Former President Olusegun Obasanjo believes that it is critical for a leader to have an intimate relationship with God, warning that any leader who does not fear God is dangerous.
Obasanjo, who spoke in Abuja on Thursday, also advised Nigerian youths to believe in Nigeria and develop a love for the nation, saying there is no other option for our country.
The ex-President On Thursday, attended The Bridge Foundation’s Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship course.
Obasanjo stated this when addressing Nigerian youngsters on leadership traits.
He said:
“Knowledge is very important, accurate knowledge. You also need the fear of God and proximity to God. When you are a leader and you do not fear God, then you are a dangerous leader.
“Wherever you may choose, leadership is very important and the principles are basically the same. A good leader must have certain characteristics, knowledge is good, but not enough. How diligent are you? What is your level of integrity? What are the values that you cherish?”
The former President emphasized that the way forward for Nigeria was for the country not to lose.
“Let us get it right and in two years we will forget everything. You have to get involved in everything.
“You are the leaders of today, if you don’t take it now, you will never get it. You have to be positively disruptive, don’t accept things the way they are. You need to make those who need to be made uncomfortable, uncomfortable.”
Obasanjo also called for a national debate on Nigeria’s democracy, saying:
“What is Nigeria’s history in democracy? What is Nigeria’s value? What is our culture in democracy? Let us rethink the context and the content of our democracy. Let’s interrogate, let’s ask questions. If you don’t do it, who else will do it?”
“Many people don’t believe in Nigeria. Don’t let us deceive ourselves. If you don’t believe in Nigeria, what do you want to talk about? You need to believe in Nigeria. Every country has a history of how they came about. We have to accept that Nigeria is ours; we love it, and we cherish it. We have no alternative,” he added.
cc: Punch Ng
