Oby Ezekwesili.

A former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili on Friday advised Nigerians to assess the quality of each candidate before electing members of the House of Assembly.

NAN reports that the nationwide House of Assembly election is scheduled for April 11.

Speaking at a public presentation of the book entitled “Strategic Intervention in Governance” written by Pastor Tunde Bakare in Lagos, Ezekwesili decried the situation where people voted for those they knew little about.

In her speech entitled “Reflections on Nigeria” the former education minister said no matter how good the President might be, he could not develop the country alone.

She said that legislators were germaine to the development of any nation.

“I am sure many Nigerians voted along party lines for the legislators rather than based on individual merit in the National Assembly election.”

Ezekwesili said it was time for Nigerians to stand up and make demands of those in power as that was the only way to make a difference.

Although she applauded Nigerians for trying to consolidate on the nation’s democracy, the former Minister, however, bemoaned the absence of strong institutions in the country.

“Individuals build the institutions. The quality of the individual determines the quality of institutions.” she said.

She said Bakare’s approach to issues in governance, especially education, was commendable.

Also speaking, a former Minister of External Affairs, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, who chaired the occasion, lauded Nigerians for conducting an election that, for the first time, received praise from the world.

“President Goodluck Jonathan has achieved a legacy with this election” Akinyemi said.
Presenting the book, Dr John Ayeni, Chairman Skye Bank Plc, said that Nigeria was very lucky to have people such as Bakare.

“The book will enrich our knowledge and help us to know more about our society and. what our character should be in building the nation.

In his speech Bakare, the Convener of the Save Nigeria Group and Overseer of the Later Rain Assembly Church, said Nigeria urgently needed men and women of goodwill, who are selfless and determined to make the country great.