Lobby, Influence, Relationship Determine What States Get From Abuja – Gov. Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

The need for Nigeria to diversify its economy as stop practising monotholic wealth has been stressed.

Ondo state Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, who made the remark also emphasised the need for restructuring of the country’s political system.

The Governor spoke in Akure at a public lecture and award ceremony. He was represented by his deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

According to him “Depending on monolithic wealth resources ( Crude oil ) and not creative wealth resources portends danger for the country.

“The political structure has changed. Now for you to do anything, you will have to go and take permission from the federal government. Then they will look at you that are you part of them or not. That will determine what you get or if you will get it.

“Let each and every component parts of Nigeria develops at its own pace. It is not as if we don’t have leaders that can emerge, but the process is tough and because of our political structure.

“Our heroes in the past like Obafemi Awolowo and Nnandi Azikwe ,they did a lot in terms of performance because of the political structure they operated at their times; the regional system.

“The 1963 constitution where powers were given to the regions and they could express themselves. They can decide to do whatever they thought was good for their regions without any hindrance from the central.”

Delivering a lecture,  titled “Appraising The Politics And Economics Of Development In Nigeria In The Face Of Multiple Challenges, The Roles Of Transformational Leadership/Followership,” Prof Oladimeji Adeofun, Deputy Vice Chancellor Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun state pointed out that “the only problem we have as a country is leadership challenge. There is no quality leadership. Most of our leaders tend to seek power first before planning to know how to use the power and that’s the power.

“Followership is not the problem. Our people are very easy to satisfy. A common man needs food ,shelter ,clothes. Basic things are not here. People are not secured and they are hungry. Even the people that want to farm are afraid.

“If leaders are doing things right, the followers will follow. There is a structural deficiency in the country that must be corrected, otherwise nothing will move. We need to restructure our current sociopolitical structure.

“This is part of our problems because we produce bad leadership and such leaders can not be visionary. We must realise that not every one can lead.

“As a leader ,you must produce result and solve problems and tackle challenges. A blind man can not be leading a blind man. The challenges in the country are so enormous and great leaders must have a great minds.”