In the ongoing battle against corruption in Nigeria, Khadijah Abdullahi Iya, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate for the March 18 governorship election in Niger State, is urging a groundbreaking approach to scrutinize the mental health of aspiring leaders.
Addressing the National Conference on Social Justice in Jos, Plateau state, Khadijah emphasized the critical need for those vying for leadership roles to undergo compulsory mental health evaluations. She contends that there is a psychological dimension to the pervasive greed and unchecked desire to embezzle public funds rather than serve with integrity.
While firmly asserting that corruption remains a major impediment to the country’s progress, Khadijah, also the publisher of Search Inwards magazine, underscored the significance of a scientific evaluation to determine the fitness of leaders for their roles.
“I don’t understand why one would steal money for a child whose existence is uncertain,” she remarked, highlighting the urgency of introspection within the nation’s leadership.
She further advocated for a comprehensive social experiment to analyze the root causes behind leaders engaging in corrupt practices. She questioned the prevalence of leaders who prioritize personal gain over public service, deeming such behaviour “sickening.”
Referring to the 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International, which placed Nigeria at 150 out of 180 countries, Khadijah argued that this ranking signifies an alarming lack of improvement in the nation’s corruption perception.
The gubernatorial candidate contends that effective parenting plays a pivotal role in nurturing future leaders who will prioritize public service over personal enrichment. She stressed the importance of mothers in shaping the values and character of their children, labeling women as the backbone of families and communities.
Encouraging parents to instill religious values and empathy in their children, she asserted that successful parenting involves raising children with a deep sense of responsibility and purpose. She believes that such individuals, when groomed effectively, become the nation builders needed for societal development.
In conclusion, Khadijah Iya called on parents to uphold their responsibilities in molding the next generation of leaders, fostering a legacy of trust and service among their children
By Alex Elemanna
