Cheta Nwanze critiques Nigeria’s political focus on ambition over governance, highlighting early speculations about future elections. He questions the reliability of politicians such as Nasir El-Rufai while acknowledging some of El-Rufai’s effectiveness in office. Nwanze also affirms that presidential ambitions are common among politicians, urging a focus on the governance failures impacting ordinary Nigerians.
Cheta Nwanze, a political analyst, has expressed concerns over Nigeria’s political scene, suggesting that ambition-driven activities overshadow effective governance. He critiques the early focus on upcoming elections, particularly regarding the years 2027 and 2031, emphasizing that the nation is politicizing issues well before the current government’s term has ended. “We are less than two years into the current government, but we’re already politicking for 2027” – Cheta Nwanze.
Nwanze responded to comments from former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, urging caution in accepting politicians’ words at face value. He humorously remarked on the need to verify much of what El-Rufai states, saying, “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 reflects the critical view he holds regarding the reliability of political statements.
Despite his skepticism about El-Rufai’s rhetoric, Nwanze acknowledged that the former minister’s tenure was more commendable compared to those who succeeded him. He stated, “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.” This insight highlights a significant decline in governance quality post-El-Rufai.
Regarding Nuhu Ribadu, the current National Security Adviser, and speculations about his presidential ambitions for 2031, Nwanze asserted such aspirations are common among politicians. “There’s no Nigerian politician worth his salt that doesn’t have an ambition,” he stated, stressing the need for honesty in political discourse.
Nwanze concluded by addressing the broader ramifications of political ambitions on governance, underscoring ongoing governance failures that impact Nigerians daily. He shared his personal frustrations regarding electricity shortages as a testament to these issues, indicating significant challenges that persist beyond political maneuvering.
In summary, Cheta Nwanze critiques the Nigerian political landscape for prioritizing ambition over governance, exemplified by premature election preparations. He expresses distrust toward political rhetoric, urging careful scrutiny of politicians’ statements. Nwanze highlights significant governance deficiencies and urges accountability among leaders to address the pressing issues affecting citizens’ everyday lives. Overall, his insights reflect a need for a return to genuine governance in Nigeria.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
