From Mustapha Saye, Kaduna
A renowned business mogul, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, has asked the Northern Elders Forum to team up with other Nigerians of like minds to end the disturbing multiple problems facing the country if truly elites are meant to live behind a prosperous nation for the youths.
Speaking while receiving members of the forum led by Prof. Ango Abdullahi, alongside its other top nurtures, including Alhaji Hakim Baba Ahmed, who was in Kano for condolence over the death of the famous politician, Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa, Alhaji Dantata noted that it is clear that the presidential system of government has failed.
He said: “You will agree with me that the presidential system of government has failed the nation; what we need now is a parliamentary system, because the one we are operating is too cumbersome and financially disturbing.”
Alhaji Dantata explained that another thing that calls for urgent attention of the elders from both North and South is the decayed family system, in addition to lack of honesty, corruption and the general insecurities.
“I think today values have gone down so low. People consider money more than core value system, and that is why many negative things are happening in the country that requires elders’ attention,” he said.
Dantata expressed worries about the frequent drops in values of the nation’s currency, explaining that today Naira has nearly become valueless in the global markets.
“You can see that rise in prices has everything to do with the devaluing of the Naira,” he explained.
According to him, the nation needs desperate measures to tackle this ugly scenario because poverty is slowly gaining ground amongst the poorest while those that are trying are getting frustrated by the day.
Similarly, Alhaji Dantata called on the nation’s politicians to do away with destructive criticism obtained in its political cycle, saying: “We are going nowhere with the kind of politics we are seeing today. We must change the narrative if we are to salvage the national polity.”
Speaking, Prof. Abdullahi stated that they were in the state to commiserate with its people and government over the demise of Alhaji Tofa, Dr. Ibrahim Datti Ahmad, Sani Dangote and the former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ado Gwaram.
Those on the entourage included Gen. Sale Maina; Hakim Baba Ahmed; president of the Coalition of Northern Groups, Nastura Shariff; Dr. Sadiq Gombe and Hajiya Naja’atu Muhammad.
Members of the forum also visited the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; the state deputy governor, Alhaji Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna and Alhaji Sule Yahya Hamma among others.
At late Tofa’s country home along Gandu GRA, there were tears amongst the visitors who recalled the contributions of the deceased in the development of the country