Lagos — It was on the 1st of October, 1960 that Nigeria got her independence from the British colonial masters. Also, it was on the 29th of May,1999 that the handing over from the military to a democratic government took place, with the swearing in of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the president who ruled from 1999 to 2007 and handed over to Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar'adua on May 29,2007 as the president and commander - in -chief of the Armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. All these took place on the platform of People Democratic Party (P.D.P) which has been ruling this country for over ten (10) years now.

Democracy is defined as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. As the definition goes, can we say Nigerians have enjoyed the fruits of PDP's ten years in government? We all have expected free and fair elections, peaceful co-existence, mutual understanding, increased food production, natural resources control, freedom of speech, societal changes, national development and good leadership that would take Nigeria to greater heights. All these would eventually redeem her image in the international community. Alas! The contrary has been the rule rather than the exception.

Currently, the vexed issues of inflation, shortage of food, pensioners' plight, corruption and abject poverty, bad roads have all led to loss of many lives and valuable property on daily basis. Lack of potable water, epileptic power supply have resulted in the collapse of business activities and closure of many industries across the country. Many still live in dehumanizing conditions. Education is deteriorating. There is security palaver, lack of employment, Niger Delta crisis (militancy) and the nightmare of transportation. Others include the Boko Haram crisis, the problem of girl child education and the Almajiri issue, especially in the north. Hospitals and health centres have become mere consulting clinics, the teachers'salary issues, the political and religious uprisings and the so- called seven point agenda and alarming issues at hand now. There are also the Uwais Electoral Reform report and ASUU strike. Haba!!!

The previous regimes flagged off some campaigns to tackle the problems of erosion and desertification, which are great threats to Nigeria especially in the north with the tree planting campaigns etc but the federal government and precisely the northern states governors are not doing anything in this respect. Also agricultural sector was neglected with common food stuff imported from abroad.

Nigeria is not politically stable; the electoral system is bad because of lack of free and fair elections. There is decay of moral attitude. So, to be candid and precise, what dividends can a Nigerian say he has derived from this type of democracy, which the PDP government is practising in our contemporary society? All these are attributed to lack of good leadership.

I am using this medium to appeal to President Yar'adua, the state governors, NASS etc that, their leadership style must be total towards reforming the system, uniting the country, raising the integrity of the nation and reviving our cultural heritage. I wish, hope and pray that our present political leaders reflect on the history of the past and emulate the attributes of our past leaders.I am referimg to Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Ahmadu Bello and Malam Aminu Kano all of blessed memory, in order to save our beloved country Nigeria from its present socio-political mess.

The past leaders exhibited good leadership qualities which will linger in the minds of well meaning Nigerians and they remain heroes, to the present generation. These people were selfless, patriotic, nationalistic, visionaries, dedicated, honest, transparent, compassionate and God fearing. They were also accountable for their responsibilities; they lived, worked and sacrificed their lives, time, resources and ideologies for the lives, survival, happiness, progress and will being of their people and the country at large History will always remember them today and always. How I wish one or few of them are live to witness the present political quagmire which was brought upon us by the greed and selfishness of the present political leaders who are solely responsible for almost all the suffering in the country today.

Adamu Muh'd Usman , Kafin- Hausa- Jigawa State