A political pressure group has emerged in Nigeria with the aim of confronting the deteriorating state of the nation’s economy, peace, and security and to chart a new course for the West African nation.

The group, known as Emerging Leaders of Reason (ELR), comprises likeminds drawn from different political, social, cultural, religious, ethnic, and other considerations. The aim of the group is to influence dialogue, governance, policy, and politics in order to redirect the nation towards prosperity, peace and security for all.

At its inaugural meeting held via Google Meet, on 1st October, which coincided with Nigeria’s 61st independent anniversary, its Chairman, Dr. James Okoroma, emphasized the need to redirect the ship of the Nigerian state and take it out of the seeming ‘auto-pilot’ mode.

He reiterated the commitment of the team noting that all members of the forum owe their children explanations in the future, if they fail to act responsibly now that the country appears to be fast losing its bearing.

In a communiqué issued after the meeting, it was concluded as follows:

That Nigeria needs a new crop of leaders who are patriotic, knowledgeable, and efficient to run the Country.

That the leadership recruitment process has been flawed, and that a process that would aid the emergence of new leaders should be encouraged to produce leaders that would not be bogged down by religious and ethnic sentiments.

That the tenure of the Interim Executive Committee be ratified to lead the Organization.

The meeting established the Constitution and Contact-mobilization Committees.

That a Directorate of Publicity be established. Mr. Lubem Gena was unanimously nominated to head the unit.

That more women and persons living with disabilities be co-opted into the Committees to reflect gender balance and all-inclusiveness.

That an Action Plan be drawn for the future operations of the Group.

That the Group should speak up on issues and proffer alternative solutions to national problems.

That the Group will support the emergence of effective, efficient and knowledgeable persons in elections who would add great value to leadership in the country irrespective of political, ethnic and religious leanings.

Speaking with a section of the media, Dr. Okoroma expressed regret at the general national configuration of leadership and its recruitment process emphasizing that the time to address this issue is now and all hands must be on the deck to salvage the situation.

In their separate goodwill messages, front-line members of the organization including Dr. Obinna Onyekwena, Dr. Chike Okogwu, Hon. Shimite Bello and Mrs. Amaka Ominiyi expressed sadness at the affairs of the country, which have left everyone vulnerable to bad governance, maladministration, insecurity, hopelessness, oppression, abject poverty and reckless abandonment of the citizenry.

The way forward, it was concluded, will be for all to take their respective pride of place in the overall survival of the nation in several areas including political, economic, socio-cultural dimensions. Failure to do so would amount to an elongation of the prevailing spiral into starker hardship and crises for Nigerians.

According to the group, inclusiveness and participation would be a core principle of operation.

This is the only way that Nigeria will be a society built on the structures of justice, equity, fairness, safety, peace, unity and an assured mutual prosperity, with important lessons drawn from China and other emerging as well as developed economies.”

The group intends to work to ensure that the yearnings and cries of all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, region, religion, gender, or other differences, are heard and adequately addressed in the allocation of resources, policy making and implementation. Violence, in any form or ramification, was strongly discouraged as it does no one any good. Network building, consensus, mobilization of the critical mass was agreed as the entry points to remedy the downward slope of the nation”, the group maintained.

The Forum equally ratified its leaders to man specific responsibilities. They are Dr. James Okoroma – Chairman; Nuhu Danladi Cheshi – Secretary; Alh. Rabiu Aliyu – Treasurer; Barr. Eddie Inegedu – Legal Adviser and Mr. Lubem Gena – Publicity Secretary.

Others who made the list are Mr. Taofik Oyewo – Financial Secretary; Dr. Ahmed Adamu – Director, Policy & Strategy; Mr. Johnstephen Aguinam – Director, ICT & New Media as well as Dr Obinna Onyekwena – Advisor, Diaspora affairs.

The group intends to recruit and mainstream more members who will add positive impact to activities of the forum, especially women and people living with disabilities.

Those in attendance at the inaugural meeting were:

● Mr Taofik Oyewo

● Mrs Amaka Ominiyi

● Dr James Okoroma

● Dr Chike Okogwu

● Mr Chinedu Nwigwe

● Mr Emmanuel Aluma

● Rev Adams Pam

● Chief Ikpeme Ikpeme

● Dr Obinna Onyekwena

● Prince Kure

● Alh Rabiu Aliyu