, he argued that Nigeria needs independent candidates. “Why should I have to join a political party to run for office? People should be free to elect leaders based on merit, not party affiliation,” he said.
Presidential System Has Failed Nigeria
Professor Abdullahi strongly advocated for a return to the parliamentary system, arguing that Nigeria made more progress under regional governance. “For 25 years, this presidential system has not worked for Nigeria,” he said, pointing to the achievements of past regional leaders like Awolowo, Azikiwe, and Ahmadu Bello.
On Nnamdi Kanu’s Detention
Dismissing political interpretations of Kanu’s case, he insisted that the law should take its course. “If he has broken the law, let the law deal with him,” he said, urging a legal resolution to the matter.
Nigerians Are Angry & Frustrated
Reflecting on recent protests and calls for alternative governance models, including military rule, he noted that citizens are simply desperate for change. “People are frustrated with the system because it’s not working. That’s why they are exploring other options,” he explained.
More States? A Joke!
Reacting to the proposal to create 31 additional states, he laughed it off as an unserious idea. “We already have 36 states struggling to survive. Many can’t even pay salaries. Why create more?” he asked.
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While the U.S. has denied allegations of sponsoring terrorism, Abdullahi suggested that global powers always act in their interests. “America will deny anything they are doing wrong. This is international politics,” he said, urging African nations to define their own interests instead of being manipulated by foreign influences.
Final Thoughts
Professor Abdullahi made it clear: Nigeria’s crisis is self-inflicted. Until leadership changes and governance improves, Nigerians will remain angry and frustrated. “We had a Nigeria we were proud of at independence. We need to go back and rebuild it,” he concluded.
Do you agree with his assessment? Let’s discuss.
