More injuries on the afflicted

NIGERIA is not a prostitute contracted for momentary satisfaction; it is a nation with right to competent leadership. Conversely, Nigeria is persistently wracked by incompetent leadership. To say the least, both the wounds and the scars are manifest in most political considerations and appointments in the country. The ministerial list recently released by President Muhammadu Buhari is a proof of the rotten wounds of Nigeria. And to heal the wound, the political leadership of Nigeria needs to be healed first.

The recent ministerial list is a needle in the heart of the nation. The extent of its affliction is evident in the quality of people so appointed as ministers. Men and women who in the past either personally or through their political progenies shad their teeth on the soul of the nation’s resources. They deepen the nation’s wound by serving her more afflictions with glasses of selfishness and incompetence. Yet, they made the list to minister to the needs of the nation. Incontestably, the nation remains at the receiving end.

How Alaafin contributed to my emergence as governor ― Makinde

The opinion of most Nigerians on the subject matter shows outright dissatisfaction with the list. The nation, through the list, is either set to top the scale of progressive nations of the world or take the lead into the dale of self-underdevelopment. .

The list triggers several issues. Among them are issues of competence, sincerity of purpose and inclusion. As a nation, competence, capacity and character should be the major determinant of such appointment. Anything to the contrary is a bridge too narrow for the nation to cross.

The place of competence in political appointment is solemn, sacred and raw. Competence must take precedence over convenience and loyalty. Nigeria is a nation with right to enjoy perennial solutions to her lingering problems. Persons appointed therefore must possess the requisite capacity, character and competence to meet the needs of the nation. On this note, the measures adopted to weigh the competence of these individuals taking stock of their past performances must be brought to bear. Or are they appointed or reappointed for holding the jaws of opposition parties down during the last general election or on a compensatory basis? For whatever reason, Nigeria definitely bears the brunt.

Importantly, in whose interest are these people appointed? The list somehow shows a clear picture of a group of people who are warming up for different positions in their respective states come 2023, familiar faces who have been appointed to stylishly ice the cake of 2023 presidential ambition of some party stalwarts, persons whose political godfathers or intending political beneficiaries of such appointment either in a bid to strengthen their political or economic dynasty were convincing enough to have seen their names top the list. In all these considerations, the interest of the nation is supreme. And there is no sufficient justification for sacrificing the interest of the nation on any reliquary.

It suffices to say that Nigerians are being dribbled and fooled by persons whose personal interest is supreme to national interest. In this light, the future political ambitions of party members must be consciously considered before such appointment is made.

Valentine Igbonekwu,

valwritings14@gmail.com