Ayodele Olalere
A former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, on Tuesday, warned Nigerians to choose wisely who becomes next President of the country in the 2023 election.
He spoke at the 4th Annual Lecture of Freedom Online with the theme ‘Nigeria’s Political Indices: Bright or Bleak Future? held at Radisson Blu, Ikeja.
The event was attended by former governor of Kaduna State, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi, former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, Dr.Dakuku Peterside, Aare Ona Kankanfo of Yoruba land, Aare Gani Adams, Chief Olabode George represented by Prince Usman Shodipe, Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu represented by Commissioner for Information, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, and several media editors.
In his keynote address, Otunba Gbenga Daniel said 2023 offers Nigerians the opportunity to ‘rewrite the destiny of the country,’ and urged them to vote with their brain and not their stomachs.
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“The next election offers us an opportunity to rewrite the destiny of this country. The decision we make next year will be with us for arguably eight years. That’s long enough to make the country better or make it worse.
Nigerians have to realise that the only way to see a developed Nigeria is to ensure that they vote with their brain and not their stomach. A night with hunger is far better than four years of pain and struggle,” he warned.
He added Nigerians should not be pessimistic about the challenges currently facing the country but be optimistic the country will surmount them.
“Indeed, I can say that the future of Nigeria is bright, as a leader; both in politics and other economic indicators, I can not admit that our future will ever be bleak. I am an optimist and believe strongly that with the right decisions and policies, we can change the narratives and state of the nation currently to an enviable position within the shortest time possible.”
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The former governor further warned against allowing ethnicity to divide the country, saying for Nigeria to develop ‘ we have to disavow our minds from the prevailing ethnicity and disunity that has enveloped our society. So for us to really develop the country, every stakeholder in the country must forgo whatever bitterness they nurse. ‘
He also advised political leaders to be realistic in their electoral promises, adding Nigerians must work assiduously for self growth.
Speaking for Governor Sanwo-Olu, Omotoso said there is hope for Nigeria, urging Nigerians not look at the past but always look into the future with hope. He expressed optimism Nigeria will overcome its challenges, citing examples of Nigerians who are doing well in their profession both local and International. He said Nigeria is making progress in spite of various challenges .
Prince Usman, on behalf of Chief Bode George, said for Nigeria to be categorised as a nation, every part of the country must share the same values and principles.
Aare Gani Adams advocated for restructuring, saying the issue of restructuring is vital to the continued existence of Nigeria.