Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum has proposed the Chinese political model as a solution to Nigeria's leadership crisis.
Speaking at the 24th National Conference of the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers in Abuja, Zulum called for a structured and merit-based approach to the selection of leaders in Africa's most populous nation.
“I always refer to the electoral system in China,” Zulum said.
“In China they do selection versus choice. First, they will identify credible leaders with proven integrity based on past track records. They evaluate the potential of all those who have held public office for a period of time; Then, they select the best. After that, they put the best candidate up for election.”
China is a one-party state ruled by the Communist Party since the end of the country's civil war in 1949.
Zulum underlined the potential benefits of the Chinese approach for Nigeria, arguing that it could significantly improve the quality of leadership.
However, he highlighted the importance of responsible citizenship, stating: “Our problem here in Nigeria is not just one of leadership but also followership. “I think we need to shift our focus toward two critical components instead of one: leadership and followers.”
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The governor emphasized that significant progress cannot be made without good leadership, but stressed that good citizens are essential for effective governance. “As much as we need good leaders, we also need good citizens who know how to distinguish between their right and their left,” he stressed.
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In addition to speaking about leadership, Zulum advocated for the use of technology to transform agriculture and improve food production. “As we gather here, we recognize the urgent need for innovative solutions to address the pressing challenges facing our country,” he said.
“By harnessing the power of technologies such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology, we can develop sustainable and resilient food systems to meet the needs of a growing population while protecting our natural resources.”