Former President Shehu Shagari yesterday said one of the major reasons why Nigerian leaders failed to achieve their goals is that they usually surround themselves with sychophants.
Addressing the governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko who paid him a courtesy visit in his village, Shagari Local Government, Shagari said any leader who wants to succeed must check the activities of sychophants and ensure that they do not make it difficult for him to know the real problem facing their people.
According to him, "Sycophants within the corridors of power have, to a large extent, made it difficult for leaders to be aware of the problems facing their people and what to do to alleviate their suffering. "This has led to poverty and underdevelopment, so as far as I am concerned, political leaders should keep them at arms length, if they want the country to move forward.
"Thus, the onus is on politicians to listen to the yearnings and aspirations of their people and also accommodate constructive criticism and views of those in opposition, of which without it, there is the risk of dictatorship and chaos in the polity", he advised.
Shagari described the achievements recorded by the present administration in the last 100 days as something commendable and urged the governor to brace-up for the challenges ahead so as to enhance the socio-economic development of the state. Speaking earlier, Governor Wamakko said they were at his residence to seek his fatherly advice and assured him of their commitment towards ensuring economic transformation of the state.
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Shagari who was the first elected President of Nigeria was in power between 1979 and 1983 when his administration was toppled by the military three months into his second term.
His administration was accused of corruption, mismanagement of the economy, nepotism and manipulation of the electoral system.
But the former President was not indicted by any of the military tribunals set up to investigate politicians who held offices during the Second Republic.
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