A Non-Governmental Organisation and Human Right Activists group in Nigeria and the Diaspora, Nigerian Movement for Positive Change (NMPC), has set seven uncompromising standards for political parties in Nigeria as well as individuals who wish to contest for presidency come 2019.
This position was stated in a statement made available by the President of NMPC, Barrister Niyi Aborisade from London, United Kingdom.
According to Aborisade, past experiences has informed that Nigerians begin to show interest in qualities they hope for in whoever that would be aspiring to lead them as from now. He added that as electioneering process is approaching, it is evident that scores of Nigerians have been holdings talks with stakeholders; both within and outside their party walls, on various ambitions, most importantly presidency.
Aborisade said as a human rights body, NMPC, is not holding brief for any interested person or party, but would not fold it’s arms till political parties pick their candidates, before making comment. He said it is high time Nigerians cry out and loud their choice of who will lead the country in 2019.
The seven criteria set by the NMPC are: Leadership experience and potential; Evidence of Personal character and Integrity, Commitment to National Development, Understanding of Complex issues and solutions, Must be a detribalised Person, the person must be well verse in Foreign affairs and Diplomacy and must also be physically fit and well.
Aborisade also informed that the group has concluded to conduct a robust debate for the interest aspirants, promising that it will also facilitate other tests in due course.
According to the statement, “2019 is around the corner and we need to start screening those who desire to occupy the highest office in Nigeria and set the criteria for leadership.The NMPC has decided to begin to look for who will be president of Nigeria in 2019.
“Anyone who desire to run for the office President in Nigeria must pass these set of criteria.
“The qualities are Leadership experience and potential, Evidence of Personal character and Integrity, Commitment to National Development, Understanding of Complex issues and solutions, a detribalised Nigerian, must be well verse in Foreign affairs and Diplomacy and must also be Physically Fit and in good health.”
According to the group, Nigeria as a country has suffered enough, hence the need for Nigerians not to wait in the comfort of their rooms and accept anybody politicians puts on them as their “fateful leader”, but summon to have their say in the choice of who governs them.
“Our country has suffered and is currently suffering because of dearth of good leadership. The greatest challenge that we are facing today as a country is the lack of good governance.
Some of the current drops of politicians parading themselves as leaders are not up to the task and cannot meet the criteria mentioned above.
“We need a visionary democratic selfless leader to run the affairs of our country. Leaders with principle and ideology: Leaders who knows and knows that they know, leaders who are not in politics to enrich themselves, Leaders who will lift up the banner of our beautiful country and take it to higher level.
“We in the Nigerian Movement for Positive Change (NMPC) have therefore resolved to shop for such leaders and in our quest to find such leaders, we will be organising debates for those who believe that they meet the criteria and examine their credentials. We therefore call on well meaning Nigerians who are interested in the highest office to come out with their credentials and see whether they can withstand public scrutiny. This is the first test.”
