Nigeria at 59-We Have not Been Fortunate to Have Good Leadership since Independence-Eze(Dr.)Anozie

As Nigeria clocks 59, millions of citizens across the country lament that discrimination, nepotism, favoritism, injustice and inequality are the hallmarks of governance in the past and present dispensation.

In the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, non-indigenous people who constitute a bulk of the population, have interesting stories to tell of their experiences.

Also, in a sizable number of these states, first term Governors are towing the people unfriendly policies of their predecessors to the consternation of all concerned.

In this interview, the Eze Ndigbo of Ibadan and Oyo state, Dr. Alex Anozie, who insists that he remains the head of Igbos in the state with particular reference to the matter the the Appeal Court Ibadan Division, opines that the country has not been fortunate enough to have good leadership since independence.

Nigeria is 59, in your views, how has the journey been ?

Well, if one is not careful, one might be tempted to say that he is disappointed, I say so because with the way God blessed Nigeria, I was expecting something better than what we have in this country called Nigeria. Why ? because we are blessed with human resources, we are blessed with natural resources, good weather and climate, God has blessed us with everything. Sadly, God has not blessed us with good, focused, dynamic, corruption free and de tribalized leadership.

Since our independence we have not been lucky to have such leadership. We have been wobbling. Countries all over the world are disappointed.

Nigeria should be a country where everyone is running to, but Nigerians are running out of the country, to engage in jobs that are demeaning.

I believe that we shall make it by the grace of God.

If we had good leadership since independence, we would have gone far.

Nigerians ought to have free education,good roads and stable electricity supply all over the country.

This government that says it is fighting corruption, corruption is in their rooms. Everybody is corrupt.

Africa is not moving forward because of corruption in Nigeria. When Nigeria sneezes the whole Africa catches cold.

We have everything, except good leadership. God will help us to have it.

All our elections have been fraudulent. Even though we have development in some places, this is not enough when you hear of the trillions been stolen away. If these are not stolen, why should we be having graduates without jobs ? Tell me why should we be having armed robbers ?

And we are Christians and Muslims, who claim to know God, but we are not showing signs that we know God. It is a pity.

Let us all begin to practically display the fear of God, not just by preaching, but in practice.

Everyone will give account of his or her deeds.

People will leave all these worldly things to give account of their deeds.

If you claim to be a good Christian or a good Muslim, you must display it practically. People are suffering.

I don’t want to believe that we don’t have good leaders. We will keep on praying for the government. They should take the right from the wrong and do the right thing.

Serious consideration must be given to restructuring.

There is a need for Nigerians to ensure that the next President comes from the South East. All the Political Parties must source their candidates from the South East, this will calm frayed nerves and all the agitations will cease.