Nigeria is bleeding from bad leadership – Former Reps member laments

Former federal lawmaker, Shina Peller has urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to rise and elect credible leaders to end the country’s leadership failures.

He spoke during his 49th birthday celebration at the Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted Children in Surulere, Lagos.

Peller expressed deep concern about the growing hardship across Nigeria and the widening gap between the people and those in power.

He said: “I can’t deceive you, I’m scared myself. I’m very close to the grassroots, and the amount of people that need help is just increasing day by day.

“At this stage, all I can do is have faith, because faith is the beginning of life and what it teaches us is that after darkness comes light.”

Peller lamented that despite Nigeria’s abundant natural and human resources, poor leadership continues to stunt the country’s development.

He warned that the electoral process should not be part of the problem.

His words: “If bad leadership is our problem, then electing those leaders should not be the problem of the people. It’s time we stop allowing ourselves to be psychologically manipulated.

“Voting is our strength; no amount of money any politician gives you should be worth your vote.”

The former lawmaker also criticised political defection and manipulation during campaigns, where few individuals sway large crowds.

He urged Nigerians to support aspirants who have proven their worth outside politics.

“Look for leaders who were already something before politics, not those made by politics. Those ones often see public office as business as usual,” he said.

Addressing the youth, Peller described youthfulness as both a privilege and a responsibility.

He said: “Youths must understand that if they do not rise now, they will be grouped with the ones who have failed this country.

“The youth of today must become the leaders of tomorrow by speaking up, asking questions, and actively participating in electing the right people.”

Despite the challenges, Peller expressed optimism for Nigeria’s future.

He said: “No matter how dark it seems now, I believe the future is bright, and there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“At this stage, all I can do is have faith, because faith is the beginning of life. And what it teaches us is that after darkness comes light.”