Chairman of the New Deal Organization, Prince Daniel Kanu, has attributed Nigeria's persistent challenges to the failure of good values and principles across society. He stated that the country's problems cannot be solved through politics, strikes, and constant finger-pointing. Kanu emphasized that Nigerians must look beyond government for solutions and accept their own responsibility for rebuilding the country.
In an Independence Day message, Kanu described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 66th anniversary address as sincere and progressive. He urged Nigerians to support legitimate institutions and leadership while playing their part in fixing the country. Kanu's message comes as the country commemorates its 66th anniversary, with various stakeholders reflecting on the nation's progress and challenges.
Kanu questioned the three-day warning strike announced by the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, JNPSNC, over demands it said the government had failed to meet by September 30, 2026. He described it as ironic that some individuals who should be working within the system to help fix Nigeria's systemic problems are going on strike to compel someone else to fix problems that are, in part, within their own areas of responsibility.
According to Kanu, Nigeria's development is being undermined by the absence of values, including integrity, honesty, competence, accountability, compassion, and respect for rules. He emphasized that the solution to Nigeria's problems depends on the deliberate inculcation and practice of values and principles such as integrity, honesty, respect, competence, compassion, empathy, accountability, and customer service.
Kanu acknowledged the hardship facing Nigerians, particularly the less privileged, but noted that the country's problems did not begin with the present administration and would not be solved by politics or industrial action. He urged Nigerians to take responsibility for building the country, quoting former United States President John F. Kennedy: "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."
Kanu emphasized that Nigeria's abundant natural and human resources would remain insufficient without responsible citizens and institutions. He urged Nigerians to put the country first and rally around the Constitution in the interest of present and future generations. By doing so, Kanu believes that Nigerians can work together to address the country's challenges and build a better future.
Kanu's statement is a call to action for Nigerians to reflect on their role in shaping the country's future. As the nation continues to grapple with various challenges, Kanu's message serves as a reminder that collective responsibility and a commitment to values and principles are essential for Nigeria's progress and development.
Key points
- Dan Kanu blames Nigeria's challenges on failure of good values and principles
- Kanu urges Nigerians to take responsibility for building the country
- Kanu questions the effectiveness of strikes in solving Nigeria's problems
