…..celebrates Richard Akinnola at 63
Sokoto state Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal yesterday identified the need for Nigeria to have a versatile leader with a broad world view who will surmount the nagging issues of insecurity and corruption which are the major obstacles to sustainable development.
‘’Nigeria needs a versatile leader with a broad world view, an incorruptible leader , not a parochial and provincial politician. In 2023, Nigeria needs a leader aware of modern trends. Nigeria needs a bridge builder. A compassionate leader, sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the poor and needy. A leader whose words count and can be counted on. Indeed, a leader with courage. An accountable leader who can be trusted to face the challenges of nationhood squarely without sentiments or pandering to interests that are inconsistent with national goals. A visionary leadership imbued with a sense of patriotism will go a long way in changing the narrative of insecurity in Nigeria. A leadership that is nationalistic and not tribalistic. A leadership that promotes national unity not disunity,’’ Tambuwal said.
The Sokoto state governor who spoke on the topic, “Security Challenges in Nigeria and Its Implication for Sustainable Development,” at veteran journalist Richard Akinnola’s 63rd birthday lecture in Lagos yesterday, was emphatic that Nigeria should align with modern technology and trends in tackling nagging issues particularly insecurity which has negatively contributed to the under-development of the country.
Tambuwal who noted that there is no shortcut to solving the problem of insecurity, stated that intelligence gathering and surveillance by law enforcement agents were key to proactively and reasonably predict potential crime with near perfect accuracy rather than being reactive.
He advised that government should completely overhaul the current security apparatus and ensure a synergy among the security forces, stressing that ‘’any government which fails on security loses the value of governance and the trust of the people’’.
He equally said that the nation needs an incorruptible leader, ‘who understands that the best way to fight corruption is by personal example and building of strong institutions that could withstand shocks and manipulations’.
Tambuwal commended Richard Akinnola for his steadfast pursuit of fairness and justice and wished him well on his birthday.
In his goodwill message, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo commended Richard Akinnola, the celebrant for his irrepressible spirit adding that ‘Richard has always been a man driven by passion for justice and fairness’.
‘’Richard played key roles in the struggle for democracy, especially during the Abacha years, at some point, spending time in detention and suffering so many deprivations. Today, Richard is as active as ever, as founder of the Richard Akinnola Foundation, now more than a decade old, focussing on the welfare of widows of journalists and activists,’’ he noted.
Richard Akinnola is celebrated as a leading intellectual, veteran journalist, author, legal practitioner and civil society pillar.
Born in Akure, Ondo state, he attended St Thomas Primary School, Akure; Acquinas College, Akure, Christ School, Ado Ekiti; School of Journalism, Berkshire, Uk, Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, University of Leicester UK, International Institute of Human Rights, Strasbourg, France.
The native of Ondo town had a disciplined childhood under a strict father, Richard honed his skills as a fighter for people’s rights, a writer and an opinion moulder. His journalism career bloomed when he started reporting court stories on the Judicial beat of The Guardian, particularly when he covered the Decree 4 trial of Messrs Nduka Irabor and Tunde Thompson of The Guardian. He was a pioneer staff of the Vanguard in 1984 where he ran a weekly Law column. It was in the course of his judicial reporting that he became close to late Chief Gani Fawehinmi who played a key role in his life. Today he is the author of over 24 books covering media, law, Hunan Rights and politics.
The celebrant, Richard Akinnola was effusive while celebrating another birthday. ” l have every reason to thank God for what he has done in my life, too numerous to begin to count,” he was quoted as saying .