Posted by The Punch on
During a recent visit to Ekiti State, Governor Saminu Turaki of Jigawa State described Nigeria's elite as the greatest enemies of the country.
During a recent visit to Ekiti State, Governor Saminu Turaki of Jigawa State described Nigeria's elite as the greatest enemies of the country.
This is rather disappointing, coming, as it is, from a leader.
Turaki accused the elite of being responsible for every problem in the country today.
The elite, for their personal interest, he argued, masterminded the thorny issue of resource control and power shift.
He also blamed them for the agitation to have other regions of the country produce the president, expressing satisfaction with the erstwhile status quo, during which a section of the country has regularly produced the president.
As far as Turaki is concerned, other Nigerians should be satisfied so long as their expectations are met, especially in the area of provision of social amenities.
I am disappointed with this view, to say the least, because Turaki has only attempted to stand the truth on its head.
As far as I know, however, the problem of this country has to do with the ruling class -- to which Turaki belongs, and not an imaginary elite anywhere.
Enebeli Edwin,Mutairu Onigbanjo St.,Ikate-Surulere,Lagos.
The Punch, Monday, July 11, 2005