Former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant, Kingsley Moghalu has quitted partisan politics.
Newsonline reports that the 2019 general election presidential candidate of Young Progressives Party (YPP) used an Igbo adage that said ‘What the old man can see while seated, the child can’t see it even standing up’.
The Professor of Political Economist said he did not regret his participation in Nigeria political space, but has contributed his measure to change the political narratives of the country.
Moghalu announced that he will be centered on nation-building through the role of statesman and policy-making through his Institute for Governance and Economic Transformation.
Professor Moghalu said, “I am happy and have found peace in withdrawing from partisan politics. No apologies. As a citizen, I will always have my preferences and will vote for specific candidates, but there are times and circumstances when one can better contribute to nation-building from a nonpartisan perspective. Partisanship is necessarily divisive. I have been in that space before. No longer. I have paid my dues.
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“Besides, I have always had a second (professional) address outside politics. Some professional activities are simply INCONSISTENT with, and won’t be credible, if mixed with partisan politics. Running a policy think tank such as Institute for Governance & Economic Transformation
(which can bring out policy ideas that can benefit political leaders and candidates) is one of such activities. Certain types of business and entrepreneurship as well.
“I understand the passions and goodwill of those who argue on this street that I should formally “declare/campaign for this candidate or the other. They argue so because they believe my views are listened to and may be “influential”. But I urge such people to also understand, and respect my own personal decisions.
“They have not, like I have been, presidential candidates (without having a war chest of stolen public funds) or stood in the arena. bloodied but unbowed. No regrets, but only I know what I have sacrificed, the personal price I have paid.”
He added, “Many people cannot do it, especially for someone in my position who really did not need to, wheb there were so many other more comfortable tgings one could have done with one’s time. But the impact my humble, sacrificial effort made in 2019 and earlier on in this current cycle, is part of what paved the way, and is driving, today’s story. That’s a major contribution. I am satisfied, for the quest for Nigeria’s redemption is a journey, not an event.”
Moghalu said partisan politics is just one side of nation-building in a democracy, however, he doubts if politics alone without consensus among elites can move the country forward.
“While partisan politics is unavoidable as a path to nation-building in a democracy, it’s just one aspect of a much larger picture. In Nigeria’s current dire condition, I doubt that politics alone can take us forward, without a broader, inclusive elite consensus on Nigeria’s future,” he said.
