Hon Anslem Agbabi represents the new generation politicians with a more pragmatic ideological philosophy .
In this interview with THE NIGERIAN OBSERVER, the Lawmaker representing Akoko-Edo 11 constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, takes a critical look at Nigeria at 48 and concludes that there is hope for the emergence of a great and prosperous Nigerian nation in the not-too-distance future. The interview was anchored by MATTHEW OKAGHA.
What is your impression about Nigeria at 48?
There is no doubt that as Nigerians, we are all proud of our country. The nation at 48, means that Nigeria is growing and we are making progress as a people.
All other countries started from a developing stage to a developed country, and I am confident that in no distance future, Nigeria will be more developed than even countries like the United States of America and other European nations which are developed but are being bombarded by inflation and the fear of terrorism.
Nigeria is a very peaceful country that anybody lives freely and enjoy the peace. I am happy to be a Nigerian and to be part of the nation’s 48th Independence Anniversary celebration.
Most people have attributed the problem of Nigeria’s under – development to bad leadership. Do you subscribe to that view?
Actually, leaders that have created problems in this country know themselves and you can see what has been happening in recent times that people are beginning to speak out on pertinent issues affecting the destiny of this nation.
We are graduating from the crude politics of the past to a new era. You can see the progress we have made as a nation between 1999 to 2003, and between 2003 and 2007. There is a remarkable difference between the political players mentioned in the periods above. There is now the emergence of new crop of politicians who are prepared to make the difference.
For instance, under the present dispensation, there is emphasis on the rule of law championed by the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
With this political philosophy, there is hope that Nigeria will move forward and be respected in the comity of nations.
Does the nation deserve to celebrate at a time like this?
Yes, we have cause to celebrate the sovereignty and independence of our dear nation. There is no doubt that the times are hard, but we cannot take away the fact that Nigeria remained a force to be reckoned with globally. Nigeria is the world’s 6th largest oil producer and today, the politics of oil is a global economic weapon which not many nations are endowed with.
Some of the problems plaguing this country today are not peculiar to Nigeria, it is a universal problem – unemployment, corruption, crime and militancy – are also problems present in Asian and Latin American countries.–
So, by and large, we have cause to celebrate nationhood and the emancipation of our fatherland from colonial rule and imperial subjugation.
At a time like, what is your message to Nigerians?
First, I want to use this medium to congratulate the Governor of Edo State, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor for being part of the new leadership that God Almighty has predestined to direct the affairs of the nation in this critical period in the history of Nigeria.
We are praying fervently for him and I am persuaded that God has destined him for greatness and at the end of the day, history will remember him for what he represent as a true Nigerian, an illustrious Edo son and a visionary leader.
Again, I call on all Nigerians to love one another, because that is the key to unlock the door of progress, unity and advancement in this country.
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