Al-Mustapha: Absence of Strong Institutions, Nigeria’s Major Problem
There is nothing hindering Nigeria from attaining socio-economic growth and national development than the absence of strong institutions, says Major Hamza Al-Mustapha.
Al-Mustapha, a former Chief Security Officer, to late Heads-of-State, Gen. Sani Abacha, made this known in a remark at the 2022 Nigerian News Awards.
He spoke at the International Conference Centre, ICC, in Abuja, after receiving the plaque of the ‘Icon of National Unity and Patriotism Award’ he won at the event.
The former CSO to Abacha was one of the 26 renowned Nigerians honoured at the ceremony for their contributions to the country’s growth and development, in diverse ways.
Other awardees aside Al-Mustapha include Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, who was given the Man of the Year Award; Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State, who got the Best Politician of the Year Award; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, who was presented with the General Yakubu Gowon Excellence in Leadership Award; while Major General IBM Haruna (rtd), GCON, was given the Life Gallantry Award.
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There are also Alhaji Yunus Ustaz, SAN, who was given the Legal Luminary of the Year Award; Alhaji (Doctor) Sani Bakoji Isah (Ciroman Askan Gombe), General Excellence Award in Traditional Medicine; Angela Ajala, Entrepreneur of the Year; Chinonso Uka (Ada Jesus), Best Female Comedian of the Year; Alhaji Abba Mustapha Inuwa, Best Actor of the Year; and Maryam Umar, who got the Ability in Disability Award.
Similarly, Mr. Cyril Stober got the Legend of Broadcast Journalism Award and Professor Paulinus Chijoke Okwelle was given a Lifetime Award in Scholarship, amongst others.
According to Al-Mustapha, Nigerian leaders at the helm of affairs now must be proactive in salvaging the country from ‘precipice’.
He said: “Now is the time for us to reflect, and take the right decision. The time has come for us to proffer solutions to Nigeria’s woes”.
He lamented that, in Nigeria, individuals and personalities are respected and treated with dignity, at the expense of nurturing critical institutions of governance.
“No country can survive, and attain its dream in the absence of credible and strong institutions. In Nigeria, we select and respect individuals and throw away institutions. That is foolish thinking,” he said.
