The article stresses the need for Nigeria to redefine governance by prioritizing national interests over competing global forces. José Ramos-Horta reflects on his relationship with President Goodluck Jonathan and highlights the invaluable contributions of Professor Badejo to political thought. He calls for an urgent transformation in governance structures to promote equity and justice, asserting that effective leadership is crucial in navigating both domestic and international challenges.
In Nigeria, the history is characterized by resilience shaped by competing interests from political elites, multinational corporations, and global powers, which determine policies that affect people’s lives. There is an urgent need to establish new governance architectures grounded in justice, equity, and shared responsibility to address these issues effectively.
The relationship I built with President Goodluck Jonathan showcased mutual respect and warmth during my initial meeting at an African Union summit in 2013, prior to my assignment in Guinea-Bissau. Under the auspices of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, we engaged in substantive discussions that laid the groundwork for future collaboration.
In Guinea-Bissau, my Chief of Staff played a pivotal role in facilitating meetings with West African heads of state. Together, we aimed to secure constitutional order and promote free elections, with Timor-Leste significantly contributing to the electoral process. This collaborative effort underscored the importance of regional partnerships and support for sustainable governance.
I am honored to commemorate Professor Babafemi Adesina Badejo today, as his contributions to political thought have profoundly impacted Nigeria’s intellectual landscape. The symposium’s theme, “Politics is Interests,” highlights the contemporary reality where special interests often overshadow social justice and equity, challenging us to develop governance frameworks focused on the collective good.
Nigeria must strategically leverage its abundant resources and human capital to fulfill the needs of its citizens. Similar to the “America First” mantra, Nigerian governments should promote a “Nigeria First” strategy that emphasizes production and healthy competition without undermining other nations, given our interconnected global economy.
In the current global context, evolving alliances and the rise of emerging economies call for a reassessment of international relations. The US, Europe, and China must work together to foster cooperative efforts that benefit everyone rather than perpetuating conflicts that serve only a select few’s interests.
Leadership plays a critical role in addressing the deficit in governance, which has previously hindered development efforts. Professor Badejo’s work prompts us to rethink the nature of political power and prioritize collective progress over elite gratifications, especially in the face of leadership challenges in regions like Guinea-Bissau.
Badejo’s concept of “utmost freedom,” which combines the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizes the alignment of development with human rights and governance. Such a vision is essential for effective leadership that meets the people’s needs while navigating domestic and global interests.
As we celebrate Professor Badejo’s legacy, let us commit to examining power dynamics, reconceiving governance, and envisioning an equitable world where political power is used for the greater good rather than for a privileged minority.
As the President of Timor-Leste and a Nobel Peace Laureate, I affirm the necessity of consolidating our collective efforts towards ensuring social justice and sustainable development.
In summary, José Ramos-Horta emphasizes the importance of transforming Nigeria’s political landscape to prioritize national interests and promote equitable governance. He highlights the significance of harnessing Nigeria’s vast resources for the collective good and the need for effective leadership. Furthermore, he advocates for a global collaborative approach to tackle emerging challenges while honoring the legacy of intellectual contributions to political thought. Finally, restructuring governance frameworks to ensure the pursuit of collective civil freedoms is paramount for achieving sustainable progress and equity.
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