(MSN)
President of Timor-Leste and Nobel laureate, José Ramos-Horta, has called for a rethink of governance and leadership structures in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for policies that prioritize national interests over external influences.
He noted that Nigeria, as a continental force, must clearly define its national interests rather than allow external pressures to dictate its developmental trajectory.
He spoke as chairman at the public lecture held in honour of Prof Babafemi Badejo in Lagos.
Drawing from his personal experiences in Africa, the Timor-Leste leader shared insights into his interactions with Nigerian leaders, particularly former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He described Jonathan as a leader who understood the value of diplomacy and mutual respect, citing their engagements at African Union summits and governance initiatives in Guinea-Bissau.
Ramos-Horta lamented that global institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, have failed to anticipate and prevent conflicts, leading to devastating crises in various parts of the world, including Ukraine, Gaza, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He urged African nations, particularly Nigeria, to develop governance models that serve the people rather than elite or external interests.
The Nobel laureate stressed the urgency of leadership reforms, urging Nigerian policymakers to prioritize governance frameworks that align with justice, equity, and economic progress.
He reiterated that politics is ultimately about interests, but those interests must serve the broader population rather than a privileged few.
