Nigeria needs leaders to stop oppression, Datti Baba-Ahmed

The former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has called for leaders who can end what he calls oppression in Nigeria.

Baba-Ahmed made this call on Monday during a keynote speech at the second Bala AbdulKadir Mohammed Colloquium. The event took place at the Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi to mark the 68th birthday of the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.

He said Nigeria needs leaders who will stand up for the people and protect their rights. He warned that oppression must not become a normal part of Nigeria’s leadership and society.

Baba-Ahmed urged Nigerians to come together and take charge of demanding good governance. He stressed the importance of holding elected leaders accountable.

He said, “Nigeria needs leaders that will stop oppression. Do you remember that there is a saying about injustice and helping the oppressed and the oppressor?

“How do you help someone who is oppressing? You stop him from oppressing. That is what we need to begin to do because now oppression is getting into the DNA of Nigerian leaders and the Nigerian people.”

The former presidential candidate also encouraged Nigerians to stand up for themselves and get involved in the democratic process.

Baba-Ahmed asked, “Why can’t the Nigerian people come together? Why can’t the Nigerian people think for themselves, fend for themselves, stand for themselves and fight for themselves?”

He mentioned that democracy should focus on the welfare and interests of the people. He questioned whether Nigeria’s democratic system was truly serving the citizens.

He also called for forgiveness, unity, and trust among Nigerians. He said citizens should appreciate leaders for their good work but should not allow this appreciation to turn into flattery.

He said, “When you appreciate leaders, it is not to massage them. What is even more important is to educate others to appreciate and understand, and take an example, even if it is one single quality from that leader.”

Baba-Ahmed reflected on his role in the 2023 general election. He stated he does not regret supporting what he views as the protection of Nigerians’ constitutional rights.

He urged Nigerians to learn from the country’s political history. He emphasized that future leadership should focus on the interests of the people.