The Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged Nigerian politicians to shift from politics of domination to politics of service, accountability and competence.
This, he said, would significantly aid in building a great, prosperous and brighter nation.
The emir made the call at a national dialogue in Kano organised by PowerShift Africa with the theme: “Revisiting the Past, Reconciliation and Building the Future.”
Participants at the conference advocated adopting unity, reconciliation, justice and inclusive governance as critical ingredients to drive Nigeria’s sustainable development and foster national cohesion.
Mr Sanusi, represented by the Danmadamin Kano, a professor of Economics at Bayero University, Kano, Abubakar Aliyu-Sanusi, advised Nigerians to embrace unity, tolerance and collective responsibility in nation-building.
“Power-sharing should not only be about geographical rotation but about ensuring that credible, competent and compassionate leaders emerge to serve the people,” he said.
The emir described the conference as timely, saying that Nigeria “is facing serious socio-economic and political challenges.”
He observed that the country was at a critical juncture and required sincere reflection on its past to build a better future.
“More than six decades after independence, Nigeria is still grappling with issues of nationhood, equity, justice, inclusion and development.
”Although the country has recorded notable achievements, it continued to face political instability, ethnic and religious tensions, insecurity, poverty and economic hardship,” he said.
The emir advocated that economic policies should be assessed by their impact on citizens’ welfare.
“Any economic policy that does not improve the welfare of the people is inherently ineffective,” he said.
Mr Sanusi urged leaders to prioritise policies that would reduce poverty, improve living standards and promote inclusive growth.
He also emphasised the need to learn from history, strengthen institutions and uphold justice as foundations for national development.
”No nation can build a sustainable future without understanding its past and addressing unresolved grievances,” the emir noted.
Mr Sanusi identified insecurity, corruption, poverty and infrastructural decay as major challenges confronting the country.
Speaking during a panel session, political analyst Umma Abdullahi attributed many of the country’s setbacks to artificial barriers created over the years.
She called for a Nigeria where citizens would be recognised based on their nationality rather than ethnic, religious or regional identities.
Ms Abdullahi urged young people to embrace peace, love and patriotism.
Also speaking, the Eze Igbo of Kano, Ikechukwu Oliver-Abodo, stressed the importance of national unity and peaceful coexistence.
Mr Oliver-Abodo said Nigerians should see themselves as one people regardless of ethnic or religious differences.
He noted that many Nigerians had lived and prospered outside their places of origin and should therefore promote mutual respect and understanding.
The traditional ruler urged leaders to focus on improving citizens’ welfare and creating opportunities for young people.
“Nobody can divide Nigeria. We must unite and work together for the progress of the country,” he advised.
Earlier, the executive director of PowerShift Africa, Nso Nnamani, said the conference was organised to promote dialogue on national unity and reconciliation.
Mr Nnamani argued that Nigeria’s greatest challenge was not leadership or infrastructure but the absence of national cohesion.
According to him, ethnic divisions and political interests have continued to undermine national development.
He said the organisation believed that meaningful progress could only be achieved through reconciliation, mutual understanding and the development of a shared national vision.
“Every successful nation has a dream and a clear vision for the future. Nigeria must define its collective aspirations and work towards achieving them,” he said.
Mr Nnamani added that the conference would serve as a platform for dialogue among different ethnic groups and encourage conversations on building a more united and prosperous Nigeria.
He said the event would also feature symbolic reconciliation activities to foster trust and understanding among participants from diverse backgrounds.
The stakeholders unanimously agreed that national unity, justice, accountability and citizen participation remain essential to building a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.
(NAN)
