In a nation brimming with talent, brilliance, and potential, it is nothing short of tragic that political appointments in Nigeria continue to be guided by favoritism, loyalty, and “connections” rather than competence, integrity, and merit. This reality is at the heart of Nigeria’s underdevelopment, not a lack of ideas or human capacity, but a systemic refusal to harness them.
The latest controversy surrounding a nominee to the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission underscores this bitter truth. The individual in question reportedly obtained a Bachelor’s degree from a fraudulent institution, later discovered to be a scam. Her only other credential, an Ordinary National Diploma is reportedly missing. Yet, in a move that defies logic and ridicules the importance of education, she was still nominated for a position meant to serve and reform local government administration in one of the nation’s most vital oil-producing states.
This is not an isolated incident; it is the norm. Political offices have become reward systems for cronies and loyal foot soldiers who lack the credentials, exposure, and capacity to lead but possess the “right” political godfather or affiliation. The most painful part is that many competent Nigerians, both at home and abroad, remain unnoticed, unengaged, and unemployed, not because they lack the skill or zeal, but because they don’t belong to the inner political circles.
Nigeria is not lacking in capable hands. In fact, we are one of the most naturally endowed nations in terms of human capital. But those hands that can fix the nation are often never discovered, simply because the selection process for leadership and governance is not designed to attract them, it is designed to keep them out.
Consider the case of global leaders like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, former Minister of Finance and current Director General of the World Trade Organization. Or Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, former Minister of Agriculture and now President of the African Development Bank. These individuals are celebrated internationally today because they were once discovered and given opportunities to serve in positions that matched their expertise. Their influence, innovations, and impact in the global economic and developmental space are testaments to what Nigeria could have been, had we chosen more bridge builders and fewer praise singers.
Why are we not intentionally identifying, grooming, and appointing young, competent Nigerians in technology, education, law, health, and innovation to solve the problems we’ve faced for decades? Why are we not creating transparent platforms to allow the best minds, regardless of tribe, religion, or party affiliation to contribute meaningfully to governance? The answer is painful but clear: many in power today are more interested in loyalty than legacy.
Our political elite often prefer followers over thinkers, praise-singers over reformers, and silence over accountability. They are not building a future, they are maintaining a power structure. They forget that true leadership is not about surrounding oneself with “yes men,” but about building bridges for others to cross, solving problems, and creating systems that outlive one’s tenure. That is how names are written in gold.
The children of the poor study hard, often outperform their counterparts with better access to opportunities, only to graduate into an economy that is locked against them. They write competitive exams, obtain global certifications, and develop real solutions to Nigeria’s challenges, yet they are denied platforms to serve. Meanwhile, those who can barely defend their qualifications are elevated to the corridors of power.
What then is the incentive to work hard? What message are we sending to the next generation?
This culture of mediocrity must end. Nigeria must redefine its selection process. Political appointments must become tools for nation building, not tools for settling political scores or rewarding loyalty. We must adopt a governance model that promotes technocrats, empowers visionaries, and supports transformative thinkers. Until then, we will continue to chase shadows, recycle incompetence, and sabotage our future.
It’s time we recognize that governance is not a family business. Public service is sacred. It must be handled by those who are prepared to lead with wisdom, competence, and character.
Nigeria is blessed. But blessings must be managed wisely. The country will never rise above the quality of those we entrust with leadership. Our problems persist not for lack of solutions, but because those in charge are too afraid or too complacent to apply them.
Nigeria doesn’t just need another election. Nigeria needs a complete reawakening, one that places merit, competence, and integrity above everything else.
Let us build a nation where hard work is rewarded, where excellence is noticed, and where leaders are remembered not for who they knew, but for the problems they solved.
This is Nigeria. And this must change.
