The Muslim Congress (TMC) has called for greater emphasis on ethical leadership, accountability, justice and selflessness as Nigeria prepares for another cycle of elections and continues to grapple with economic challenges.
The Amir of TMC, Alhaji Abdulwasi’i Taiwo Bangbala, made the call in his welcome address at the organisation’s 19th Annual Ogun State Lecture held on Sunday at Ontec Event Centre, in Abeokuta, the State capital
The lecture which has its theme “Nation Building Through Ethical Leadership,” brought together Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the media and other stakeholders.
Bangbala who was represented by the Waali of TMC, Ogun State, Dr. Jamiu Folarin, said the theme was particularly relevant to Nigeria’s contemporary realities, arguing that nation-building could not be achieved without integrity, accountability, justice and selflessness.
According to him, leadership should be regarded as a trust for which those entrusted with public office would ultimately be accountable, stressing that Nigerians should prioritise leaders with strong ethical character.
“As we prepare to elect leaders across various levels of governance, we must demand and prioritise ethical character: leaders who perceive governance as a service to humanity rather than a path to personal enrichment,” he said.
He noted that the annual TMC gathering was not merely an academic exercise but an avenue for the organisation to contribute constructively to national discourse and civic responsibility.
The organisation also expressed concern over the rising cost of living and the economic pressure confronting Nigerians.
Bangbala said recent increases in fuel prices had further increased the burden on households, with transportation, food and other essential services becoming increasingly difficult for many Nigerians to afford.
While acknowledging the need for economic reforms aimed at achieving long-term stability, he urged governments at all levels to introduce substantial and verifiable measures to cushion their immediate impact on citizens.
He called for increased investment in affordable public transportation, stronger support for local agricultural supply chains and targeted economic assistance for small businesses and vulnerable households.
“Economic policies must always be tempered with empathy and realistic safety nets. The welfare of the people is the primary purpose of governance, and no reform should be sustained at the expense of the basic survival of the populace,” he said.
The organisation also expressed concern over ongoing geopolitical tensions and their consequences for the global economy and vulnerable populations.
Bangbala specifically referenced tensions involving the United States and Iran, saying conflicts between major global powers could disrupt energy markets and impose additional economic burdens on countries such as Nigeria.
He also condemned what he described as the continued injustice against Palestinians, including settlement expansion, displacement and the destruction in Gaza.
The TMC leader called on the international community and world leaders to promote an immediate and lasting cessation of hostilities and support what he described as the Palestinian people's right to sovereignty, peace and self-determination.
He further urged Nigeria to maintain a foreign policy anchored on justice and human rights, while encouraging Nigerian civil society to engage constructively on international issues.
Bangbala said nation-building remained a collective responsibility requiring moral courage from both leaders and citizens.
He urged Nigerians to become agents of positive change in their families, workplaces and communities.
He also prayed for wisdom and courage for Nigeria’s current and future leaders, as well as peace, stability and security for the country and oppressed people around the world.
Similarly, the Guest Speaker at event , Dr. Abdulllahi Shuaib in his lecture titled "Ethical Governance, Accountability and Public Trust", stressed the need for public office to be seen as a trust and not a harvest
He defined "Ethical Governance", as power exercised by God-concious people for the common good, within the limit of law and revelation
For him "Accountability", is about individual's readiness to explain to the people who must examine him or her and as such he or she must be ready to accept consequences of actions or in-actions before the people and Allah(God )
Public Trust according to him, is the confidence of citizens that those entrusted will act in their interest, verifiably and consistently
"Ethics without accountability is sentiment.Accountability without ethics is paper work. Only when both are alive does public trust become possible and trust, once earned is the cheapest form of governance
The Guest Speaker concluded by maintaining that every office is amanah that is borrowed and never owned, saying ensuring justice is not negotiable, even if it against one's self
"Trust is built by verifiable conduct, not by speeches. The final audit admits no lawyer and loses no file ", he submitted
The Royal Father of the Day and Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola noted that Nigeria cannot develop by blaming government alone, calling on parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths, and civil servants to be honest, responsible, and committed to their respective roles in the society
According to the monarch, when leaders lead with integrity and citizens play their part, the nation can achieve greater unity, lasting peace, public trust, and meaningful development.
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