We Can Isolate Ourselves from  Politics, Not from Governance, Says Emir of Kazaure

The Emir of Kazaure, Alhaji NajibHussaini Adamu, has said the traditional rulers in the country can isolate themselves from party politics, but not from governance.

Speaking at a symposium on ‘Leadership and traditional institution in Nigeria/West Africa, organised by the Centre for the Study of Leadership and Complex Military Operations (CSLCMO) at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna, the Emir traced the leadership excellence of many historical icons in governance and military formations to the training from their traditional institution, saying that “heritage institution” provides foundational structures for leadership development.

“We can isolate ourselves from party politics but we cannot isolate ourselves from governance because governance affects people. The takeaway from the lives of many Kazaure heroes, as well as the legends in other traditions is that leaders must be innovative, and must be forward looking.

“Stubborn allegiance to convention in the light of changing dynamics ultimately leads to poor outcomes. As a leader, one must thread the fine line between change and convention; exposure and open-mindedness, adaptability and above all, balance is critical.

“For our heritage institutions to remain critical parts of our societal and cultural consciousness, we must look to establish policies and processes that support heritage institutions’ future and sustainability.

“Our indigenous histories are relevant aspects of our social lives which we can explore to raise leaders that are capable of leading Nigeria and rather than look outside for leadership, we should begin to look inward into the legacies of the legends within our heritage institutions,” he said.

In the same vein, the Commandant of NDA, Maj. Gen. M.T Ibrahim, represented by the Deputy Commandant, Air Vice Marshall C.E. Okoye, emphasised that knowledge in history is key for military leadership and training pointing that “our history as a people still remains within the spaces of memories and there is a need to document them aid the training of future leaders.”

Following the keynote presentation of Adamu, the discussants, Professor A.S. Nwankwo, Academy Provost, and Dean of the Postgraduate School, Professor A.O. Ahmed urged the government to review the spirit of Nigeria’s curriculum to accommodate courses across all disciplines that teach leadership and national development.