A former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has urged Nigerian politicians to emulate the exemplary lifestyle of the country’s founding fathers.
He spoke yesterday at a book launch in Bauchi where he emphasised the importance of responsible leadership and the need for politicians to lead by example.
The book, which chronicles the struggles of two northern politicians, Umar Launi Usman and Sa’adu Zungur, highlights the selfless contributions of the two political icons to Nigeria’s development.
Prof. Jega who was represented by Dr. Habu Mohammed, said, the stories of the two icons served as a reminder to all, particularly politicians, of the importance of integrity, honesty and selflessness in leadership.
He said, “Malam Aminu Kano and Sa’adu Zungur are among the leading northern Nigeria heroes who catapulted social consciousness among the people of northern Nigeria about their inhuman treatment by the colonial state and its allies, the feudal lords.
“To Malam Aminu Kano, Sa’adu Zungur was not only a teacher but also a mentor and an inspiring person, in short, a “guiding light”, because of his wisdom and phenomenal insights on public issues.”
“In addition to the gift of knowledge and intellectualism, Malam Sa’adu Zungur was also a fearless person who not only expressed his views and contempt with colonial rule but also a very frank person who told what he considered truth without any hesitation.”
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Kasim Ibrahim, reiterated the state government’s commitment to emulating the exemplary leadership of Nigeria’s founding fathers.
He said, “Our administration has executed numerous development projects across the state, and we solicit the support of our citizens to continue delivering excellent results.”
Governor Mohammed said any effort made to recapture lost glory and history and inform people about what had happened in the past with the heroes was commendable, hence the association with it and its launch.
“It is good that somebody has come with the idea of writing about our heroes and highlighting their contributions to the development of the society,” the governor said.
Vice Chancellor of the Federal University Kashere in Gombe State, Prof. Umar Pate, the book reviewer, represented by Ibrahim Isa, described the book as a driver that present leaders should use to lead.
