Elder statesman and founding chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Olu Falae, has revealed that he once traveled to Lagos on foot as a young man without being kidnapped. However, in his old age, he was kidnapped in his own farm, and spent four days in captivity.
He said despite the challenges in the past, the country has never been this bad and insecure.
He attributed the current state of the country to leadership failure, saying the country has been producing leaders who have no philosophy, credible plans, nor capacity to provide the type of leadership needed in the country.
Falae, 84, who made the statement at the commissioning of the National Secretariat of the SDP in Abuja, however, believes the presidential candidate of the SDP, has what it takes to lead the country well, although winning the presidential election will not come easy.
“We have a good Presidential candidate in the person of Adewole Adebayo who did not only show the knowledge of the law but history, anthropology, architecture and other fields.
“The party may not have a governor today, may not be in Aso rock, but the SDP is getting there,” Falae said, adding that Nigeria is in crisis as a result of failed leadership.
“Nigeria today is in crisis. You can’t move without being kidnapped. I have been kidnapped for four days on my own farm.
“I travelled to Lagos on foot as a young man without being kidnapped. But at 77, I was kidnapped.
“Controlling government is not a controlling party. Ask the parties, what is their philosophy, they don’t know it, they don’t have a plan, that’s why things are getting worse.
“SDP is the only party that can restructure and revive Nigeria. More people will leave the country if things are not put right. More doctors are leaving.
“Politics is about numbers. Bring people to the party and surprise the so-called party because no one will rig the election.
“We have a good chance to deliver Nigeria and help Nigeria from disaster. You have the chance to deliver Nigeria,” Falae said.