Nigeria Needs Accountable Leadership for Real Transformation,.Says Senator Natasha

As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence Anniversary, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has stressed that accountable leadership remains the key to the country’s real transformation. In a statement issued in Abuja, the lawmaker expressed concern that despite Nigeria’s abundant natural resources and human capital, the nation continues to battle insecurity, corruption, economic hardship, and widespread inequality. She said these challenges persist because leaders have not been sufficiently accountable to the people they serve. “True transformation will not come through rhetoric or ceremonial promises,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan said. “It will only come when those in power are transparent, responsible, and fully committed to the welfare of the people.” She urged Nigerians to demand greater accountability from political leaders, insisting that only when governance is centered on public interest rather than private ambition can the nation achieve progress. The senator further called for reforms in public finance management, security operations, and monitoring of government projects to ensure that national resources are properly utilised. Her call comes at a time when public frustration over governance has heightened. Rising inflation, labour strikes, and concerns about mismanagement of resources have dominated national discussions in recent months. Civil society groups and labour leaders have also consistently demanded transparency and reforms in critical sectors, particularly in the management of oil revenues and public infrastructure. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a strong voice for accountability in the National Assembly, has often been at the centre of public debate due to her outspoken stance on transparency and inclusivity. While her political journey has attracted both support and criticism, her message on the nation’s independence anniversary reflects the sentiments of many Nigerians who believe leadership must be answerable to the people. Analysts say her remarks serve as a reminder that Nigeria’s 65th independence celebration should not only be marked by festivities but also by deep reflection on the country’s future. They argue that building a truly transformed nation requires political leaders to embrace accountability, strengthen institutions, and ensure that democracy delivers tangible benefits to citizens. As the country reflects on its six-and-a-half decades of self-rule, the senator’s message underscores the urgent need for governance that prioritises transparency, justice, and the collective interest of Nigerians.