A university don and senior lecturer at the University of Ibadan, Dr. Oludayo Tade, Wednesday said Nigeria has been kidnapped by five categories of people.
The lecturer in the department of Sociology, University of Ibadan stated this while delivering a public lecture entitled “Rescuing Nigeria from its abductors” as part of the Oyo NUJ 2022 Press week, at the Council’s Press Centre, Ibadan.
Dr. Tade in the lecture identified the five categories of people as religious leaders, ethnic champions, journalists, adding that the endorsers and Nigerians themselves are the ones holding the country in captivity.
He added that all these are making it difficult for Nigeria as a country to move forward, saying, for Nigeria to regain its freedom from its abductors, those who have permanent voter’ cards must come out on the day of elections to elect credible leaders.
“There are five different people who abducted Nigeria. Religious groups have hijacked Nigeria. They have abducted the country. Poverty, unemployment and hunger does not know any religion. But, religious leaders are claiming that they own the country,” he said.
Dr Tade added, “The endorsers are the ones claiming they endorsed one candidate or other. And I always ask: do they have PVCs? The endorsers will trade with the lives of other people.
“Ethnic champions should have a rethink and change of minds. The media has also abducted Nigeria. Journalists are now following politicians. But, it is the task of journalists to raise issues with politicians and not to follow them in their journey.”
He stated that, “Nigerians themselves have PVCs and they keep it. Minority vote during the elections, by not voting, they have abducted Nigeria.”
Dr Tade stated further that to rescue Nigeria, those who have PVCs should come out and vote for credible leaders and politicians must address issues because violence will not allow us to have a better Nigeria.”
