President Muhammadu Buhari said yesterday that if Nigeria must sustain its democracy that should be emulated by other countries in Africa, there had to be the evolution of moral leaders who would not steal the common wealth meant to provide services to the people.
Declaring open a two-day National Political Summit yesterday in Abuja, President Buhari said he was worried by the revelations over the money meant for the purchase of arms to address the security challenge in the North East, following the activities of members of Boko Haram.
He said Nigeria’s democracy required help if it must be nurtured and sustained as well as attain the promise of justice and human dignity, adding that it could only be achieved if the country had moral elite, a leadership prepared to make the sacrifice of self, with interest for the good of the people.
Represented by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, President Buhari said the moral leaders must be ready to offer exemplary moral leadership in the shape of a strong ethical compass and place the nation and the people above selves.
Meanwhile, all the governors boycotted the summit, which took place at the International Conference Centre, ICC, Abuja, even with their pictures on the 50-page programme.
The summit, themed; 2015 6eneral Election: The Gains and Building Positive Political Culture for Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria.”, was organized by the Save Democracy Group Africa.
The President said:
“The theme of the summit 2015 elections; consolidating the gains and building positive and sustainable democracy, indeed, came at a very good time. Every step to the balance of a stable democracy is worth it, even as we celebrate.
‘’My support for sustained dialogue among political stakeholders and key actors in our country will help in speeding up the political evolution of our country, grow our politics, building understanding and definitely help our people.”