By John Ikani
Last week saw leaders of numerous nations explore various means to contain crisis bedeviling their countries amid a global heated polity and havoc wreaked by Covid-19.
They also lent their voices to issues of socio-political and socio-economical constructs, as well as sought efficient methods to restore the earth’s fragile peace as they beamed extra light on insurgency, security and the war against terror.
Heritage Times has put together some quotes that paint a picture of what pressures the world is facing at this time and how Nigeria has fared in the course of the past week.
1. “People were laughing that I lost my polling unit, but you know, it is democracy that won.”
– Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State reacts to the conduct of local government elections in the North-West state, describing it as a victory for democracy.
2. “Essentially, it’s about the fact that men and women are equal, in the sense of participation in society and in life in general. And in that sense I can say, ‘yes, I’m a feminist’.”
– German Chancellor Angela Merkel describes herself as a feminist, saying her position on equality between men and women had developed over the years.
3. “If there are no roads; if there is no security, what can the people do?”
– President Buhari in Imo State spoke about the pertinence of providing infrastructure and creating a secure environment for the masses.
4. “To me, that’s the central lesson of September 11th. It’s that at our most vulnerable, in the push and pull of all that makes us human, in the battle for the soul of America, unity is our greatest strength.”
– President Joe Biden speaks as America marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with solemn ceremonies given added poignancy by the recent withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and return to power of the Taliban.
5. “Invisible voice says ‘sit at home?’ And, you just comply and lose money. You don’t know who says sit-at-home, you just lose money.”
– Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano ordering markets, banks, transport business owners, among others to ignore the sit-at-home order and go about their businesses from Monday, September 13.
6. “President Alpha Conde is well.”
– Envoys from the West Africa bloc ECOWAS say deposed Guinean President Alpha Conde is in good health, following the coup which set the nation on the edge.
7. “The external reasons we cite as reasons for our problems cannot thrive without severe internal weaknesses in our society. The chief weakness is a human one – our elite, our political, economic, and religious elite”.
– Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on major roles Nigeria’s elite play in aggravating the security challenges besetting the nation.
8. “More than 35 percent of the world’s hungry are in Africa. Clearly, we need a transformation in how our food systems are organized. We must also ensure that everyone has access to the food they need on an equitable and affordable basis.
– President oF Rwanda Paul Kagame on the need ensure food security in Africa.
9. “We must therefore show commitment to peace in words, action and other necessary means.”
– Former President Goodluck Jonathan calling on Nigerians to make sacrifices to tackle the numerous security challenges facing Nigeria.
10. “Why do we need to allow Fulani from all these countries to come and destroy our land? That is the point we are saying. They have given unnecessary stress and risks to our security agencies in Nigeria.”
– Governor Samuel Ortom speaks about the degeneration of security breaches in Benue State.
