Oby Ezekwesili criticizes Nigeria’s political elite for prioritizing power over principles, describing them as a migratory breed without ideology. She emphasizes a state-capture scenario where governance is manipulated for personal gain and highlights the lack of accountability and institutional integrity, particularly affecting the judiciary. Ezekwesili argues that the two dominant parties are indistinguishable, perpetuating a culture of bad governance.
Oby Ezekwesili, former Minister of Education, delivered a critical assessment of Nigeria’s political landscape, labeling the political elite as a “migratory breed” lacking ideological commitment and focused solely on power acquisition. In an interview with Newscentral, she expressed concerns over a state-capture scenario orchestrated by politicians adept at manipulating governance for personal gain.
Ezekwesili articulated that these politicians have compromised governance systems to consolidate power, creating a pervasive state-capture situation. She emphasized that the political challenges in Nigeria transcend party affiliation, attributing them to a consolidated political class that lacks consistent ideological foundations.
She noted, “Take each of the prominent Nigerian politicians and map their user journey… you would find that you can’t place them, you can’t put them in some ideological platform because they don’t have any.” This observation highlights the inconsistency and opportunism prevalent among politicians who shift alliances based on convenience rather than principles.
Ezekwesili described the political climate as one of cyclical elections with no real engagement or remorse between electoral periods. She lamented the absence of accountability, stating, “We go from one election cycle to another with nothing in between. They actually do not feel any sense of remorse.”
She asserted that Nigeria’s two main political parties are virtually identical, referring to them as the “twin Siamese twins of bad governance.” Despite attempts by politicians to portray differences, she maintains that such distinctions are superficial.
Furthermore, Ezekwesili criticized the erosion of institutional integrity, particularly within the judiciary. She stated, “Nothing is sacred. And therefore, our judiciary has suffered assault,” reflecting on the politicians’ disregard for governance integrity, driven solely by their thirst for power. This has created a scenario where politicians often appear to disregard public interest.
In summary, Oby Ezekwesili’s critique points to a troubling reality in Nigerian politics, marked by opportunism, a lack of ideological consistency, and a disregard for governance integrity. These factors contribute to a state-capture environment where accountability is absent, resulting in a political culture that prioritizes power over national progress. The indistinguishable nature of the dominant political parties further exacerbates this issue, diminishing hope for transformative governance.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
