Hiding behind a finger

One hundred days journey in the life of a nation is significant but may not be sufficient to assess any government. With a “looted treasury”, what do Nigerians want from PMB in 100 days? It is presumed that Nigerians want PMB’s presidency to give them a sense of belonging in governance. Leadership is constant work in progress. Nonetheless, Nigeria needs more of courageous and committed leaders in its political landscape. Leaders should not thirst for recognition but should let their work speak for them and imbibe the truth culture. Promises made by leaders through party manifestoes including written or oral covenants must be fulfilled. This can be achieved by establishing a mechanism of transparency and accountability.
In governance there is no hiding place for public servants. In playing life, no Nigerian can hide behind a finger, ditto for PMB. Importantly, PMB cannot hide behind an image he is trying to create. With deep sense of responsibility, this writer is of the view that Nigeria cannot hide behind an image being created by its leaders before the international community. Regardless of weaknesses or strengths in policies and actions of government, the world cannot be shut out with the hope that all actions taken will be in the dark. The truth is that the entire world sees Nigeria through the kind of programmes we set for ourselves as these reflect who we are as a people and indeed as a nation.

Since last week, Nigerians have been evaluating the performance of the PMB’s government. Questions are being asked as to what PMB’s government has achieved in the last 100 days in office. Specifically, Nigerians are interested in knowing the philosophy of PMB’s government in terms of policy direction. If democracy is to be sustained in Nigeria, politics as a “philosophy of human affairs” cannot be left in the hands of politicians and generals alone. At least not after 16 years of grand deception in governance at the centre perpetrated by politicians. This is the truth.

The question of truth, what it represents and how it can be recognized is among the oldest and most controversial in philosophy. It is observed that most philosophical definitions of truth have been based on the concept of “correct description”, though there is extensive disagreement over what constitutes “correct”. There are several theories of truth, the most relevant to this piece being the “performative theory” which views assertion of truth not as statements that describe a state of affairs but as statements that perform an action. Whether campaign promises of APC are those reflected in its manifesto or that contained in PMB’s covenant with Nigerians, the truth is that the president made promises during and after elections which if honoured will be appreciated.

The appointments by PMB of Abba Kyari, Babachir David-Lawal and Colonel Hamidu Alli (Rtd) as chief of staff, secretary to government of the federation (SGF), and comptroller-general of Customs, respectively, in addition to those made earlier, have made Nigerians to express concerns about the flow of appointments towards the northern part of the country. The only woman appointed till date is Amina Zakari who is the acting chairperson of the Independent National Electoral Commission. I hope PMB’s cabinet will be gender-friendly. The truth, however, is that PMB has just started appointing those who are either to “work for him” or “work with him”. Those who will “work for him” are Nigerians between ages of 45-60 years with integrity and requisite qualifications and competence, while those to “work with him” are his contemporaries who have integrity, ability and requisite qualifications. It is better to have more of those who “will work for him” because they will be easily deployed and admonished if they are not performing.

This is PMB’s watch, it his prerogative to select his staff. If, however, speculations from the media that PMB may be considering the appointment of a few friends who are septuagenarians and octogenarians as ministers in his yet-to-be-constituted cabinet are correct, then there is cause for concern. The situation is not that bad to the extent that most Nigerians between ages 45-60 years are now perceived as lacking integrity, attitude and competence such that they cannot make the cabinet. Is this the reason why PMB is purported “to distance himself from names seemingly linked to allegations of corruption?” If the truth must be told, there are many Nigerians between ages 45-60 years who are not easily swayed by corruption because they are not greedy. PMB cannot controvert this opinion.

The problem with Nigeria is that most of our leaders are greedy and do not nurture youths for leadership. When leaders are corrupt, most of their followers are dishonest and unreliable such that they could not be entrusted with public funds. This writer has seen quite a number of Nigerians who are not saints but who are nonetheless decent, transparent and accountable in the conduct of public affairs when given the opportunity. Most of them have chosen the path of integrity and honour because of family and religious values. Conversely, many have fallen short of the minimum threshold when subjected to integrity test. Who taught Nigerians to be corrupt? Your guess is as good as mine. Often, leaders in our country do not create opportunities for most of their followers. Instead, they simply impoverish their followers. Thus, most followers have chosen corruption as a way of life in the face of weak legal system.
Most times when some of those appointed for ministerial duties see their president amassing wealth in a manner conflicting with national interests, they follow him in the name of “loyalty”. It is this “loyalty” that such a president and perhaps the public will use in measuring the effectiveness and performance of those ministers. If any minister chooses not to be part of this “loyal” team, he or she will be ostracized for ineptitude, gross misconduct and indiscipline. This is because “political correctness most times does not legislate tolerance, it only organizes hatred”. If such a minister is unfortunate, he or she may be jailed. Is this not true? It is true!

On a final note, it is the prerogative of PMB to parade competent Nigerians with integrity who have proven to be “thoughtful doers”. This category of individuals with impeccable character is available in the country and they should be given appointments that are strategic to the well-being of Nigerians. We are in austere times, it is in our collective interest that Nigeria continues to be governed by able, honest and committed men and women.

 

MA Johnson