Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has emphasized the need for ethical leadership, strong institutions, and electoral integrity as key solutions to Nigeria’s sociopolitical challenges.

Speaking at the Freedom Online 6th Annual Lecture, themed “Nigeria’s Socio-Political Challenges: Whose Fault, Leaders or the Led?”, Fubara stressed that leaders must uphold transparency, accountability, and inclusivity to build public trust.

He highlighted the importance of independent institutions free from political interference and the role of civic education in empowering citizens.

On electoral integrity, Fubara called for free, fair, and credible elections, urging political parties to prioritize candidates based on integrity and competence. He also emphasized the role of citizens in governance, stating:

“The debate over whether Nigeria’s challenges stem from the leaders or the led is complex. In reality, both share responsibility. Leaders must be accountable, implement patriotic policies, and strengthen institutions, while citizens must demand good governance and vote based on competence, not sentiment.”

Former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, echoed these views, attributing Nigeria’s struggles to leadership failures. He stressed the need for economic self-sufficiency, questioning why Nigeria still imports basic products like toothpicks and matches instead of producing them locally.

Similarly, Adewole Adebayo, the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) 2023 presidential candidate, maintained that Nigeria’s challenges are solvable, calling for leadership that can bridge identity conflicts and foster national unity.

The event brought together key stakeholders to explore solutions for Nigeria’s governance and development challenges.