Aminu Sani Jaji: unmasking the ideal president for the 10th Assembly

The name reminds those who understand selfless service. It also reminds those who understand that leadership is about caring for those in your charge, clarifying goals, rolling up your sleeves, and doing whatever it takes to help people win.

The general elections have passed and the country is poised for a new path in formulating and implementing strong policies and programs that would address the challenges facing the country. This would not happen by chance, but rather by efforts to ensure that round pegs are in round holes to ensure smooth functioning of governance, especially in the sensitive legislative arm of government.

Interestingly, the leadership of the National Assembly has yet to garner the attention it deserves as Nigerians view it as a party affair. That doesn't seem right. In any democratic nation, fundamental principles form the basis of good governance. In virtually all democratic systems, there are three basic branches of government, namely the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. The primary role of the legislative branch is to make laws, the executive implements or enforces those laws, and the judiciary interprets the laws.

The state of the legislature has been identified as the best predictor of the survival of any democratic development. The legislature is an essential element of any democratic government and an important factor in its sustenance. It is widely recognized that an effective legislature is essential to democracy, the rule of law, human rights and economic and social development. The legislature plays an important role in the life of a nation to ensure good governance.

In light of the above, we must agree that the need to get it right with the choice of leaders for the 10th National Assembly is of great importance and why competence, experience and credibility must be placed above ethnic or religious considerations.< /p>

These considerations are in the best interest of the country and not in the interest of political parties. That's what we have to admit if we really want to have a meaningful impact in the lives of people in the new administration.

At last count, the number of those aspiring to the post of Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives has reached an alarming number. There are those whose aspiration is based on regional feelings, ethnic feelings and also religious feelings. And that makes a caricature of the whole process.

I belong to the school of thought that leadership should be about skill and experience, not ethnic or religious considerations. This is a trend that has yielded little in terms of mandate fulfillment over the years. Should we then continue in a trend that has not fulfilled its role?

We must accept our reality, especially with regard to the leadership of the 10th National Assembly. Proponents of ethnic and religious considerations are out of step with the enormity of the task. Do we need it now? The answer is no. We need leaders with a national vision, armed with the required experience and strength of character, to lead in a way that unifies and brings about meaningful development at this critical stage of our existence.

This reality is gradually gaining ground in our political life, which bodes well. As a development expert, I have taken the time to review the credentials of all aspirants who have expressed interest in the post of President and have come to the conclusion that among the lot, Honorable Aminu Sani Jaji fits the bill perfectly.

My conclusion is based on his track record and commitment to maintaining democracy and good governance over the years. Hon. Aminu Sani Jaji, former chairman of the House Intelligence and Homeland Security Committee, knows leadership well. He is a passionate leader who has, on several occasions, demonstrated his understanding of the issues related to the national issue of sustainable growth and development.

Now is not the time for ethnic and religious experimentation. The country is on the brink and our motto should be nothing less than the best. As mentioned earlier, the Honorable Aminu Sani Jaji rings a bell for those who understand selfless service by clarifying goals, then rolling up your sleeves and doing whatever it takes to help people win. And with Hon Aminu Sani Jaji as Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, the people will win.

Madu is a Public Affairs Analyst based in Lagos