Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate, has reacted to the confirmation of Humza Yousaf, 37, as the new Scottish leader.
WITHIN NIGERIA reports that Scotland’s parliament confirmed Yousaf’s appointment as first minister on Tuesday, making him the country’s youngest and the first Muslim leader of a government in Western Europe.
Peter Obi responded on Twitter, emphasizing the importance of focusing on character, competence, capacity, and compassion, rather than ethnicity and religion, as the foundation for electing credible leaders.
He stated that in matters of governance in the country, Nigerians must rise above ethnicity, religion, and sectarianism.
He wrote:
A 37 year old, Humza Yousaf is set to become Scotland’s first minister, having won the keenly contested SNP’s leadership contest. Born of Pakistani parents, who emigrated to Scotland in the 60’s, Yousaf is from the ethnic minority and a Muslim.
In an organised democracy like Scotland, Character Competence, Capacity, and Compassion, rather than ethnicity and religion form the basis on which credible leaders are voted into power. A lesson for Nigeria.
I have always maintained that Nigerians must rise above ethnicity, religion and sectarian politics in matters of governance; and that the leadership selection process must be strictly based on Character, Competence, Capacity and Compassion, only then, shall our democracy flourish, and our society progress. Contextually, the Scottish realty is instructive and presents us some lessons learned and missed opportunities.
As Nigerians, we must strive for a leadership imbued with Character, Competence, Capacity, Credibility and Commitment.
A 37 year old, Humza Yousaf is set to become Scotland's first minister, having won the keenly contested SNP's leadership contest. Born of Pakistani parents, who emigrated to Scotland in the 60's, Yousaf is from the ethnic minority and a muslim.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) March 28, 2023