Nigerian leaders have failed the nation - Danjuma by GODWIN ISENYO

Former Minister of Defence, Lt. General Theophilus Danjuma (retd.),
said on Saturday in Zaria, Kaduna State, that Nigerian leaders had
failedthe nation.
Danjuma, who said this at his conferment with a traditional title of
Jarma Zazzau by Emir of Zazzau, Shehu Idris, also lamented that the
Nigerian nation and its economy were now in tatters.
He added that the nation was in need of patriotic elders that would
use their wisdom to give the country the much needed direction.
According to him, the confused natureof Nigerians is a clear
indication of failure on the part of the leaders.
Danjuma also took a swipe on the North, saying that in a highly
competitive world, northern children were missing out in qualitative
and functional education, adding that poverty had become the lots of
northerners.
He urged northern leaders to talk lessas according to him, they are
"talking too much and doing less for the development of the North. We
urgently need to put our house in order so we can overcome our
variouschallenges."
He added, "This is the time for elders to be circumspect and temperate
in their utterances. It is not in our character as northerners to talk
too much. We need to think more, pray more, plan more, work harder,
relate better, but talk less. Battles are fought and won through
wisdom and strategy than through inflammable pronouncement and
political tantrums.
"It is most appropriate and gratifying that I am receiving this honour
in Zaria where I spent some of my formative years. Zaria was one of
the few northern cities that first opened her gates to pioneer
missionaries in Northern Nigeria, which is why Wusasa has become the
second homeof many northern Christian leaders.
"Zaria has therefore distinguished itself as a beacon of religious
tolerance, peaceful coexistence and educational advancement. Nigeria
and especially Northern Nigeria urgently need to recapture the spirit
of Zaria, the spirit of knowledge, tolerance, harmony, peace and
prosperity.
"In spite of the many years of mismanaged opportunities and resources,
I still believe that Nigeria can be reawakened and rebuilt to achieve
greatness. If we renew our minds and reconcile with one another, if we
coordinate our determined efforts, we can make Northern Nigeria
self-reliant and self-sufficient, while enhancing the unity and
prosperity of all Nigerians. But we must first have peace."
Danjuma, a former army chief, noted that there could be no peace and
harmonious coexistence where there was wide disparity between the rich
and the poor.