Akure — Former Military president, Ibrahim Babangida, at the weekend canvassed reform of the process through which political leaders in the country are selected in order to produce the leadership that can at least keep pace with modern societies.

Babangida spoke in Akure, Ondo State, while delivering a keynote address at a programme marking 70th birthday of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae.

According to him, the reform became imperative, because the Nigerian society was far more advanced, adding that government had continued to struggle to meet the expectations of an increasingly more sophisticated society.

"Unless this is done, the atmosphere of disconnect, which fuels cynicism, pessimism and negativity will continue to bog down the much needed development of our economy. I believe the electoral reform process is perhaps a convenient starting point in the process of leadership selection that could reflect the wishes of our people," he said.

Babangida, whose address was read by former Military administrator of Lagos State, General Raji Rasaki, said his opinion was based on recent development, when the wishes of the people was not translated into the desired outcome.

He noted that the resultant apathy and cynicism had created a distrust of the nation's political system and also reduced the confidence of the people in leadership at all levels.

Speaking on the future of the nation's economy, he urged the country to be wary of the global concern with seeking alternative sources of energy, because of the continued increase in the price of oil, adding that Nigeria 's dependence on oil would come under pressure within the next decade.

He, therefore, warned that to avoid the mistakes of the past, it was necessary for the country to accelerate the re-structuring of the economy, away from over dependence on oil revenue and also advocated funding of research on alternative energy sources for the future.