Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has said Nigeria's 60 years of independence has been more of pains than gains. He said the lack of leadership and direction in the country has left Nigerians to themselves, as they struggle like orphans roaming in the dark.
Gumi who made the statement in an interview with Daily Trust, also added that Nigeria's leadership problems will never end until people begin to look at the qualifications and past records of those they want to lead them.
Asked whether he pleased with how far Nigeria has come in 60 years, Gumi said, "The nation has gone through many things; we witnessed a civil war while we were in primary school in the 60s, we witnessed military coups and counter-coups which destabilised the nation; we witnessed extravagance when Nigeria didn’t know what to do with money.
"We also witnessed an economic downturn and hostility measures by the government. We have witnessed deterioration in education and at a point, students of universities were out of classrooms for almost a year and we have witnessed communal and religious conflicts and have seen religious fanaticism and terrorism. It’s too much for a nation.
"Another thing that people may not see is the population explosion without commensurate training, education and orientation for this population. I’m very sorry to say this but it’s virtually a redundant, retrogressive and dangerous population and serious steps need to be taken otherwise, what we are witnessing now is child’s play.
On challenges facing the country despite enjoying 21 years of uninterrupted democracy, he said, "Honestly speaking, if we are looking at the books, then we are in a democracy but in reality, we are not in a democracy because the military boys are still in charge of the powers. They still dictate who rules the country even when it should be the people’s free will to choose their leaders.
"I was in the military myself but I had to leave for another objective, so when I talk to you, I speak as an insider. When the military withdraws completely from running the affairs of this nation and become true citizens who do not control the destiny of Nigerians, then probably, we can have the leaders that can steer this nation out of the stagnant, murky waters of the tribulations we are facing.
On whether or not Nigeria's challenges are the results of leadership failure, he said, "It is 100 per cent a leadership problem because when you have a family and the father is a drunkard, or doing other vices, you won’t be surprised if the children take after him. So leaders have no excuse, there is no justification for failure and incompetence in leadership. You are either competent or incompetent.
"We once had leaders that were builders of institutions but they were decapitated. Suddenly the nation woke up with Sardauna of Sokoto, Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, Akintola all gone in a day; we lost nationalists. And since then we have become orphans, up to now, we are in darkness trying to see.
"To identify the right leaders, anybody who wants to impose himself on people should look at his qualifications. Because you can drive a train successfully doesn’t mean you are qualified to fly a plane. Usually in Nigeria, we look at leaders’ past; he has been ex this and that. Time has changed, we should look out for leaders that are digital, modern and up to date. We have them but just need to identify them, pick them and support them."