Political analyst Cheta Nwanze critiques Nigeria’s political focus on future ambitions over immediate governance needs. He warns against being misled by political rhetoric, particularly from figures like Nasir El-Rufai, while recognizing his past ministerial effectiveness. Nwanze also suggests a common existence of political ambitions, even amidst pressing governance failures affecting citizens’ daily lives.
Nigerian political analyst Cheta Nwanze highlights that the country’s political scene is overly focused on ambition, often detracting from effective governance. He criticized the current preoccupation with future elections, particularly those scheduled for 2027 and 2031, stating, “We are less than two years into the current government, but we’re already politicking for 2027, and then 2031. That tells you a lot that is wrong with this country in terms of the way we run our politics.”
Nwanze dissected the statements of former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, advising caution regarding the reliability of his political claims. He humorously indicated the need for vigilance with El-Rufai’s assertions: “When El-Rufai speaks…if he tells you good morning, you have to check your clock to be sure it’s morning.” This comments underline the skepticism surrounding political promises and rhetoric.
Despite his doubts about El-Rufai’s comments, Nwanze acknowledged the latter’s superior performance compared to his successors. “There’s no argument that ever since El-Rufai left the seat of power in Abuja as a minister, it has been downhill.” He praised El-Rufai as a standout minister, especially in terms of infrastructure projects, contrasting him with subsequent ministers who failed to deliver.
On the speculation regarding Nuhu Ribadu, the current National Security Adviser, harboring presidential ambitions for 2031, Nwanze remarked that such aspirations are commonplace. He stated, “There’s no Nigerian politician worth his salt that doesn’t have an ambition.” This highlights the entrenched nature of political ambitions within the nation’s framework, suggesting they often overshadow governance issues.
Additionally, Nwanze addressed the significant governance challenges that persist in Nigeria, affecting daily life for citizens, particularly essential services like electricity. His reflections underline the urgency of prioritizing governance amidst political maneuvering, emphasizing that political ambitions should not eclipse the immediate necessities of the populace.
Overall, Nwanze’s insights reveal a troubling preoccupation with political ambition in Nigeria, detracting from the primary focus on governance. The rising focus on future elections ensures that essential governance issues remain unaddressed. Furthermore, his skepticism of political rhetoric, particularly towards figures like El-Rufai, underlines the need for accountability in political statements. The necessity of prioritizing infrastructure and essential services over ambition becomes increasingly evident as Nigerians continue to face governance failures.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
