Nigeria Is In A Big Mess 
Published on August 9, 2010 by TheNEWS · No Comments
Given his background, I was not surprised that Maitama Sule reacted to issues of national concern the way he did (Nigeria Is In A Big Mess – Maitama Sule, TheNEWS, 2 August 2010 edition). But while his observations are correct, as one of the first generation politicians, is he really in a position to criticise those following in their footsteps? I do not believe his stand is justified because when he and his peers were in power in the 60s, they did not create a solid platform for the younger generation to follow. Most of Nigeria’s problems today are rooted in the mistakes they made when they were in government. They believed gaining independence was the end result when it was supposed to be the beginning of nation building. I would like to ask Maitama to mention just one legacy his group left behind for future generations to follow.
Adewale Aderoju,
Akungba-Akoko.
It is very nice that your magazine found it fitting to publish the views of people of substance, people like Maitama who speak with valour, and who tell things the way they are without minding whose ox is gored. I would appreciate more interviews with people like him. Keep the flag flying.
Tunde Oshilaja,
Lagos.
Maitama Sule was a major player in the First Republic. He remains a vibrant leader. His comments and suggestions regarding the way forward in our quest to attain a viable political system in the country should not be taken for granted as he has a wealth of experience and exposure.
Adebowale Aladesokun,
Ilesha.
I totally agree with Maitama Sule that Nigeria is in a big mess because the country is just drifting along rudderless. Our leaders have no concrete plans as to where they are leading the country. Should we still be operating ‘trial and error’ in the 21st century? It is even very shameful that some of them are mentioned in various armed robbery, kidnapping and general unrest in the country. I also agree with Sule that what we have today are not leaders but looters. I just pray that God will touch their hearts one day so that the country may move forward.
Sunmaila Muhammed,
Abuja.
I am a strong believer in Nigeria and Nigerians because there are some true patriots like Maitama Sule among us still, people who have good intentions for this nation, despite the fact that the country has continually been led by a few irresponsible politicians who have been looting the country. I just pray that very soon, true patriots would be given the opportunity to rule so that we as a people can move forward and the country can become developed through their works. My submission is that if Maitama Sule’s suggestions are followed, they could lead the country out of the woods.
Gbenga Solarin,
Ijebu-Ode.
Maitama Sule surely hit the nail on the head. I guess some people would say he only reiterated what Chinua Achebe once said: “The problem with Nigeria is leadership. Unless we have good leaders in this country, we shall continue to wallow in corruption, mismanagement and poverty.” Why is it that our leaders always turn out to be bad? What is out there that always makes them bad?
Ibrahim Nuhu,
Kano.
I totally agree with Maitama Sule that the leaders we have these days are only concerned about what they can get from the country and not what to contribute to the development of the country. How I wished it was possible we woke up one morning to find that the bulk of our bad leaders are no more. The story of the country would change therefrom.
Osaro Omoriodion,
Benin-City.
Maitama Sule has suggested that cultural and not a violent revolution is the panacea for the country’s leadership problems. I agree totally with him. Since we started ruling ourselves, most of our leaders have been promoting alien norms as values. To a great extent most of our problems started when we started applying wrong values into our life styles. So we need to set our priorities right before we can get things right again in this society. We need to change our orientation. First we have to believe in the geopolitical entity called Nigeria, instead of being concerned about what we can grab.
Femi Olurin,
Ilaro.
True, as Maitama Sule said, the new crop of leaders is quite different from people like Awolowo, Zik Ahmadu Bello and Tafawa Balewa. It is not that these early leaders really did anything that helped the country in terms of development. But they were not as greedy and materialistic as our present crop of leaders. And until our present leaders are ready to take a cue from them, it will be very difficult for the country to experience tangible development.
Emeka Okafor,
Enugu.
As far as I am concerned, and I believe you will agree with me, except you are one of those who like to pretend, Maitama Sule belongs to the old school, our early leaders whose actions or inaction plunged the country into the problems that have become seemingly unmanageable today. Why is he blaming our present leaders when they are only following the legacies people like him left behind . His position is that of the kettle calling the pot black.
Isaac Asu,
Orlu.
Maitama Sule was frank and direct in the interview he granted your magazine. True, times have changed; we no longer have politicians who have the good of the people at heart. All our present leaders want now is unlimited wealth. They do not care what happens to the country. Their attitude, to me, betrays a people who are ready to sell the country for money. They believe if the country turns out bad, they can always run away to other countries. What a shame!
Abdul Ismail,
Ilorin.
Dan Masanin of Kano, Maitama Sule has spoken very well. He’s seen it all—the good, the bad and the ugly of Nigerian politics and leadership. He painted a picture of how things changed from good to bad through the activities of the military that took over power in the 60s and our corrupt leaders. I just hope our present leaders will read the interview because if they do and adhere to his suggestions, they may change their ways.
Grace Egirun,
Abeokuta.
Things have really changed in Nigeria. Reading the interview Maitama Sule granted your magazine, I was able to get the full picture of how this country slipped gradually into ruin through the activities of our corrupt so-called leaders. I must say it is grossly disheartening. I now understand why we must all turn to God to help us turn the country around for the better.
Francis Godstine,
Port-Harcourt.
It is apparent that the younger generation of Nigerians has enjoyed nothing. As a matter of fact, we have been suffering. It is unfortunate that the people who enjoyed the early benefits of democracy, who went to free school or abroad on scholaship are the ones running the country down. These ingrates are a set of wicked people who must be shot. God bless Maitama Sule for revealing the past and present and also harping on what may likely happen in the nearest future.
Adebiyi Moshood,
Ibadan.
I am a staunch follower of Maitama Sule as his views are always very incisive and down-to-earth. It was a pleasure reading him as you cover story. TheNEWS should always publish interviews with role models like Sule Maitama. The younger generations have a lot to learn from such men.
Kayoed Afolayan,
Abuja.
This is the second time Maitama Sule has granted TheNEWS interview in less than three years, and I am delighted that the old man remains as clear-headed as of yore. This is a man that has seen it all, so he should be listened to. I wish the interview can be recommended as a must read for our present incompetent and selfish leaders. Not a single opinion of his can be discarded.
Bilikisu Obans,
Okenne.
It is a pity that men in the mould of Maitama Sule are now very hard to find. Another sad thing about this country is that men of good character who can cause changes are never given the chance to get to positions where they can positively affect the lives of the people and the country. This is one of the reasons why the country’s affairs will continue to be in a mess.
Taiwo Abatan,
Ibadan.
People in Maitama Sule’s generation did not go into politics to amass wealth or loot public funds. Those were the days when men had dignity. And those were times when men were not measured in terms of being excessively wealthy to be relevant in the society. Now things have changed as present day politicians are only interested in getting rich at all costs to belong in the category of achievers and men that count. Presently, we live in a society where money is worshipped, even if it is looted.
Folusho Onitiri,
Bariga, Lagos.