Political analyst Cheta Nwanze argues that Nigeria’s political landscape is dominated by ambition at the cost of governance. He warns against premature election speculation for 2027 and 2031, expressing concerns that these distractions detract from addressing crucial governance issues. Nwanze also offers a critique of political statements, particularly those of Nasir El-Rufai, while acknowledging El-Rufai’s superior performance compared to his successors. He concludes by stressing the importance of redirecting focus towards the needs of the populace amid persistent governance failures.
In Nigeria, political ambition often overshadows effective governance, suggests political analyst Cheta Nwanze. He criticized the excessive attention already directed towards upcoming elections, particularly the speculation surrounding the 2027 and 2031 election cycles, despite the fact that less than two years have passed since the current administration began. Nwanze asserts, “We are less than two years into the current government, but we’re already politicking for 2027, and then 2031.” This mindset reflects significant issues in the country’s political management, as discussions around governance seem to be largely neglected.
Concerning recent remarks by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, Nwanze advised caution in interpreting political statements. He humorously remarked, “When El-Rufai, being a Nigerian politician, when he speaks, if he tells you good morning, you have to check your clock to be sure it’s morning.” This statement underscores the importance of scrutinizing political proclamations rather than accepting them uncritically.
Despite his reservations regarding El-Rufai’s rhetoric, Nwanze acknowledged the former governor’s superior performance relative to his successors, stating that since El-Rufai’s departure from the Abuja ministerial role, subsequent leaders have failed to measure up. He pointed out, “There has not been, until Nyesom Wike, in terms of infrastructure—building stuff and knocking stuff down—there has been no minister. All the ministers that stood between El-Rufai and Wike were terrible.”
On the topic of presidential aspirations, Nwanze commented on the allegations surrounding Nuhu Ribadu, the current National Security Adviser, asserting that the claim is plausible. He stated, “There’s no Nigerian politician worth his salt that doesn’t have an ambition,” suggesting that to deny such aspirations on Ribadu’s behalf is disingenuous.
Beyond the enthusiasm for political careers, Nwanze highlighted the ongoing governance challenges impacting daily life for Nigerians, drawing from personal experiences such as electricity shortages. He emphasized the pressing need for a focus on actual governance rather than political maneuvering, which ultimately detracts from addressing the fundamental needs of citizens.
In summary, Cheta Nwanze’s insights reveal a significant concern regarding the prioritization of political ambition over governance in Nigeria. The ongoing distraction of impending elections limits focus on critical issues that affect citizens’ daily lives. Furthermore, the necessity of scrutinizing political rhetoric and acknowledging the ambitions of various politicians highlights an underlying truth about the current Nigerian political landscape. Nwanze’s commentary serves as a call for greater accountability and responsibility in governance.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
