A senior lecturer in the department of Sociology at the University of Ibadan, Oludayo Tade, has revealed that Nigeria has been hijacked by five categories of people.
Tade, who teaches criminology, made this disclosure on Wednesday.
The criminologist, while delivering a public lecture titled “Rescuing Nigeria from its abductors”, insisted that five categories of people among whom are religious leaders, ethnic champions, the journalists, endorsers and Nigerians themselves are the ones holding the country in captivity.
He said that this is making it difficult for the country to move forward.
The don who encouraged Nigerians to use their discretion to vote for credible leaders, explained that this is the only way to rescue the country from those who have ‘kidnapped or hijacked’ the country.
He said that for Nigeria to regain its freedom from its abductors, those who have permanent voter’ cards must come out on the day of elections to elect credible leaders.
He said: “There are five different people who abducted Nigeria.
“Religious groups have hijacked Nigeria. They have abducted the country. Poverty, unemployment and hunger does not know any religion. But, religious leaders are claiming that they own the country.
“The endorsers. They are the ones claiming they endorsed one candidate or other. And I always ask, do they have PVCs. The endorsers will trade with the lives of other people.
“Ethnic champions. Those who are championing ethnic or religious issues should have a rethink and change of minds.
“The media has also abducted Nigeria. Journalists are now following politicians. But, it is the task of journalists to raise issues with politicians and not to follow them in their journey.
“Nigerians themselves. They have PVCs and they keep them. Minority vote during the elections, by not voting they have abducted Nigeria.
“For us to rescue Nigeria, those who have PVCs should come out and vote for credible leaders.
“Politicians must address issues because violence will not allow us to have a better Nigeria”.
The Oyo South Senatorial candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2023, Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli who is the chairman of the occasion while speaking urged journalists to be accurate in their reportage.
He said, “I congratulate you for what you have been doing since the last three years. Let us report our news accurately.”