Address national challenges with urgency, Kwankwaso urges Nigerian leaders

The Presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Mohammed Kwankwaso, has asserted that Nigeria is grappling with serious issues that require leaders to act responsibly.

Kwankwaso, speaking on Saturday at the country home of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, in Nvosi, Isialangwa South LGA, identified insecurity, economic instability, and infrastructure deficits, particularly in electricity, as key concerns. He was in Abia State to commiserate with Governor Otti on the passing of the state’s first civilian governor, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.

Kwankwaso remarked, “Everyone recognises that we have significant problems — issues of insecurity, economic challenges, infrastructure deficits, especially in electricity. Anytime we have an opportunity, we urge those in power to do the right thing. There is nothing to lose in doing what’s right, but almost everything is at stake when the wrong path is taken.”

He continued, “Many politicians aspire to be ministers, commissioners, governors, or even the president, but it’s unfortunate how some squander these opportunities. Nigerians aren’t asking for too much; I know this from experience. They are good people — north, south, east, or west — with remarkable resilience, which some leaders unfortunately take for granted, a grave mistake in my view.”

Kwankwaso stressed that responsible governance should come before any ambitions for a second term. “Doing the right thing is what brings you back for a second term. But if you continue down the wrong path, expecting re-election while people suffer, it simply doesn’t work that way.”

He further cautioned that leadership isn’t about planning for the next election, adding, “The people will decide if you’ve done well enough to deserve another term. Many don’t realise that a sitting president or governor can lose an election. If they want to know, they can ask me. I lost in 2003, and Jonathan lost in 2015.”

On insecurity, Kwankwaso lamented, “In my region, the situation is dire. People are being picked off, and slaughtered like chickens; even traditional rulers, businesspeople, politicians, and ordinary citizens are under siege. People now pay taxes to criminals and bandits who operate freely.”

As a former Minister of Defence, Kwankwaso expressed confidence in Nigeria’s military strength, stating, “Our military is powerful and should not tolerate nonsense. We’ve demonstrated our capabilities, whether in Nigeria or abroad, in places like Sierra Leone and Sudan. We need leaders who truly fear God and take their responsibilities seriously.”

Kwankwaso commended Governor Otti for his developmental initiatives, adding, “I thank him for his good work since taking office in Abia State, and I urge him to continue. Leaders like him are bridge-builders. The good people of Abia and God Himself will continue to support him.”