Six years before his death last Thursday, Nelson
Mandela took a look at Nigeria and expressed sadness at
the political, economic and social degeneration of the
once touted giant of Africa.
He came up with a damning verdict. He blamed the
leaders for abandoning the people. Madiba, as he was
popularly called by South Africans, accused Nigerian
leaders of betraying their people in a candid interview
with Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed in 2007.

In the interview conducted in his home, the former
South African late hero blasted Nigerian leaders for lack
of genuine interest in the success of their people. He
lamented the poverty level in Nigeria and the bad
education system.
Though he acknowledged Nigeria’s effort in the fight
against apartheid, he accused Nigerian leaders of letting
their people and Africa down.

Nelson Mandela: 1917-2013
Hear Mandela: “You know I am not very happy with
Nigeria. I have made that very clear on many occasions.
Yes, Nigeria stood by us more than any nation, but you
let yourselves down, and Africa and the black race very
badly. Your leaders have no respect for their people.
They believe that their personal interests are the
interests of the people. They take people’s resources
and turn it into personal wealth. There is a level of
poverty in Nigeria that should be unacceptable. I cannot
understand why Nigerians are not more angry than they
are.

“What do young Nigerians think about your leaders and
their country and Africa? Do you teach them history? Do
you have lessons on how your past leaders stood by us
and gave us large amounts of money? You know I hear
from Angolans and Mozambicans and Zimbabweans how
your people opened their hearts and their homes to
them. I was in prison then, but we know how your
leaders punished western companies who supported
apartheid.

“What about the corruption and the crimes? Your
elections are like wars. Now, we hear that you cannot be
president in Nigeria unless you are Muslim or Christian.
Some people tell me your country may break up. Please
don’t let it happen.

“Let me tell you what I think you need to do. You should
encourage leaders to emerge who will not confuse
public office with sources of making personal wealth.
Corrupt people do not make good leaders. Then you
have to spend a lot of your resources for education.

“Educate children of the poor, so that they can get out
of poverty. Poverty does not breed confidence. Only
confident people can bring changes. Poor, uneducated
people can also bring change, but it will be hijacked by
the educated and the wealthy…give young Nigerians
good education. Teach them the value of hard work and
sacrifice, and discourage them from crimes which are
destroying your image as a good people.”
www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2013/12/11/mandelas-candid-opinion-of-nigerian-leaders/