The National Association of Catholic Lawyers (NACL), has called on political leaders both at federal and state level to lead the people responsibly and manage state resources prudently.
This, the group said, is the panacea to the myriads of social and economic headwinds ravaging the country, since everything rises and falls on leadership.
Speaking at its maiden conference in Lagos, the president of the NACL, Lagos Archdiocese, Mrs. Florence Atuluku, charged Nigerians to show responsible leadership in their respective domains, by so doing, Nigeria can get better leadership in the nearest future.
Atuluku assured that its Group would would not fail in rendering selfless services to the less less privileged in the society (even on Pro bono basis) and would not leave any stone unturned to contribute in the promotion of good governance.
With the theme “Leadership with Responsibility” she said, “Leading with responsibility starts with each of us playing our roles effectively in whatever environment we find ourselves; taking responsibility for our actions and holding each other accountable; being our brother’s keeper; upholding the principles of equity, fairness and justice at all times; appreciating the sanctity of human life and understanding that our actions or inactions impact negatively or positively on the lives of others. Let us contribute our quota to nation building and promotion of better life for every Nigerian irrespective of tribe, creed and political leaning” she urged.
Similarly, pioneer Vice Chancellor, Dominican University, professor Anthony Alaba Akinwale, who described the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as a fraudulent piece of document, called for the restoration of 1963 Constitution of Nigeria, if Nigeria must make any headway.
The clergyman decried the over- concentration and Centralization of power in the capital city (Abuja), which renders public administration at state and local government level inefficient and ineffective. “In Nigeria, the government is more powerful than the people which is not supposed to be. The people should know how to hold their leaders accountable”
Akinwale who described Nigerian system of governance as a ‘disabled leadership’ said “leaders must be educated and have ethical, technical and intellectual formation if they must make positive impact” he maintained.
On her part, the Chairperson of the conference, Onikepo Nike Akande, called on political leaders to show accountable leadership by implementing sanctions for corruption and non-performance; revamp the manufacturing and infrastructure sectors of the economy in order to strengthen the competitive edge of our local service providers in international markets and attract foreign investment.
She challenged socio- cultural, economic and political leaders to mend the rifts that have steadily widened through tribal and cultural differences. “Leaders must show themselves responsible, truthful and empathic” she added.