The Majority Leader, Delta State House of Assembly, Engr Emeka Nwaobi says involvement of Engineers in politics would mean more development for the nation.
He made the remarks during a public Lecture he delivered at the monthly meeting of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Asaba branch, in Asaba, the state capital.
Engr Nwaobi in a lecture with the theme, “The role of Engineers in politics: A driving force for national development,” reasoned that engineers in political roles could facilitate evidence-based policy making by ensuring technical accuracy in legislative proposals.
The presence of engineers in political bodies, according to him, would help balance competing interests with objective data and scientific reality, creating more sustainable and effective public policies.
The Majority Leader said the engineering approach to problem solving offers a valuable framework for political decision making.
He said engineers are trained to analyze complex systems, identify root causes, evaluate alternative solutions and implement practical intervention, adding that it is a methodology that could significantly improve policy development process.
Nwaobi said the historical context of Engineers in Nigeria’s political leadership was defined by the foundational influence of Herbert Macaulay who, according to him, transitioned from being Nigeria’s first civil engineer to a political activist and founder of the country’s first political party in 1923.
He said the influence of Engineers extends beyond individual leadership into professional and political institution.
Nigeria Society of Engineers, founded in 1958, according to the lawmaker, serves as the umbrella organization for Engineers in Nigeria, saying that its membership includes prominent political figures, , demonstrating links between the profession and national leadership.
While saying that nothing stops engineers from being politicians, he called on engineers to make up their minds to be in politics and not watch from behind, adding that their involvement in politics would enable them to address their needs.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Asaba branch, Engr Ikechukwu Osunde lauded Engr Nwaobi for his intelligent lecture.
He described the lawmaker as an astute politician that has the interest of engineers at heart.
He commended Engr Nwaobi for his notable contributions to NSE, Asaba branch .
Osunde noted that engineers are needed in all areas of life, adding that engineers can fit into politics successfully.
