The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima has linked the recent surge in vandalism and looting of both public and private properties in northern Nigeria to inadequate leadership, pervasive corruption, and deep-rooted poverty in the area.
During a graduation ceremony for 20 underprivileged students at Hau’wa Memorial School (HMS), which is operated by the AMA Foundation, Shettima, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmad, expressed concern over the prolonged acceptance of social misconduct.
He indicated that this has resulted in a generation that exhibits little respect for authority or adherence to the rule of law. He emphasized that the culmination of these issues has led to significant loss of life and property during the recent nationwide protests against economic difficulties.
“For an extended period, we have accepted poverty, corruption, and ineffective leadership, and the outcome is evident—a generation has emerged that lacks respect for God, the laws of the land, leadership, and our core values,” Shettima remarked.
The Vice President reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, to revitalizing Nigeria’s prosperity, ensuring that future generations can inherit the legacies of esteemed leaders such as Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto.
In light of the recent turmoil, Shettima commented, “In the past two weeks, the nation has faced challenging times, predominantly driven by youth—young individuals who are frustrated due to hunger, who perceive no hope for a brighter future, who feel neglected by the government, and who harbor no respect for any authority, believing that all have failed them.”
