From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Former Action Alliance governorship candidate in Anambra State Ben Etiaba has called on Nigerians to reject politicians who offer financial incentives during elections.
He stressed that this practice undermines the country’s leadership quality and was rampant during the 2023 general elections.
Speaking at the 2024 Annual General Meeting and inauguration of new executives of the Zenith Environmental and Social Protection Network (ZESPRONET) in Enugu, Etiaba highlighted the importance of electing leaders based on their dedication to quality representation rather than monetary inducements.
“We face a significant leadership crisis in Nigeria, but the problem with followership is even more severe. Politicians with ill-gotten wealth have dominated our political space because voters often prefer financial rewards over credible leadership,” Etiaba stated.
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He also criticised the influence of religion and ethnicity on Nigerian elections, arguing that political ideologies should take precedence.
According to him, all political parties in Nigeria are fundamentally similar, with individual candidates being the primary difference.
ZESPRONET’s International President, Eke Uguru, underscored the organisation’s commitment to addressing poor governance and its resultant economic hardships.
Represented by National President George Ukaegbu, Uguru announced that ZESPRONET would focus on developing a business model to harness the economic potential of its members.
“We will prioritise creating a ZESPRONET business module that leverages our members’ economic potentials,” Uguru said.
He also reaffirmed their commitment to combating global warming in the Southeast and enhancing the value of universities in the region and beyond.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to the outgoing president of ZESPRONET, Boris Emeka, and his executives.