Elder statesmen and members of the political class have been admonished to promote inclusive discourse for national unity and development.
The Director General of Micheal Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Issa Aremu gave this advice on the sideline of the Institute’s 2nd Ramadan Lecture in Ilorin the Kwara State capital, North Central Nigeria.
The Director General observed that while Nigeria goes through the challenges of nation building, “the narrative about the country should be constructive, objective and not destructive.”
According to him, contrary to what he calls “populist comments” of some notable statesmen that 2023 elections polarize Nigeria and Nigerians, the elections data reveal that the polls were the “most competitive, positive and diverse in outcomes” since 1999.
Comrade Aremu said democratic process “is inherently competitive with winners and losers who in the next polls might very well swap positions as losers and winners respectively.
“Competition and contest” he said “ are hallmarks of democracy, they do not amount to polarization, so let no divisive commentaries turn asunder an emerging democratic process in Nigeria ” Aremu remarked.
He said for the first time since 1999 National Assembly is diverse with four political parties not monopoly of one or two parties, development that he observed to be healthy for law making.
In his lecture, the Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Al-Hikmah University, Professor Abdulateef Funsho Oladimeji admonished Nigerian leaders to lead by example and have fear of Allah in all their private and official engagements.
Professor Oladimeji said ‘whoever aspires to lead should be ready to accept the trust, saying that, that trust must be kept jealousy and religiously’.
According to him, the position of authority is an avenue where the integrity and dignity of the occupants are tested, explaining that any Muslim leader that allows the Glorious Qur’an and Hadith of Prophet Muhammed to be his compass would have a good beginning and an appreciable end.
Prof. Oladimeji also advised the followers to contribute their quota by doing what is expected of them as responsible followers, saying that both leaders and the led have great roles to play in the business of creating a better society.
He, however, commended the Director General of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies , (MINILS) Comrade Issa Aremu for coming up with the idea of Ramadan Lecture of which this year’s edition is a second in the series, just as he appreciated his leadership quality which makes it possible for the adherents of Islam and Christianity that are staff of the institute to willingly attend the lecture.
The Guest lecturer who demanded accountability from newly elected governors and legislators admonished politicians “to fulfil promises made to the electorate as a matter of faith”.
This year’s Lecture was on “The Role of Leadership and Follower-ship in Contemporary Nigeria: Islamic perspective.