Former Minister of Lands and Housing, Chief Nduese Essien, has sparked a debate by attributing Nigeria’s economic woes and backwardness to governance by older people.
He stressed that older individuals may lack the mental capacity and physical ability to address pressing issues effectively.
In an interview with journalists on Wednesday, Essien stated that older people should play advisory roles rather than holding key positions in governance.
The former minister criticized the high level of impunity, corruption, and mismanagement of resources by political leaders, which has led to economic shortfalls in Nigeria, according to Daily Post.
Essien’s comments have sparked a discussion on the role of age in leadership and governance.
While some agree that younger leaders could bring fresh ideas and energy, others argue that experience and wisdom are valuable assets that older leaders possess.
The debate raises important questions about the balance between youth and experience in leadership and how to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.
“At 70, your mental capacity and physical performance have dwindled to the point that you should be on the sidelines to advise but not to be the focal point of governance.
“Now is the computer age where younger ones predominate and so for an old person to want to continue to lead after 70 is not just unacceptable, but intolerable,” Essien said.
He continued, “We are having problems with these governments that are headed by old people and I still say that the older ones after 70 should not want to provide active and effective leadership.
“A younger person who is more vibrant should be allowed to take over while the older ones play advisory roles.”
He further argued that when political positions are compensatory, much shouldn’t be expected from such leadership because there will be a lack of zeal.
Chief Essien called on the leadership of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to re-energise and re-strategise themselves in readiness to confront the ruling party.
He said: “With the recent turn of events, we are virtually going into a one-party system situation, which is not ideal for this country, considering the diversity in population.”
He further advised the party to buckle up and not underestimate the likelihood of a failed party coming in strongly to take over governance.
“It almost happened in the last election in 2023, when a third, unknown force took over the government.
“Now many people who were disgruntled with the ruling party and failed opposition party are willing to join the third force and that could pose a danger for the other two parties,” he added.
The Eket Senatorial District leader also pleaded with Akwa Ibomites to allow Governor Umo Eno to settle down, and concentrate on delivering his mandate to the people rather than focusing on a second tenure.
A second term, he stated, is earned based on performance.
“I believe that a second term of another four years should be earned as a result of performance in the first four years in office. You can’t automatically earn eight years when you haven’t done well in four years. Umo Eno’s second-term campaign is a little too early. People should allow him to concentrate and work,” he stated.
