2023: Buhari’s Successor Should Form Govt. of National Unity-Makarfi at Freedom Newspaper Lecture

Former Governor of Kaduna Satate, Senator Ahmed Makarfi has argued that because of divisions we currently have across the country, whoever becomes the next President of Nigeria should have the spirit of forming a Government of National Unity.

Makarfi, who made the call in Lagos on Tuesday at the Fourth Annual Lecture of Freedom Online newspaper, observed that the fabric that binds Nigerians together is getting thinner by the day.

This development, according to him, is because of the things that have either been done wrongly or things left undone by those we put in authority.

Makarfi, who is also a former National Chairman of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) explained that such a Government of National Unity should focus on the national agenda, adding that such should be devoid of political, sectional and religious interests.

Concluding, Makarfi made a passionate appeal to Nigerians concerning the 2023 general elections: “We need money to do politics, but don’t sell your votes for money. If politicians offer you money, collect it, but do what is right. The country needs leaders that can lift the nation and her people.”

In response to the remarks by Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, who called for restructuring now, rather than after a new President takes office in 2023, Makarfi, who was Chairman of the event, said “What we wish should be done now may not necessarily be done now”

According to him, “what is important is that in 2023 we usher in good leadership that would be responsive to the needs of this country”.

Other eminent Nigerians who spoke to various aspects of the lecture theme, Nigeria’s Political Indices: Bright or Bleak Future, included: former Governors Gbenga Daniel (Ogun), and Peter Obi (Anambra), Dr Dakuku Peterside, a leadership development expert and maritime advisor, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho Lagos State Commissioner of Information and Strategy, who represented his boss, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as well as the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the guest speaker.

Despite the seeming gloomy nature of things in the country, all the speakers struck a very optimistic note, saying that that Nigeria’s political future. They also agreed that the country’s problem was more of leadership than resources.

The keynote speaker, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, said: “We all know what the problems of this nation are, and it does appear we also know the solution. But it seems the major problem the country faces is leadership.

“Notwithstanding, I believe in Nigeria’s project and I can, therefore, say the future of Nigeria’s politics is bright. I believe that with the right leadership, policies and courage, we can change the narrative.”

On his part, ex-Governor Peter Obi regretted that the country had indices of a failed state, declaring: “Presently, Nigeria faces an uncertain future. We have everything to make this country great, but we lack leadership. So, we need a leader who understands the intrigues and dynamics to unify the country. We need leaders that develop.”

Gabriel Akinadewo, Freedom Online’s Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, was optimistic that the various perspectives offered by the distinguished speakers, like in previous lectures, would help Nigeria and Nigerians in no small measure as they approached the all-important vote in 2023.

According to him, the lecture was an annual event “that brings together captains of industry, media chiefs, politicians and professionals to reflect on national issues and propose objective course of action. We have always been forthright on matters of Nigeria’s progress and future.”