POOR LEADERSHIP IDENTIFIED AS BANE OF NIGERIA NATION

OGHENETEJIRI NYERHOVWO /RACHAEL IGBIVWIE

Poor leadership has been identified as bane of the Nigerian nation just as this has made the people not to have confidence in the political leadership.

This was disclosed by Prince Kehinde Taiga, National Vice President’ Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR)in a statement made available to National Reformer in Warri, he decried the poor leadership style in Nigeria saying that Nigerian leaders have bastardised the constitutional provision of fundamental human rights for Nigerians as enshrined in the Constitution.

Prince Taiga who has been chairman of CDHR in Delta State was recently elected National Vice President of the body in Abeokuta, Ogun state.

Prince Taiga noted that Nigeria is now in the hands of few who take decisions for their own selfish agrandisement undermining the over 200 million Nigerians whose lives their selfish decisions will affect at the lowest rung of the ladder.

In a statement, Taiga said: “Fellow Nigerians, I celebrate each and every one of you out there for your doggedness and steadfastness in your unwavering belief in the country irrespective of the harsh leadership we are facing today. Iwant to also celebrate you all for your continuous support to CDHR (our organization, your organization) in all the states of the federation.”

He added, a great African, Nelson Mandela once said: “to deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity”.

Prince Taiga spoke further, “I will also corroborate this quote by saying “the denial of a people’s fundamental human rights is tantamount to modern day slavery. It is sad to know that Nigeria of today in the hands of many self aggrandizing leaders is a country where the fundamental human rights of the people is being consistently trampled upon.”

The national Vice President of CDHR further noted, “Nigeria is a country where the commonwealth of the nation is left in the very hands of some few privileged individuals as against what is enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Section 16 Sub 2(c). Same individuals who are unrepentantly and continuously siphoning and draining the commonwealth and our resources, and by so doing exposing our people to sufferings, hunger, poverty and unreasonable minimum living wage.”

Prince Taiga pointed out that Nigerians are not asking for too much by wanting to hold their political leaders accountable, adding, “fellow Nigerians, it is important to inform you that we are not asking too much from our political leaders to provide adequate shelter, suitable and adequate food, welfare for the disabled, sick benefits and provision of basic amenities to every Nigerian irrespective of our culture, race, colour, ethnicity, religion and the likes. It is the fundamental right of the people to have access and enjoy these things as enshrined in our Constitution in Section 16 sub 2(a).”

Prince Taiga then called on all tiers of government, local, state and federal to give the people what is their duel and inalienable rights, he added, “I therefore call on all tiers of government to respect and honour this part of the Constitution in order to give Nigerians a better life, happiness and having the sense of belonging of a working Nigeria. We must know that the sovereignty of Nigeria belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through the Constitution derives all its power and authority.”

He called on the people to continually stand up and demand for their rights from political leaders rather than being beggarly, noting, ” finally, I will like to make a clarion call on Nigerians that we must all continue to stand up in demanding for our rights, rather than begging to take the crumbs falling out of the table of politicians. Remember that if you go to them as a beggar, they will treat you as a beggar. But if you go to them as one who is asking for his rights, definitely they will give you your rights.”

END