African Leaders Discuss Continent’s Challenges, Aging Leadership

The Murtala Muhammed International Lecture and Leadership Conference was held yesterday in Abuja, drawing past ECOWAS leaders and diplomats to discuss the challenges facing the African continent. The event commemorated the 50th anniversary of the late Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, and centered on the question, “Has Africa Come of Age?”

Leadership and Succession Challenges

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo addressed the conference, highlighting the difficulty in establishing credible successors as a key impediment to progress in Africa and Nigeria. He contrasted the vision of the late Murtala Muhammed with subsequent administrations, citing the example of a rice import ban lifted shortly after his departure, leading to continued reliance on rice imports. Obasanjo emphasized the need for reform and increased production capacity to meet both local and export demands.

Governance and Democratic Culture

Former President Goodluck Jonathan underscored the importance of decisiveness and a clear vision in leadership, noting that Muhammed’s administration was characterized by such qualities. He argued that Africa’s governance challenges extend beyond regular elections to a lack of a robust democratic culture built on transparency and credibility. Jonathan also suggested that leaders should be considered within the 30-40 age range, citing their potential for vibrancy and resilience. He questioned why African leaders frequently spend significant portions of their time outside their countries.

Response on Leadership Age

Representing President Bola Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, responded to Jonathan’s comments, asserting that leadership is defined by the implementation of ideas, not by age. Akume praised Muhammed’s efforts to restore democracy before his assassination.

Muhammed’s Reforms and Legacy

Keynote speaker, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, lauded Muhammed’s reforms, including efforts to combat corruption, investigate military governors, and seize illegally acquired assets. Former President of Ghana, John Kufuor, echoed this sentiment, stating that the pertinent question is whether Africa possesses a sense of identity, responsibility, and purpose on a global scale. He noted Muhammed’s declaration that Africa had come of age.