Godfatherism will lead to selection of bad leaders in Nigeria – Shekarau

Former Kano State Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, has cautioned against godfatherism in selecting leaders in Nigeria.

Shekarau said godfatherism would lead to picking inexperienced and morally bankrupt leaders.

He noted that the pattern of godfatherism in selecting leaders in Nigeria must change.

Shekarau spoke while delivering a paper titled, ‘Challenges of Operating in Political Environment by Public Officers’ at a 4-day retreat organised for members of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) and National Assembly’s top management staff which started in Abuja on Friday.

According to Shekarau: “Though it (public service) represents just a minor fraction of the population it serves, it determines the progress or otherwise of entire society.

“Hence, allowing poor quality leadership in public service will mean poor and selfish policies, which will spell doom for entire society.

“The situation where financial worthiness or godfatherism determines who gets elected or appointed into leadership positions must change. Otherwise, we shall continue to have inexperienced, incompetent, selfish and morally bankrupt people as political leaders in public service.”

The charges political parties to ensure that the right people are elected into leadership.

“Political parties must ensure that only the RIGHT people get elected into party leadership positions, and who will, in turn, ensure that only credible, experienced and level-headed party members are presented as candidates to contest, or be appointed to any public office at all levels,” he added.