As Nigeria's elder statesman and former Plateau State Governor, Jonah Jang, marks his 80th birthday, a prominent political figure has stepped forward to deliver a powerful message to the nation's leaders. Nenadi Usman, a former Minister of State for Finance, used the occasion to rally politicians across party lines to abandon divisive rhetoric and place the country's interests above personal or partisan gains.

The call comes at a time when political tensions in Nigeria are often fueled by ethnic, religious, and regional sentiments. Usman's speech, delivered during a birthday celebration for Jang, echoed a broader plea for national unity and a renewed commitment to the country's collective progress.

A Message of Unity Over Division

Speaking at the event, Usman emphasized that Nigeria's strength lies in its diversity, but that strength is undermined when politicians choose to exploit differences for short-term political advantage. She urged all political actors to embrace a patriotic spirit and to focus on governance that delivers tangible benefits to citizens.

Usman's remarks were directed not only at those present but at the entire political class, calling for an end to hate speech and inflammatory language that threaten the nation's social fabric. She stressed that the legacy of leaders like Jang, who served in various capacities including as a military governor and senator, is built on service and sacrifice, not on sowing discord.

The Role of Elder Statesmen

The birthday celebration for Jang, a figure who has remained active in political discourse even at 80, provided a fitting backdrop for such a call. Usman highlighted that elder statesmen have a crucial role to play in guiding younger politicians toward a more unified and principled approach to leadership.

She noted that the challenges facing Nigeria—from economic instability to security concerns—require a collaborative effort that transcends party affiliations. By prioritizing the nation first, politicians can begin to address these issues in a more effective and sustainable manner.

Putting Nigeria First: A Practical Imperative

Usman's appeal goes beyond mere rhetoric, touching on concrete governance issues. She argued that when political leaders engage in divisive politics, they divert attention from critical policy matters such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation. This, she said, ultimately hurts the very people they are supposed to serve.

The former minister also cautioned against the growing trend of political intolerance, which she described as a threat to the country's democratic consolidation. She called on politicians to engage in healthy competition based on ideas and results, rather than resorting to personal attacks or ethnic profiling.

  • Focus on governance – Usman emphasized that delivering public services should be the primary goal of any political officeholder.
  • Reject hate speech – She warned that inflammatory language can lead to violence and instability, which no political gain justifies.
  • Embrace national identity – Politicians should see themselves as Nigerians first, before any other affiliation.

Jang's Legacy as a Reference Point

Jonah Jang's political career spans decades, and his 80th birthday is an opportunity for reflection on his contributions to the nation and his home state of Plateau. Usman referenced his tenure as governor, noting that despite the complex ethno-religious dynamics of Plateau State, Jang worked to maintain peace and promote development.

She suggested that Jang's approach to leadership, which often involved dialogue and consensus-building, serves as a model for current politicians. In a country where conflicts over land, resources, and identity are common, the ability to bridge divides is more important than ever.

The celebration was attended by a cross-section of political leaders, from various parties and regions, signaling that the message of unity has resonance beyond any single political camp. Usman's plea, therefore, may not fall on deaf ears, as many present acknowledged the need for a shift in political culture.

Challenges Ahead and a Call to Action

Despite the hopeful tone of the event, Usman acknowledged that the road ahead is fraught with difficulties. Nigeria is grappling with a range of acute problems, and the political class is often seen as part of the problem rather than the solution. She called on politicians to change this perception by acting with integrity and a genuine commitment to the common good.

Her words serve as a reminder that leadership is a trust, not a privilege. As the nation moves toward future electoral cycles, the choices made by politicians—in their language, their alliances, and their priorities—will determine the country's trajectory. Usman's admonition is a timely intervention that urges all stakeholders to reflect on their responsibilities.

We must remember that the Nigeria we see today is the result of decisions made by leaders yesterday. If we want a better tomorrow, we must make better decisions today.

Key Takeaways

Nenadi Usman's call for politicians to shun hate and put Nigeria first is a significant statement that resonates with many citizens who are weary of divisive politics. The message delivered at Jonah Jang's 80th birthday celebration underscores a few important points:

  • National unity is a prerequisite for progress, and politicians have a duty to foster it.
  • Elder statesmen can play a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of leaders.
  • Addressing Nigeria's challenges requires a collective effort that transcends party lines.
  • Electoral politics should focus on issues, not on identity-based mobilizations.

As the country continues to navigate its complex socio-political landscape, the hope is that leaders will heed this call and act in the best interest of the nation they serve.