The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reacted after 37-year-old, Humza Yousaf, was confirmed as the new Scottish leader.
JomogNews reports that Scotland’s parliament on Tuesday confirmed Yousaf will replace Nicola Sturgeon as first minister, the nation’s youngest and the first Muslim leader of a government in western Europe.
Reacting via Twitter, Peter Obi, reiterated the need to focus on character, competence, capacity, and compassion, rather than ethnicity and religion to form the basis on which credible leaders are voted into power.
He stated that Nigerians must rise above ethnicity, religion, and sectarian politics in matters of governance in the country.
He wrote: “A 37 year old, Humza Yousaf is set to become Scotland’s first minister, having won the keenly contested SNP’s leadership contest. Born of Pakistani parents, who emigrated to Scotland in the 60’s, Yousaf is from the ethnic minority and a Muslim.
“In an organised democracy like Scotland, Character Competence, Capacity, and Compassion, rather than ethnicity and religion form the basis on which credible leaders are voted into power. A lesson for Nigeria.
“I have always maintained that Nigerians must rise above ethnicity, religion and sectarian politics in matters of governance; and that the leadership selection process must be strictly based on Character, Competence, Capacity and Compassion, only then, shall our democracy flourish, and our society progress. Contextually, the Scottish realty is instructive and presents us some lessons learned and missed opportunities.
“As Nigerians, we must strive for a leadership imbued with Character, Competence, Capacity, Credibility and Commitment.”
