Insincerity of Nigerian politicians responsible for security challenges — APC Chieftain

A former Governorship aspirant in Kwara state and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Saliu Mustapha has attributed the grave security situation in the country to the “desperate lies” of the political elites.

Mustapha made this known on Monday at the launching of “Twenty-One political lies in Nigeria”, a book authored by Iyiola Oyedepo, a former Commissioner and legislator in Kwara state.

The event was held at Hall B, Kwara Hotel in Ilorin, the state capital.

Senator Lola Ashiru representing Kwara South; Speaker of the Kwara state Assembly, Yakubu Danladi, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Shuaib Abdulraheem, amongst many other dignitaries, graced the event.

While the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, attended virtually, the minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed, was represented by Jide Jimoh, a member of the House of representatives from Lagos state.

In his address as the Chief launcher, Mustapha said; “If we are sincere with ourselves as political elites, we will realise that it is an accumulation of the desperate lies of the political class that has brought Nigeria to its present quagmire on security and ethnic agitations.”

He also called for an immediate change, emphasising the need to salvage some of the failing sectors in the country.

“I have had the privilege of an advance copy of the book and from my preview one cannot but appreciate the industry that Chief Iyiola Oyedepo brought into the writing of the book. I personally believe that there could not have been a better person to chronicle the issues in contention in the book than Chief Akogun, by virtue of his experience, political acumen, exposure, connection and network.”

Against the background of the issues raised in the book, I would like to urge us all, the political class, whether ruling or opposition, to embrace a more transparent approach to winning elections. This cannot be overemphasized because at the end of our endeavours, what will matter most is the number of lives impacted,” he said.

Mustapha also noted a few things he believes the author would need to work on in the book’s next edition.

“The author needs to work harder for balance, especially as it relates to the Kwara Central Senatorial District. I would also be willing to assist in whatever way possible to make this achievable as the topic of discourse is one that is vital in shaping our political landscape,” he said.

The founder of Saliu Mustapha Foundation, however, supported the book project with the sum of three million naira.

Also speaking at the event, the author said the book seeks to expose the lies of political actors so that they will not lead the people to their gallows through falsehood.

“For it is those that reach political milestones through the lies as documented in this book that offer admission, employment, contract location of projects and infrastructures to the undeserved.”

“They run governments through favors and by mediocrity. A politically conscious electorate will demand for cheap quality education instead of Ankara, semovita and petty cash. A conscious electorate when offered religion for votes will ask for gainful employment for his children and wards,” Oyedepo said.

According to him, the book was written without any particular persons or groups in mind.

“I write to expose some claims whose time must expire in our body politics. I write to create consciousness of different hews: economic, social and political. I write to create issues-based politics instead of these prebendal lies served on the people to place politicians in power.”