Atiku Advocates Two-Party System

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar yesterday called for the adoption of a two-party system, saying that it would address some of the political challenges confronting the nation.

Atiku, who spoke at the 2012 Leadership Newspapers Annual Conference and Awards in Abuja, also called for a review of the present federal structure.

He said that the review would give room for the states to be more resourceful and be prepared for the country’s transformation into a great nation.

He said such a review should address issues such as minimum wage, state police, control of resources and institutions, among others.

“Our states and regions have different revenue endowments and varying costs of living.

“So, it will be misguided for labour leaders to think that a uniform wage across the country will be in the interest of the workers.

“Employers, including the state governments that have the capacity to pay more, should be able to do so, and it can spark competition for the best talents and may raise the wage level and the standard of living.

“Minimum wage structure should be set by states and regional governments,’’ he added.

Atiku said that a more active and vibrant judiciary would help the country’s development.

“The judiciary, at all levels, should be made to be more resourceful and result-oriented by reviewing its present structures.’’

He held that the judiciary, as currently constituted, was ineffective and unable to deliver justice at all levels.

The former vice president said that Nigeria would be better off if the review was pursued sincerely and in the interest of national development.

Earlier, the Chairman, Leadership Newspapers, Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah, said that the awards were in recognition of the efforts of some distinguished Nigerians.

He said the newspaper was out to contribute its quota to encouraging Nigerians in different fields to do more for the development of the nation.

Nda-Isaiah stressed the need for Nigerians, irrespective of their socio-political affiliations, to unite for the growth of the country.

He said that no nation would achieve greatness without unity and peace among its leadership at all levels.

In his comment, Leadership Person of the Year, retired Lt.-Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, stressed the need for Nigerians to be united in the interest of national rebirth.

He said the media should lead the campaign for unity, peace and development of the country.

“Journalists must begin to engage in activities that will promote peace and unity and emphasise issues that unite rather than divide Nigerians.”

He also urged youths in the country to re-examine themselves and eschew ventures that would jeopardise their future.

On his philanthropic activities, Danjuma said the yearnings of a community he first visited in 1996 spurred him into providing succour to the less- privileged.

He said the leadership award would motivate him to do more for those in dire need of assistance.

Danjuma called on Nigerians to cultivate the habit of helping the less-privileged, saying that much of the country’s problems could be solved if people learned to assist each other.

He stressed the need for individuals to embark on philanthropic activities, saying that government and foreign donors alone could not solve the country’s numerous problems.

Responding on behalf of the awardees, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State said the awards would spur them to greater service, adding that “there is a need for the political class to redefine the concept of leadership.”

“Leadership must promote replicable values and restore hope in our country.

“We must move away from the belief in the end justifying the means,” he said, adding that “we must empower, rather than dis-empower our people and this must not be done in an isolated manner.”

Fayemi was honoured with the Governor of the Year award.

Others include the Politician of the Year award which went to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Business Person of the Year.