The Nigerian political architecture has a unique and grand tradition of bestowing lofty titles upon those who occupy public office. Presidents and state governors are routinely addressed as “His Excellency,” while lawmakers at all levels of government are decorously hailed as “Honourable.” Yet, a troubling disconnect seems to have emerged between these exalted titles and the actual conduct of many who bear them, begging the question of whether these terms are mere decorative labels or moral standards intended to guide leadership behaviour. What happens to the soul of a republic when “His Excellency” acts inexcellently, or when a “Honourable” engages in behaviour that can hardly be described as honourable? It seems hypocritical to boast of a thriving democracy without insisting upon strong social and political expectations of conduct from those who wear these titles or aspire to inherit them. As the distinguished political theorist Hannah Arendt famously observed, “Power is actualized only where word and deed have not parted company,” a truth reinforced by the iconic author Chinua Achebe, who succinctly noted, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” Today, let’s reflect on how excellent our excellencies truly are and how honourable our honourables remain in practice.
Do you know that the persistent gap between the titles our political leaders claim and the lives they lead undermines the very foundation of our national consciousness? In a progressive and morally sound society, “Excellency” and “Honourable” are not mere honorifics to pamper elite egos; they are sacred social contracts that demand exemplary character, restraint in power, temperance in speech, and dignity in body language. Unfortunately, the public sphere is often filled with conduct that betrays these high titles: there are allegations of squandering of public funds, hounding of political opponents with State power, inflammatory utterances, and repeatedly insults of public sensibilities, among other acts unbefitting of “His Excellency” and “Honourable”. As another election cycle draws near, citizens face the dangerous temptation of letting “stomach infrastructure,” temporary financial inducements, and entrenched political, religious, or ethnic loyalties blind them to dishonourable behaviours. When society normalises bad behaviour from those at the top, it damages the moral compass of the youth, who grow up believing that leadership is synonymous with impunity rather than selfless service. True democracy requires that any leader addressed as “His Excellency” or “Honourable” must model the highest ethical standards, demonstrating through transparent governance, empathy, and respect for the rule of law that they are genuinely deserving of the respect of the people.
So, enhance your capacity to scrutinise the character and conduct of every political leader, refusing to let flattering titles mask incompetence, arrogance, or corruption. As citizens, we must initiate a relentless national awakening that restores the true meaning of these honorifics, demanding that candidates and incumbents alike earn these titles through their actions rather than their political office. We must raise our collective standards and reject politicians whose utterances promote division, whose body language exudes disdain for the public, and whose policies deepen poverty while enriching a privileged few. We should use our civic voices and votes to reward moral fortitude, emotional intelligence, and genuine service, while holding accountable those who drag the dignity of public office through the mud. We should demand that political actors demonstrate grace and fairness, especially in their responses to opponents, because the true test of an “Excellency” or an “Honourable” lies in how they exercise power when challenged. By holding our leaders to an unyielding standard of excellence and honour, we protect our nation from becoming a hollow theatre of empty titles and pave the way for a truly progressive country.
As you step out each day, remember that genuine honour and excellence are never inherited through a political title, but are earned through consistent integrity, humility, and service to humanity. Refuse to be swayed by the grand titles of public officials whose daily actions betray the sacred trust reposed in them by the people. May our collective resolve ignite a national revival that demands that those who lead us truly embody the excellence and honour their titles proclaim.
__
Esang Esitikot, a chemical engineer, is a professor of occupational health and safety. He is a public affairs analyst, UN Ambassador for Peace, and a pro bono lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only) or email (esitikot@gmail.com).
