“The true test of a civilization is not the census, nor the size of its cities, nor the crops in its fields, but the kind of man the country turns out,” so alluded Ralph Emerson. To Martin Luther King Jr., “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.” Let’s reflect on the swallow of governance by politics.
Do you know it’s becoming more and more concerning whether Nigeria’s often tumultuous political landscape has overshadowed the very essence of effective governance? While the formal structures of governance exist, the pervasive nature of Nigerian politics frequently undermines their functionality and impact on citizens’ lives.
In an ideal scenario, politics serves as the mechanism through which leaders are chosen, policies are debated, and the public will is expressed. Governance, on the other hand, is the actual process of exercising authority and managing public resources to deliver services, maintain law and order, and foster development.
In Nigeria, however, these two concepts have become indistinguishable, with political manoeuvring often taking precedence over tangible governance outcomes. Politics seems to have become an end rather than a means to an end. The intense struggle for political power through Godfatherism and election irregularities seems to distract from the core mandate of public service. The focus for those in power seems to centre on retaining power in the next election cycle rather than implementing long-term development plans. That may be why the media is littered with political decamping and realignment geared towards the next election rather than sincere dividends of effective governance. There is grave danger if politics continues to suppress good governance.
So, enhance your capacity to influence the much desired shift from politics to governance. Are you in power? Don’t be so engrossed in politics that you divert crucial resources intended for public infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other vital services as that will directly impede good governance with repercussions for both the rulers and the ruled. Don’t enhance the weakening of institutions for political expedience as you may one day be a victim of the weakened institutions. Avoid political mobilization along ethnic and religious lines as it fans the ambers of hate, polarizes the society, and makes it challenging to forge national consensus on critical policy issues. Reject the temptation to meet criticisms and protests with nonchalance or even suppression. Beware that where public opinion on critical issues appears to have little bearing on government decisions, such society may unconsciously be celebrating with a cake of gun powder. When politics swallows governance, even if you may be directly benefitting, be alert that you and your family may directly or indirectly be victims – if not now, then later – of poor healthcare, dilapidated infrastructure, struggling education, high levels of poverty, insecurity, and erosion of public trust. Never forget the limitless consequences of the deep-seated distrust when there is continuous disconnect between political promises and governance realities. Don’t let expected gains make you support the suppression of good governance.
As you step out, know that while Nigeria possesses the framework for democratic governance, the persistent and often overwhelming influence of its complex political dynamics significantly hinders her effectiveness. Until there is a fundamental shift towards prioritizing public service, strengthening institutions, and fostering genuine accountability, the perception that Nigerian politics has indeed “swallowed” governance will continue to resonate deeply with its citizens and the consequence may be worse than ever envisaged.
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Prof. (Engr.) Esang Esitikot is a professor of occupational health and safety, a COREN-registed chemical engineer, public affairs analyst, UN Ambassador for Peace, certified management consultant, World Safety Organization Ambassador, recognized Environmental Ambassador, marriage counsellor, youth mentor, reviewer for some international research journals and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He is a manager in the oil and gas industry and was recognized by Highstone Global University, USA as the occupational health and safety personality of 2024. He can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only) or email (esitikot@gmail.com).
