DEFECTIVE constitution, intolerance of the opposition, absence of ideology-based political parties, religious extremism, and lack of national identity were yesterday identified as the bane of Nigeria's development by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah.Kukah said Nigeria was also faced by the problem of leadership, arising from the conscription of people who were not ready for governance into such positions.To come out of the numerous crises after 51 years of nationhood, Kukah called for a people-oriented constitution, prosecution of groups and sponsors of political and religious violence, and a focused leadership to address unemployment and poverty among most Nigerians.The clergyman noted that till date, there is no law in the country that prescribes punishment for anyone, who burnt a church or mosque.Kukah, who delivered a lecture to mark the first anniversary Ekiti State Kayode Fayemi in office in Ado Ekiti yesterday, also identified the lack of a true national identity as partly responsible for most Nigerians disenchantment with both the nation and its leaders. .He said both the rulers and ruled are not happy with the inability of the country to be among the league of developed nations.Kukah lamented that the nation had not been fortunate to have in office, leaders who willingly aspired for such positions..The clergyman said it could no longer be justified that 51 years after independence, Nigeria cannot provide basic amenities, especially constant power supply, portable water unlike other counties in Asia and Africa, which their journey at the same time.Kukah said countries like Liberia, Rwanda and Zambia, which Nigeria once helped to address their problems, had overtaken 'us in resolving their identity problems and socio economic challenges.'In the lecture titled: 'Identity politics in Nigeria,'' Kukah likened the country to a brand new car, which embarked on journey with a full tank but could not arrived at its destination because it had a shattered windscreen and faulty engine due to its inexperienced and careless driver.The cleric said the security challenges caused by Boko Haram would continue until the country identifies the politicians behind the sect and resolve religious crisis in the country.He also enjoined the government to power people and address poverty in the land to reduce the level at which indigent fellows were being induced with peanuts to commit crime.He urged the government at all levels to tolerate oppositions, saying democracy cannot thrive without opposition adding that the time had come for political parties to be driven by ideology. .The event was also used to launch a book, 'Long Walk To A New Dawn' an account of the struggle and liberation of Ekiti people written by Yemi Adaramodu and Hakeem Jamiu.
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