The Arewa Youths Development and Progress (AYDP) yesterday said the country needs a pragmatic leadership that will propel the economy to greater heights this year.

The northern youths said unless Nigerians were determined to install competent leaders to positions of power in 2019, the future of the nation may remain bleak.

Projecting into the New Year, President of AYDP, Comrade Danjuma Sarki said: “We have our expectations for Nigeria in 2019 and it for us to see the enthronement of a government that will resuscitate our economy.”

He argued that growth and development of Nigeria would revolve around sound economy and polity, adding: “We need a government that will create trust and not a government that will create mistrust among Nigerians.

“We desire a government that will bring peace and unity to Nigeria and not that which will divide Nigerians. We need to enthrone such a government for the good of our people and the country.

“And we also desire a government that will the insurgency that has claimed many lives and property in the country. We need a government that will be compassionate to the people.”

Sarki, however, added that Nigerians should be frank to themselves, saying: “With the way things are going and if the country continues like this, there is no way our expectations would be met.

“What the late Umaru Yar’Adua achieved in the three years he ruled the country, this present government has not been able to achieve half of them.

“Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari have not also achieved half of Yar’Adua’s accomplishments in spite of the corruption fight the present government claims to be fighting.

“So, we as a nation, should forget the personal ambition of individuals and look into how the future of our nation can be salvaged and enthroned the right leaders in 2019,” he added.