Nigerian Leaders Call for Urgent Action Against Poverty to Sustain Democracy
In a powerful call to action, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Emir of Kano Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, and Catholic Church Abuja’s Cardinal John Onaiyekan, among others, have urged for immediate measures to combat poverty in order to ensure the survival of democracy in Nigeria. This appeal was made during a public lecture held in Abuja to commemorate the 60th birthday of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi. The lecture, themed “Weaponisation of Poverty as a Means of Underdevelopment; A Case Study of Nigeria,” highlighted the critical need for collective action against poverty.
At the event, Atiku Abubakar emphasized the importance of leaders living up to the expectations of the people and ceasing to use poverty as a means of controlling the populace. He advocated for a unified effort to eradicate poverty, stressing that it is a collective responsibility. Similarly, Cardinal Onaiyekan emphasized that politics should be a service to the people, aimed at uplifting their quality of life, rather than a means for personal wealth accumulation. He noted that democracy can only be sustained when poverty is deliberately addressed, allowing for free and fair elections where the people’s voices are truly represented.
The Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, shared a poignant reflection on his experience with poverty since becoming the Emir, stating that many elites in Nigeria are disconnected from the reality of poverty. He questioned the priorities of leaders, pointing out the stark contrast between the development in cities and the neglect of rural areas, where basic necessities like healthcare and education are lacking. Sanusi’s call to action was clear: leaders must prioritize empathy and the welfare of the people they serve.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, added his voice to the chorus, suggesting that politicians are not inherently inclined to use poverty as a weapon but rather it becomes a self-perpetuating issue when allowed to persist. He advised the electorate to choose leaders who can effectively address poverty, highlighting the critical role of leadership in Nigeria’s development.
The discussion also touched on the intertwined issues of poverty, insecurity, and poor governance. Prof. Usman Yusuf, former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, attributed the multidimensional poverty in Nigeria to corruption and bad governance, noting that many health issues are, in fact, poverty-induced social problems. Rotimi Amaechi linked insecurity directly to the current poverty levels, emphasizing that the power to change lies with the people, who must be willing to elect leaders who can address these challenges.
Dr. Chidi Amuta, a renowned scholar and journalist, underscored the future of democracy in Nigeria and Africa, tying it to the fight against aggressive poverty. He posited that the relevance of democracy must be measured by its impact on the welfare and rescue of the poor, advocating for a recalibration of democracy’s meaning to prioritize the living conditions of the poor.
The event, chaired by Prof. Wole Soyinka and attended by notable figures including former Governor of Bayelsa, Sierake Dickson, and several traditional rulers, served as a clarion call to action. It emphasized that addressing poverty is not only a moral imperative but a necessary step for the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. As the nation moves forward, the message from these leaders couldn’t be clearer: collective action against poverty is essential for a prosperous and democratic future.
