Ezekwesili Critiques Nigeria’s Political Elite: Principles Compromised for Power

Oby Ezekwesili critiques Nigerian politicians as driven by a desire for power over ideology in an interview, claiming the country is experiencing state capture. She argues that politicians do not adhere to any real political principles, leading to cycles of ineffective governance and a lack of accountability. Ezekwesili describes the major parties as largely indistinguishable and laments the erosion of the judiciary and public institutions.

Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education, recently criticized Nigeria’s political elite, characterizing them as a class focused solely on acquiring power rather than adhering to any ideological principles. In an interview with Newscentral, she asserted that the country faces a state capture situation, where politicians manipulate governance structures to serve their own interests.

Ezekwesili emphasized that Nigeria’s political challenges are not affiliated with any single party. Instead, they stem from a politically entrenched class lacking clear ideological commitments. “Take each of the prominent Nigerian politicians and map their user journey in terms of which political affiliations they have had since the dawn of our democracy, and you would find that you can’t place them, you can’t put them in some ideological platform because they don’t have any.”

She described these politicians as “migratory fellows,” highlighting their opportunistic approach to political platforms. This culture contributes to a cycle of governance that prioritizes the quest for power over the nation’s progress, resulting in a repetitive sequence of election cycles devoid of meaningful change. “We go from one election cycle to another with nothing in between. They actually do not feel any sense of remorse; there is no consequence for it,” she lamented.

Ezekwesili further noted that Nigeria’s two leading political parties are indistinguishable, coining the phrase “twin Siamese twins of bad governance.” Despite attempts by some politicians to distinguish their platforms, she argued that no substantial difference exists between them. She also highlighted the troubling lack of accountability and governance, stating, “Nothing is sacred. And therefore, our judiciary has suffered assault from all ends of the political spectrum because the only thing that drives them is to access power just for the sake of power.” Weakened institutions, particularly the judiciary, reflect this concerning political landscape where leaders regard the public with disdain.

In conclusion, Oby Ezekwesili’s remarks underline a profound discontent with Nigeria’s political elite, who prioritize power over principles and the public good. Her insights shed light on the systemic issues plaguing Nigerian governance, including the erosion of accountability and institutional integrity. Through her analysis, it becomes evident that the road to meaningful change requires a reevaluation of the entrenched political class and their approaches to governance.

Original Source: newscentral.africa