Nigeria’s Leadership Neglects Governance Amid Rising Poverty- by Peter Obi
posted 2nd March 2025
Nigeria’s Leadership Neglects Governance Amid Rising Poverty- by Peter Obi
The deepening poverty crisis in Nigeria is being met with an alarming level of political frivolity, as the nation’s leadership appears to prioritise power struggles and trivial distractions over urgent governance.
With soaring levels of multidimensional poverty, escalating insecurity, a skyrocketing infant mortality rate, and millions of out-of-school children, Nigeria is facing one of the most severe crises in its history. Yet, instead of tackling these challenges head-on, the country’s political discourse has been hijacked by scandal and controversy, leaving governance in a perilous state of neglect.
Allegations of sexual harassment, budget padding, and political bickering in the National Assembly dominate national discussions, while reckless court judgments threaten state funding and stability. The very institutions meant to safeguard democracy—the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary—are increasingly embroiled in misconduct and power tussles that undermine public trust.
The situation in Osun State exemplifies the Executive’s misuse of power, while recent judicial pronouncements on Rivers State pose a direct threat to democracy. Meanwhile, the National Assembly finds itself engulfed in embarrassing scandals, further exacerbating the bleak state of Nigeria’s governance. The failure of these three arms of government to focus on critical issues paints a dire picture of a leadership more concerned with self-preservation than with service to the people.
Instead of engaging in disruptive interference in state affairs, political leaders should be taking immediate steps to stabilise the polity. The rampant practice of politicians defecting to parties where electoral manipulation is perceived as easier must be curtailed. The ongoing disregard for governance in favour of political theatrics is an insult to the millions of Nigerians struggling daily with hardship and insecurity.
This blatant display of political recklessness is a betrayal of the trust placed in leaders by the electorate. At a time when urgent reforms in education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation are desperately needed, the government’s fixation on trivialities only serves to deepen the suffering of the masses.
Nigeria cannot continue to be governed as though it were a reality TV show, where drama takes precedence over responsibility. The nation needs leadership that embodies character, competence, consistency, compassion, and a sense of urgency—leadership that genuinely prioritises the needs of the people over political showmanship.
Failure to embrace serious, transformative governance will not only undermine Nigeria’s present but will also endanger its future. The time for empty rhetoric and political games is over. The people of Nigeria deserve better.
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