Infrastructural devt: Engineers urged to partake in politics

Engineers have been urged to participate in politics in order to influence legislation that would lead to rapid infrastructural development of the country.

This charge was given by Engr. Mustafa Balarabe Shehu, President, Federation of African Engineering Organisations in a paper he presented at the 2nd edition of Engr. Otis Anyeaji lecture series entitled ‘Nigerian Engineering Practitioners and Participation In Politics -Upholding the Dignity of the Engineering Profession’ organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Maitama Branch, Abuja.

He said, “People lament that if we had more engineers in parliament the decision making would be different and that more engineers should have a go at entering parliament, making a difference because they have a different view and values.”

The former Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) president said that the engineering profession is directly affected by the government actions which affect the professional climate in this country.

He said that professional engineers must bring to the legislative process the practical, economic, legal and ethical viewpoint that the engineer is known to possess.

He said, “Professionals and businessmen who neglect politics cannot lament unsound legislation. The engineer must therefore participate in politics in order to influence legislation. Engineers have long term strategic thinking. An engineer’s job is to ensure things work, that the structure holds under load and stays up for a long time. Engineers are logical, detail oriented and methodical; people who don’t mind working autonomously whether, independently or in teams; and are people who are very confident in their own abilities. Engineers focus on the long term and make community safety their first priority.’’

Shehu stressed that an engineer can contribute to shaping the nation’s technology agenda from within government and outside of government: “Outside of government, engineers can contribute advice and consult with expert opinions. Inside government, engineers can solve problems, put qualitative sense to local social problems and make sense of data and statistics. Engineers are driven to solve practical problems with clarity and provide effective recommendations for resolution. Engineers could proactively help to improve politicians’ understanding of technology options.”