Our Reporter, Abuja
National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Friday paid glowing tribute to veteran journalist and rights advocate, Dr. Chido Onumah, describing him as a principled, humble and dependable ally.
Ribadu, the special guest of honour, spoke at a symposium themed, “Formation or Nation Building: Nigeria’s Troubled Quest for a Modern Federal Republic,” which held at the Yar’Adua Centre to mark Onumah’s 60th birthday, where he recalled their long-standing relationship dating back to his time at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“Chido was among my first staff and stood by me at critical moments. He is a sincere and honest man with very little needs,” Ribadu said, noting that Onumah remained supportive even during his difficult periods of public service.
He further commended Onumah’s integrity and commitment to national development, describing him as “a true Nigerian” who has consistently demonstrated courage and conviction.
Earlier, former Minister of Education and good governanceadvocate, Oby Ezekwesili, blamed Nigeria’s development challenges on what she described as a political class driven by opportunism and a broader elite culture that prioritises self-interest over the common good.
According to her, weak institutions and a culture of disregard for due process—what she termed “anyhowness”—have undermined governance and stalled progress across the country.
“No region in Nigeria can honestly claim to have prospered under the current system. That shows the model is fundamentally broken,” she said, urging citizens to take responsibility for demanding accountability.
Ezekwesili dismissed the idea of an “elite consensus,” arguing that Nigeria lacks a true elite committed to public service, and warned that indifference among the educated class has worsened the crisis.
“You cannot solve a problem you have not owned. Citizens must rise and insist on change,” she added.
Also speaking, Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, called for a fundamental shift in political leadership and citizen engagement.
He criticised the quality of leadership emerging from political parties, saying they are more focused on internal arrangements than addressing governance challenges.
“Our political parties need urgent reform. Until we change how leaders emerge, we cannot expect better outcomes,” Itodo said.
He urged Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process by registering to vote, joining political parties, and protecting their votes during elections.
“If citizens assume outcomes are predetermined and withdraw from the process, democracy will continue to suffer. It will cost time and resources, but democracy is worth the fight,” he stated.
The symposium brought together stakeholders from government, civil society and the media, with a shared call for citizens to take greater responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s democratic and developmental trajectory.
