By Emmanuel Oloniruha
President of Nigerians in Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (NiDCC), Ms Patience Key, has urged Nigerians to move beyond lamenting actions or inactions of past leaders and take strategic steps to build a better Nigeria.
Key, the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) candidate in the 2024 Edo governorship election, stated this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.
The politician was apparently reacting to the autobiography of a former Military President, Retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, “A Journey in Service’’, recently launched in Abuja.
She said that the confirmation of the victory of the late Chief MKO Abiola’s in the June 12, 1993 presidential election, as contained in the book, was not saying anything new to Nigerians.
Key stated that the revelation did not erase the consequences of that annulment, including the political instability, economic stagnation and national disillusionment it birthed.
While stating that the the time for outrage was over, she urged Nigerians to channel their emotions into building a future where no one would be able to annul their collective destiny.
“If we continue in this cycle of reactionary frustration, nothing will change.
“Transformation requires more than righteous indignation; it demands disciplined, coordinated action,’’ she said.
To build Nigeria of our dream, there is the need for Nigerians to reclaim political power through strategic mobilisation.
“We must stop lamenting about bad leadership and start funding, supporting and electing transformational leaders at every level of government,’’ she said.
Key also stressed the need for harnessing Nigeria’s diaspora resources to enhance political and systemic change in the country.
She called for an end to ethnic and religious manipulations in the country, saying that the path forward was not just in criticism but in coalition-building across tribal and religious lines.
The former Chairman, Board of Directors, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in Americas, also called for building of economic independence to free Nigeria from external control.
She said that Nigeria must build self-sustaining industries that would harness its abundant human capital resources.
She also advocated for support for local businesses, investment in Nigerian innovation and implementation of policies that would put Nigeria first.
“Nigeria cannot remain a country that consumes everything and produces nothing.
“We must prioritise industrialisation, invest in local manufacturing, minimise environmental impact, effectively utilise natural resources, waste reduction, promote circular economy principles.
“We must ensure our natural wealth benefits Nigerians—not foreign corporations and corrupt politicians,’’ she said.
Key also stressed the need for forging a unified national identity by putting Nigeria first before ethnicity, religion and other things capable of dividing Nigerians.
While urging the youth to take control of their future and support credible leaders, Key said that Nigerian professionals and entrepreneurs should also believe and invest in Nigeria.
She called on Nigerians in the diaspora to use their influence to demand reforms, fund political change and invest in industries that would break the country’s dependency on foreign aidd.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA