Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, urged Nigerian leaders to study and emulate the leadership qualities of former President of Nigeria, Umaru Musa Yar’adua.
He made the call in Abuja at the maiden President Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Leadership Conference and Awards.
Drawing inspiration from Yar’adua, the EFCC Chair said he displayed qualities of integrity and transparency, which he noted were key tools in making a good leader.
Speaking on “Moral and Ethical Leadership; Antidote to National Development”, Olukoyede, who spoke through the Director of Public Affairs of the Commission, Wilson Uwujaren, noted that though there were rules and laws across the country to enthrone integrity.
He opined that poor enforcement of the laws were responsible for low integrity quotients among many Nigerians.
According to him, “The EFCC as a Commission identifies with the legacy Yar’adua left behind because that is what the Commission stands for, which is integrity and transparency.
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“If you look at the theme of this event, it borders on moral and ethical leadership and that is what he stood for both as Katsina Governor and as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Also, former President of Nigeria, Yakubu Gowon, praised the late President for imbibing the true spirit of patriotism as he is still being remembered for his love for Nigeria.
He said, “I know him from as far back as when he was governor, I visited the state at a time when the guinea worm was affecting the people of Katsina state.
“He was concerned about the rural areas, the welfare of the people, I saw how passionate he was about the people. He was a man of honesty, he has to be remembered by that”.
Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, on his part, thanked the organizers for preserving the legacy of the late president, encouraging Nigerian leaders to be steadfast in delivering on the mandate given to them to move Nigeria forward.
“We should learn to believe and accept the challenges before us so that we can move from one point to the other towards a better Nigeria.
“We must remain very hopeful because Nigeria holds a great dream for all of us as the man we are celebrating today is an example of that. This day is for all of us. Let’s continue to believe that we shall overcome,” he stated.
Yar’adua became President in 2007, but in 2010, he died as a result of ill-health.
