Says presidential system dictatorial, Nigerians are unhappy

A former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi (SAN), yesterday, appealed to political leaders in the country to take the bull by the horn by taking decisive actions to address the critical challenges confronting Nigerians.

He said that the problems facing the country were self-inflicted and driven by selfish interests and gains, adding that both the rich and the poor are living in unhappy times.

Agabi stated this, yesterday, while delivering his lecture during the 23rd Mike Okonkwo yearly public lecture, entitled: “Nigeria’s Pathways: Diagnosis and the Prescriptions,” in Lagos, noting that it is high time Nigerians return to God for true repentance.

The legal luminary said that no solutions could come from leaders that don’t have the hearts for their people and feel their pains.

He, however, lamented that despite the commitment of both Christians and Muslims to prayers, things are still not improving, urging the leaders to learn the best method of governance from advanced countries.

Agabi, who stressed the need for the country to invest in visionary leaders that would be driven by a desire to accomplish deeds that would gain the lasting respect of the people, said: “Nigeria fell when it started to appoint unqualified political leaders into offices.

“We need a leader that would appreciate that they are elected or appointed to enlarge the lives and opportunities of others, not just their own or those of their families or friends. They must be able to mediate among the various factions that divide the nation. Our leaders must be able to place themselves in the place of the people and identify with their aspirations. They must be confident, hardworking, patient, and persevere, in the face of frustration. They must also be merciful and not vindictive..”

He faulted the current presidential system of government, describing it as dictatorial in nature and concentrating power on a single person.

He, therefore, advocated for a parliamentary democracy, which he believed, would be good for efficient and effective governance.

He also urged the government to find a way to fight corruption without destroying the economy, adding that the anti-corrupt agencies are overwhelmed.

According to him, “the EFCC, the ICPC and the Police Force and all other law enforcement agencies are founded on the premise that crime will be limited. If that limit is exceeded, they cannot cope no matter competent or efficient or determined the officials who control these establishments may be.”

The former Justice Minister noted that the fear of these institutions are part of what is destroying the economy, saying that “people are afraid of these institutions and they are hiding their money in homes, banks abroad to evade investigation.”

He, therefore, appealed to the government to encourage Nigerians who have taken their investment and money abroad to return to the country.