Nigeria’s politicians not statesmen, says Sultan

Sultan of Sokoto, HRH Muhammad Abubakar III, has condemned attitude of politicians around elections, saying it does not portray them as statesmen. “Power appears to be the only thing in sight and money the only means to reach it,” said the Sultan. “Politicians look forward to the next elections, but statesmen look forward to the […]

Sultan of Sokoto, HRH Muhammad Abubakar III, has condemned attitude of politicians around elections, saying it does not portray them as statesmen.

“Power appears to be the only thing in sight and money the only means to reach it,” said the Sultan.

“Politicians look forward to the next elections, but statesmen look forward to the next generation,” said the Sultan in an address at the ongoing Trust Dialogue in Abuja.

He said, “We must look beyond elections to ensure the country not only survives but thrives.”

He lamented that issues raised by agencies investigating previous electoral violence were ignored, insisting that ignoring them could perpetuate more electoral unrest.

“Failure to implement recommendations is one reason violence continues to be a feature of our election,” he said.

His comments were read by the Etsu Nupe Alh Yahaya Abubakar.

The Dialogue, the 12th in the series, focuses on making elections better and ensuring smooth transition to the next government, come elections next month.

Kabiru Yusuf, chairman of Media Trust—which publishes Daily Trust—said smooth change was possible.

“I have seen it happen in more difficult circumstances with my own eyes,” he noted, referring to difficult changes in government in other African countries.