Oby Ezekwesili criticizes Nigeria’s political elite for their lack of ideology and focus on power acquisition. She describes the country as experiencing a state capture, where governance is manipulated for personal gain. The predominant political parties are indistinguishable, contributing to cycles of governance devoid of accountability. Ezekwesili highlights the erosion of institutions, particularly the judiciary, resulting in a governance structure that disdains the public.
Oby Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education and prominent public analyst, has sharply criticized Nigeria’s political elite, asserting that they operate as a “migratory breed” devoid of ideology and solely focused on acquiring power. In an exclusive interview with Newscentral, she articulated that Nigeria is experiencing a state capture orchestrated by politicians adept at manipulating governance structures to fulfill their personal agendas.
Ezekwesili noted that the political issues in Nigeria stem not from any singular party but from an entrenched political class. She explained, “The first thing they did was to assault all the systems of governance to capture the state.” This signifies a pervasive capture of governance aimed at serving elites rather than addressing the broader needs of the populace.
Moreover, Ezekwesili emphasized that one can map Nigerian politicians’ careers through their various party affiliations since the inception of democracy, revealing their lack of ideological commitment. She characterized them as “migratory fellows who have tested all kinds of political platforms” for convenience rather than principle. This approach contributes to a cyclical governance model focusing more on gaining power than on national advancement.
Ezekwesili lamented the absence of accountability in politics, asserting, “We go from one election cycle to another with nothing in between.” She highlighted the indifference politicians exhibit towards their actions, noting that they feel no remorse and face no repercussions for their choices. This inconsistency reinforces a political culture that neglects the public’s interests.
Additionally, Ezekwesili reiterated her view that Nigeria’s two primary political parties are fundamentally indistinguishable, referring to them as “the twin Siamese twins of bad governance.” Despite efforts from some politicians to differentiate themselves, she argues there is no significant difference in their governance practices.
Furthermore, she raised concerns about the systematic erosion of institutions, particularly the judiciary, which has endured assaults from all political factions. “Nothing is sacred,” she stated, underscoring that the politicians’ only goal is to seize power for its own sake, leading to a governance landscape where they regard the public with disdain.
In summary, Oby Ezekwesili underscores the concerning state of Nigeria’s political landscape, marking it as one characterized by opportunism and a lack of ideology among political elites. The ongoing state capture, absence of accountability, and erosion of judicial integrity contribute to a governance structure that prioritizes power over public welfare. Her insights encourage a critical examination of the political culture and call for reforms that foster accountability and principled leadership.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
