Adewole Adebayo, presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has described Nigerians as more honest and compassionate than people in Britain and the United States.
Adebayo made the remarks during an interview on the Naija Unfiltered Podcast, where he discussed his international experiences, leadership and his views on the character of Nigerians.
The SDP candidate said his professional career and investments had given him the legal right to live and work in 21 countries, adding that his experiences outside Nigeria had strengthened his confidence in Nigerians.
“All I can say is that I have travelled, and you can check the record: I have a legitimate right to live and work in 21 countries by virtue of my professional work and investments,” he said.
Adebayo, who said he became a fellow of the Institute of Arbitration in Singapore, also compared the remuneration of public officials in Singapore with that of their Nigerian counterparts.
He argued that economic hardship could influence people’s behaviour regardless of their nationality, stressing that leaders have a responsibility not to create conditions that push citizens into desperation.
“It is the duty of a leader of a country to not push your people to the point of extinction and expect them to not cave under it,” he said.
Adebayo said Nigerian leaders should lead by example, arguing that citizens could recognise hypocrisy when public officials speak against corruption while allegedly benefiting themselves.
He said 99 per cent of his wealth was managed by other people and added that his experience employing Nigerians had rarely given him cause for regret.
“Rarely have I regretted hiring Nigerians to work for me. Nigeria has more honest people than Britain, than Americans, than anything. Nigerians have a heart of compassion,” he said.
Adebayo further argued that Nigerians should not be portrayed as naturally corrupt or dishonest, saying the conduct of political leaders could influence how citizens are perceived.
“We are good people, but our leaders are the worst example,” he said.
Source: Naija Unfiltered Podcast
