By Bode Olagoke
Abuja
Nasarawa state Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, and his counterpart from Borno state, Kassim Shettima, were amongst other awardees that were honoured by the Leadership Group yesterday in Abuja at its annual conference and award ceremony.
While Al-Makura got the award of Politician of the Year, Governor Shettima was honoured with the best governor of the year 2015.
Speaking shortly after he was conferred with the award, Al-Makura said “if Nigerians give the necessary support to the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, he has the pedigree and antecedents to take the country to the Promise Land.”
He said the country was currently in a delicate state of affairs which required a re-orientation of ideals and values amongst Nigerians.
He said: “Whichever political party you come, there is a big challenge facing us at this point in time, it is timely that the theme of this lecture is ‘Reclaiming Nigeria: A Pathway.’ This country is in a position of whether to survive or to fail completely. This position we are in now is so critical.
“We have got a leader in this country who personifies commitment and sincerity of purpose, which is the president of this country, Muhammadu Buhari. I am calling on all of us that it is time to now or never support this wonderful Nigerian who will take this country to the promise land given his pedigree and antecedents.”
While calling on citizens to rededicate themselves to the nation’s development, he cautioned Nigerians on the excesses of the Social Media.
“I would like us to look inward and rededicate ourselves to the survival of this country through value orientation, ethics, and rule of law, accountability, transparency and self denial, leadership by example and above all, the fear of almighty God. I think if we imbibe this attributes and we internalise them, Nigeria will have a very promising future given the leadership we have at the moment.
“I will also want us to desist and run away from negative tendencies that have bedevilled this country for long. It is time for rebirth; it is time for reformation of this country. I am calling on all Nigerians that believe in the oneness of this country to join hands with Mr. President to salvage this country from the yokes of corruption, maladministration, stealing, and all kind of vices.
“Let me also advise young Nigerians not to get carried away by the Social Media because Social Media is a medium that is supposed to add value to the quality of life of our people but when we resort to indoctrination, brainwashing, we will be shooting ourselves in the foot.”
