He concurred with Chinua Achebe, whose seminar, ‘The Trouble with Nigeria’, dramatically encapsulated the challenge by stating that ‘the trouble with Nigeria is frankly and squarely the absence of effective leadership’.
“This remark, however devastating it may look, is incredibly difficult to refute.
“Our leaders have largely developed as a result of self-serving conspiracies with little or no regard for national interests or growth.
“This has been the case in both military and civilian contexts,” added the commander.
He did, however, say that Tinubu stood out as the leader the people needed to propel Nigeria forward and develop.
He emphasized that Nigeria requires a leader with strong character and resilience in the face of adversity.
He also stated that the leader must trust in the unlimited possibilities that the Nigerian nation exemplifies, while making solid, proactive, logical, and well-informed judgments to maximise her potential.
This leader, he continued, must have the confidence and boldness to act, construct, invent, and generally push the boundaries of growth with a hands-on approach that values greatness over mediocrity.
He went on to say that, more crucially, the leader of Nigeria’s dream must develop a society of free and responsible individuals in which potential flows freely and free enterprise thrives.
“Let me take this opportunity to announce that our country now has such a leader in the figure of Tinubu.
“He has demonstrated a strong commitment to the establishment of democracy in our country in a variety of ways and at different periods, even putting his own life at risk in the process.
“He has shown great capacity for engendering development as captured in the unprecedented rapid and exponential development of Lagos state under his watch and even beyond,” said the president.
He further stated that Tinubu exhibited remarkable daring by abolishing fuel subsidies on his first day as President.
According to him, previous leaders all spoke out against fuel subsidies, but none had the fortitude to face the blackmail of abolishing them.
“Tinubu did, and is rightfully dealing with the unavoidable, unforeseen, and sometimes orchestrated consequences of this removal.
“Today, our states have significantly more resources to develop, debts are no longer stacking up, and gasoline prices are gradually but surely falling in unison with the forces of demand and supply, as well as the tight enforcement of regulatory conditions.
“Also, the overwhelming cry of over-centralisation of power and resources at the national level, as well as the resulting abuse of the federalist theory, is being addressed rigorously.
“This is being addressed through the creation of zonal/regional commissions empowered to devolve developmental impetus to the respective zones and regions, so that power can truly return to the people.”
On security, Mr Wike stated that the matter was being addressed through sufficient funding as well as security force training and retraining.
The minister further stated that with Tinubu’s consent for the employment of forest guards around the country to protect the country’s forests, bandits and terrorists would no longer have incubation places and free regions to operate in.
“Put simply, the period of banditry and terrorism is coming to an end.
“These and many other policies and measures are being put together by Tinubu to reposition our country on the path of progress and development,” Wike informed the crowd.
Read Also: Senate Committee Reaffirms Tinubu’s Commitment to Boosting Local Capacity
Earlier, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke characterized Wike as a straightforward politician with extensive political experience and an exceptional leadership style.
The governor, represented by Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, praised the minister’s ambitious approach to FCT infrastructure transformation.
Prof. Adebayo Bamire, the university’s Vice-Chancellor, also stated that the lecture’s theme, “Nigeria of Our Dream,” was timely and thought-provoking.
“At a critical point in our country’s democratic path, when issues of governance, civic trust, and equitable development are at the forefront of public discourse, this lecture provides an important forum for contemplation, involvement, and forward thinking.
“It calls us to interrogate the structures that uphold democracy, the principles that guide responsible governance, citizenship and the strategies that can unlock Nigeria’s development potential,” he told reporters.
The Royal Father of the Day, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, expressed tremendous admiration for Wike’s boldness.
He hailed the minister as a “upright politician” who “spoke the truth.”
“Hate him; like him – what will be will be.”
