José Ramos-Horta emphasizes Nigeria’s history of resilience against competing interests from elites and global powers in his address. He advocates for reforming global governance toward justice and equity, promoting a nationalistic approach for Nigeria to leverage its resources effectively. Horta stresses the importance of strong leadership and the need for a collective commitment to human rights and development, honoring Professor Femi Badejo’s contributions to political thought.
In his insightful address, José Ramos-Horta reflects on Nigeria’s persistent struggle against competing interests from political elites, multinational corporations, and global powers, which have significantly influenced its policies and the lives of its citizens. He emphasizes the urgent need for a reformation of global and national governance to prioritize justice, equity, and shared accountability. Horta recalls his positive rapport with former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, highlighting the importance of strong leadership in shaping effective governance.
The theme of the symposium, “Politics is Interests,” resonates in today’s context, where global affairs are heavily swayed by special interests often neglecting the common good. Horta advocates for Nigeria to leverage its considerable resources and human capital for the benefit of its people, proposing a nationalistic approach akin to the “America First” concept, while avoiding harm to others. He asserts that Nigeria should prioritize its national interests and engage in productive competition without engaging in exploitative international practices.
Horta discusses the shifting global landscape, noting the evolving dynamics such as the rise of BRICS nations and concerns over the influence of Bretton Woods institutions amid China’s economic ascent. Advocating for healthy competition, he envisions a landscape where cooperation prevails over conflict, allowing nations to address common challenges collaboratively. He stresses the significance of leadership in this context and how leaders must transcend elite interests to foster collective progress for their citizens.
Highlighting Professor Femi Badejo’s contributions to political thought and governance, Horta underscores the need for Nigeria and Africa to assert themselves in a rapidly evolving global order. He urges leaders to embrace “utmost freedom,” aligning development goals with human rights and governance to meet the needs of the populace. Horta calls for a recommitment to power structures that promote the well-being of all citizens, thereby challenging the discrimination entrenched in global power relations.
In conclusion, Horta’s address pays tribute to Professor Badejo and reinforces the call to critically reassess the nature of power and governance. He encourages a collective commitment to building a world where leadership is genuinely devoted to serving the broader interests of society rather than a privileged few. His reflections are a reminder of the importance of justice and equity in the ongoing political dialogue.
José Ramos-Horta’s address serves as a clarion call to rethink governance and political interests in Nigeria. He urges the country to prioritize its national interests, encourages leaders to rise above elite aspirations, and champions the pursuit of collective development and human rights. Through highlighting the urgent need for equitable governance, Horta calls for a recommitment to principles that benefit the wider society, marking a path towards genuine political progress.
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