By Mike Nze
Ex President of Malawi, Dr Joyce Banda, has criticised the African leaders passion for involving in looting spree, socio-political misadventures in their various countries and called on the African Union (A U) to look for lasting solutions to tackle such malpractices in the continent.
She equally commended the leadership qualities of the first president of Nigeria, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and urged African Leaders to embrace his philosophy for a united Africa and development.
Dr Banda took the position at the
12th edition of annual Zik lecture series at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, yesterday, organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, (UNIZIK) Awka, Anambra state yesterday.
Speaking on the theme, “Reclaiming Zik’s World: Climate Justice and Africa’s Sustainable Development”, Dr Banda, lamented that African leaders engaged in high level of corruption, looting of nations economic wealth among other social ills which has plunged many African countries in economic, social and political problems.
She particularly condemned Africa leaders who force themselves to the leadership position of their countries through vote-buying and falsification of election results, and, advised against such practices, saying they are counter-productive which will not encourage good governance and development of democracy.
The former Malawian President praised African women for their involvement in communities to discuss the socio-economic upliftment of womenfolk by championing girl education, andding that women have the potentials of giving Africa needed leadership.
She urged women to unite and champion African liberation and economic advancement of Africa nations.
“We have more women in politics in African countries today. Africa has produced six women presidents, citing Liberia as an example.
“Nigeria is a country of great women achievers extolling in politics, economy, expecting that one day, the world will have a prime minister from Nigeria as a woman.
“There were leaders in Africa ever before the advent of colonialism, why do we allow colonial masters to loot our minerals”, she asked.
Other speakers at the event include, the
governor of Anambra state, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, his Oyo state counterpart, Seyi Makinde, the
presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 general election and former governor of Anambra state, Mr. Peter Obi, the benefactor of the Zik’s Annual Lecture Series, Senator Ben Obi, vice- chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, UNIZIK, Awka, Prof Charles Esimone, all eulogised Zik’s vision for Africa leadership, unity and development.
Also at the event were traditional rulers, clergymen, lecturers, students among other eminent personalities from outside Anambra state.
In a remark, Obi, particularly called for cutting down of cost of governance, and, giving priority attention to funding critical development sectors like education, etc.
He condemned the situation where
in Nigeria the monthly overhead of the vice-chancellor of a Nigerian university is about N10million and N120million a year, while, an official vehicle of a federal lawmaker could cost above N140million, declaring that such was a misplacement of priority.
Governor Makinde in his remarks praised Zik’s philosophy for a united Nigeria and oneness of Nigerian, and, advised that the country should be restructured into a federation that would guarantee every part equal treatment and allowed to grow optimally and contribute to the nation.
Also, Prof Soludo said that his administration would promote Zik’s philosophy by providing quality education, and, improving the lots of the ordinary person, especially the destitutes and poor, adding that his administration is rehabilitating many roads including the Ifite road leading to Unizik to enhance movement of the university community in Anambra state.
