Elder-statesman, Chief Olabode George lashes out at the National Assembly for allocating huge resources to members

…Says systemic failure and corruption responsible for lack of development in Nigeria

…Recommends spiritual solutions

Elder-statesman, Chief Olabode George has identified systemic failure and endemic corruption as the major tools working against the wheels of progress in the country.

He also took a swipe at the members of the National Assembly for allocating huge sums of money to cater for themselves when ordinary Nigerians struggle to survive the economic hardship in the land.

Chief George who was spiritual in his submissions stated this at the fifth public lecture of the Freedom Online with the theme 2023-2027: elected leaders, Nigerians and expectations held at the Sheraton Hotels in Ikeja area of Lagos.

He said the present crop of leadership had failed Nigerians in practicing what they preached in terms of sacrifice when they brazenly lavish wealth on material things that do not impact on the lives of the people.

According to him and I quote” the present constitution cannot take the country to the promised land, stressing the need to revisit how we want to run ourselves. Taken the resources to the centre and share to others will not work. Time for the nation to put God first in all we do is now”. End of quote.

The former National Vice Chairman South of the PDP said the people must unite across the divide to rebuild the nation adding those who have sought public office have not done well in keeping to their campaign promises.

He was of the view that the selfless leaders of yesterday should serve as an example to those we have today expressed optimism that Nigeria will rise again if leaders do things the right way.

The Elder-statesman who recommends community policing as a panacea to insecurity in the country said he expects government to had taken a second look at the centralised policing in practice for years without results.

On his part, the former Minister of Police Affairs, Caleb Olubolade charged government to operate on the rule of law, accord priority to the fight against corruption and stop oil theft in the nation.

He believes this is the way the Renewed Hope mantra of President Tinubu willl resonate among Nigerians across the divide.

He also urged the citizens to give swift information to the security agencies in tackling insecurity in the country.

Mr Caleb Olubolade opined that any government that want to succeed must unite the country and improve on our foreign relations while asking the elected officials do their work without fear or favour.

Also speaking, Mr Tola Adeniyi, who is the former Managing Director of the Daily Times Newspapers added that the Nigerian politicians lacks integrity and accountability.

According to him, what the people want is results and not excuses.

Mr Tola Adeniyi frowns at the way the Presidential system is practiced in the country which he described as corruption driven.

He regretted that those in government use power of incumbency to remain in office at expense of free and fair elections.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Freedom Online, Mr Gabriel Akinadewo explained that the annual forum was to provide a platform for Nigerians from diverse audience to contribute their quota to the good of the country.