A
clarion call has been sounded by former national vice-chairman in the
southwest zone of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), chief Bode George
for the party to redesign it's internal configuration.
The
former Military Governor of Ondo State, ex Chairman of the Nigerian
Ports Authority, made the call at a Public Lecture staged by Minerva
Philosophical Association with the theme: 'Leadership, Change and
National Continuity'.
Speaking
at the lecture, chief Bode George said; "Our party has been hit by a
huge blow but we are not technically knocked out. This is the first time
in our history when an incumbent leader is voted out of power and for
that reason, we need to redesign the internal configurations of our
party.
"I have been part
of government for many years and I know that nations are sustained by
enlightened debates rather than partisan politics which should give way
for balanced sharing of ideas and focus. The reality on ground today is
that we have a new government and we must respect that. We must move
forward because leadership shouldn't be frozen. There must be a juncture
where dialogue must reign supreme for the greater good of our nation
which must be attained.
"Every
nation is about renewal and change; as a party in opposition, we must
not bend towards partisan perspectives ahead of national good. An
enlightened leader must put up political structures that'll allow for
national unity. Every leader is confined to a role and time. No man will
be there forever. As opposition, we must engage the government in power
with civility knowing fully well that the nation is greater that any
political party or ideology," he added.
In
his remarks at the lecture, former Senator, Bode Olajumoke said there
needs to be a general change of attitude among politicians and Nigerians
in general.
"Since
independence, Nigeria has had a challenge with leadership. This country
would have been a better place to live in if we continuously had leaders
that had set up enduring institutions which we obviously lack at the
moment. That is not to say that we haven't had good leaders in the past
whose legacies still live on.
"Another
important point of note is the attitude of the average Nigerian which
in my opinion should be reformed. Simple courtesy should be encouraged.
Our leaders need to inculcate such values to our youths. This country
has a great future, but we haven't had the right leadership in the
past," he said.
In his
closing remarks at the lecture which had personalities such as Prince
Uthman Dosunmu, Professor Olukayode, Engineer Femi Gbajabiamila and
Barrister Akinsanya among others, Professor Babajide Elesho said; "As
long as we have a country, we are still in the process of building a
nation. About three weeks ago, I was at a forum with Pat Utomi and I
reminded him that issues we've discussed and debated upon 26-27 years
ago are still in the front burner in present day Nigeria. We must move
forward, we mustn't remain static. All hands must be on deck for us to
build a nation that we all dream of". He said.
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