Political Ambition Overshadows Governance in Nigeria, Says Cheta Nwanze
Cheta Nwanze critiques the ambition-driven politics in Nigeria, emphasizing the neglect of governance in favor of early campaigning for future elections. He warns against taking statements from politicians like Nasir El-Rufai at face value, remarks on El-Rufai’s superior performance as a minister, and acknowledges the presidential aspirations of Nuhu Ribadu. Nwanze’s discussion reflects the broader governance failures affecting Nigerians’ daily lives.
Political analyst Cheta Nwanze has underscored the detrimental impact of ambition-driven politics on governance in Nigeria. He expressed concern over the prevailing focus on future elections, specifically surrounding the years 2027 and 2031, even though the nation is less than two years into the current administration. Nwanze stated, “We are less than two years into the current government, but we’re already politicking for 2027… Nobody’s really talking about governance,” highlighting a critical flaw in the nation’s political approach.
Nwanze addressed remarks by former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, cautioning against taking his statements at face value. He humorously remarked, “When El-Rufai… speaks, if he tells you good morning, you have to check your clock to be sure it’s morning,” emphasizing the importance of verifying political claims. Despite his doubts regarding El-Rufai’s rhetoric, Nwanze acknowledged that El-Rufai performed commendably during his tenure as a minister.
According to Nwanze, El-Rufai produced better outcomes compared to his successors. He asserted, “There has not been…until Nyesom Wike…there has been no minister. All the ministers that stood between El-Rufai and Wike were terrible. So, in a bad lot, he was heads and shoulders above everybody.” This acknowledgment demonstrates a critical perspective on the quality of political leadership following El-Rufai.
Addressing the speculation regarding Nuhu Ribadu, the current National Security Adviser, Nwanze appears to support the notion that he has presidential aspirations for 2031. “There’s no Nigerian politician worth his salt that doesn’t have an ambition,” he commented, criticizing any denials of such ambitions as disingenuous. This emphasis reflects the broader context of ambition among Nigerian politicians.
Beyond political aspirations, Nwanze stressed the ongoing governance failures impacting the daily lives of Nigerians, referencing personal experiences with electricity shortages. Such issues illustrate the gap between political ambition and the practical governance necessary to improve citizens’ lives.
In summary, Cheta Nwanze critiques Nigeria’s political landscape, highlighting the excessive focus on future elections at the detriment of governance. He warns against placing undue faith in certain politicians, elaborates on the legacy of El-Rufai, and acknowledges the ambitions of figures like Nuhu Ribadu. Nwanze’s insights reveal critical governance issues that plague everyday Nigerians.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
