• Ooni, Jonathan, Lawan hail Suleiman’s reforms
• As NILDS reviews 1,300 bills, conducts 700 trainings

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has warned that Nigeria’s development and democratic stability will remain elusive until leaders at all levels embrace transformative, value-driven leadership that prioritises national interest over personal gain.
 
Speaking at the public presentation of a new book titled ‘Transformative Leadership in Practice: NILS under Prof. Abubakar Suleiman, Jega said the publication offers a “compelling case study” of how purposeful leadership could rebuild institutions, inspire efficiency, and restore public confidence.
 
“This book provides empirical evidence that transformative leadership is not theoretical; it works,” Jega declared.
 
“Professor Suleiman’s work at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) shows that when vision meets courage, even a public institution can evolve into a centre of excellence.”
 
Under Suleiman’s six-year tenure, NILDS increased its staff strength by more than 60 per cent, analysed over 1,300 bills, conducted more than 700 training programmes for lawmakers and civil society actors, and completed its permanent headquarters, a project stalled for over a decade.
 
Jega said such achievements contrast sharply with the stagnation and inefficiency that define many public institutions, adding that Nigeria’s reform agenda must begin with changing the mindset and ethics of its leaders.
 
“We cannot continue to lament the weakness of our institutions while rewarding mediocrity with political patronage,” he said.
 
Representing former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Attorney General Muhammed Bello Adoke (SAN) described Suleiman as an “institution builder” whose leadership of the National Planning Commission brought professionalism and structure to national policy coordination.
 
“Although his appointment came toward the end of our administration, Prof. Suleiman’s impact was immediate,” Adoke said.
 
“He brought reform, efficiency, and accountability — values our public institutions urgently need today.”
 
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, said Nigeria’s crisis is not of intellect but of integrity, commending Suleiman for demonstrating that moral leadership remains possible in public life.
 
“He is a man of simplicity, empathy, and discipline, a professor in leadership as much as in politics,” the monarch said.
 
“Nigeria’s renewal depends on leaders who embody those same values.”
 
Former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, recalled working closely with Suleiman as Chair of the NILDS Governing Council, describing him as “a reformer who turned ideas into action.”
 
“We created new departments like the Institute for Legislative Security Analysis and the Democracy Lab,” Lawan said.

“His tenure redefined NILDS as a hub of knowledge, professionalism, and innovation.”
 
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Special Adviser on Job Creation said Suleiman’s legacy lay in his commitment to nurturing future leaders and embedding institutional resilience.
 
“His brand of leadership shows how mentorship and vision can strengthen governance and national development,” the aide said.
 
Jega’s remarks turned what began as a 60th birthday tribute into a national conversation on leadership reform.
 
He urged political elites, public servants, and policymakers to emulate the NILDS model, where institutional performance is driven by purpose, not politics.
 
“Nigeria’s transformation will not come from slogans or policies alone,
 
“It will come from leaders who, like Professor Suleiman, turn institutions into instruments of service rather than symbols of power,” Jega concluded.