All Progressives Congress (APC) governors, under the aegis of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), have said Nigeria and Africa are in dire need of leaders who could match the spirit of reconciliation like the late South African President Nelson Mandela.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja, titled: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and the Challenges of National Reconciliation: A Nigerian Calling, the governors mourned the demise of the African icon.
The governors said: “As leaders, we note in particular that our nation, Nigeria, and the continent, Africa, are both in dire need of leaders who can rekindle the Mandela phenomenon and spirit of reconciliation.
“We recognise, sadly, that although Apartheid and colonialism might have been dethroned, our country and continent still face crises of underdevelopment, unemployment and poverty, further aggravating bitterness and hatred among our people.”
The forum, which urged the emulation of the late South African President’s legacies, also advised leaders to free themselves from bitterness and hatred as primary conditions for resolving conflicts.
The governors alluded to Mandela’s words on leaving the prison after 27 years, saying: “As I walked out the door towards the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.”
According to the governors, with those words, Mandela stepped out of prison and led a phenomenal national reconciliation after decades of racial conflict in South Africa.
They said Mandela achieved “the most significant success in contemporary world history”.
The governors noted that though Mandela has died but his legacies would continue to challenge all leaders.
They added: “The most significant lesson of Mandela’s life and leadership is that conflicts and wars can be resolved once leadership is able to free itself from the bitterness and hatred that might have produced it. Where conflicts and wars persist, it is most likely that bitterness and hatred drive the actions of leaders, invariably making them part of the problem.
“For us in the PGF, we are truly inspired by the life, leadership and, above all, challenged by the legacies of Mandela. As we mourn the passage of this great African and world leader, we commit ourselves and call on all leaders at home and abroad.”
The forum, however, regretted that many leaders are unable to pull themselves out of their bitter feelings, the feelings they said produce hatred and stagnate governance and the society.
The APC governors said leaders and followers appeared to be locked in the archetypal Mandela prison wall, adding that this was the reality in Nigeria.
They promised to be committed to national reconciliation.
The governors said: “As governors, who united under our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), we are truly inspired by the life, leadership and legacies of Nelson Mandela and hereby state our unequivocal commitment to true national reconciliation.
“Pursuant of this renewed commitment, we pledge our support to our party leadership and the need to continue to mobilise all patriotic and progressive Nigerians to join our cause, so that together we can rededicate ourselves to a national rescue mission which begins with nationwide reconciliation. “Nigerians must believe and have faith in a united country and recognise that we are better off as a united people.
“These are functions of leadership, not moral suasion. Together with our leaders in APC, we shall work hard in the coming days and months to move Nigeria and Nigerians towards national reconciliation. This is the best way to honour the legacy of Mandela. It is the step that we must take as leaders to achieve genuine freedom.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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These refuse to highlight the number one cornerstone principle of nelson mandela. His people. The south african people at large starting with the blacks who were facing the biggest oppression of the apartheid system then to all others in general. Others before self. Something nigerian politician never seems to get. If you are not concerned about the people you can not reconcilled them. Because they will neither listen or believe you in the 1st place. Until the nigerian politicians realise that it is about providing leadership for the people not controlling or ruling inorder for the politicians to line their own pocket nothing will work... Odun Tutu
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