By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
Nigerian politicians and elites have been charged to prioritize national interest over personal and political ambitions.
Alhaji Abdulhamid Sa’adu Kalshingi made the appeal in an interview with our reporter in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
He said political leaders in the country have forgotten the responsibilities entrusted to them, noting that many are now more focused on political agendas ahead of the 2027 general elections rather than delivering good governance.
“Political leaders in this country have forgotten the responsibility saddled on them. They are now focused on retaining their platforms for a second term instead of addressing the needs of the people,” he said.
Alhaji Kalshingi urged leaders to focus on infrastructural development, lamenting the poor state of roads across the country, which he described as death traps.
“Can you imagine the long-overdue bridge in Taraba State linking Taraba and Adamawa States?
“It has become an eyesore, especially during the rainy season.
“The bridge becomes almost impassable, and travellers from Taraba to Adamawa are forced to use boats for transportation. Where are political office holders?” he queried.
He further cited the condition of roads across Nigeria, from the South to the North and from the West to the East, describing many of them as dilapidated and impassable for decades.
“These roads have become unmotorable due to neglect and lack of maintenance,” Kalshingi stated.
He advised that instead of focusing on the 2027 election campaigns, political leaders should channel their energy toward alleviating the suffering of Nigerians and developing the economy.