BETWEEN DR USMAN BUGAJE AND PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU

While I respect Dr. Usman Bugaje's opinion, I disagree with his assessment that President Tinubu lacks solutions to Nigeria's problems. President Tinubu possesses the brilliance and intelligence necessary to lead the nation. However, his approach of relying heavily on those who aided his electoral victory instead of seeking out the most competent individuals for crucial positions raises concerns.

This reliance on political appointees over proven professionals in key ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) appears shortsighted and potentially detrimental. When appointments are based solely on political affiliation rather than competence, it undermines the effectiveness of those institutions and hinders progress.

The current situation, where "myopic political followers" of ‘parocial political leaders” hold leadership positions in various MDAs regardless of their qualifications, perpetuates a system that prioritizes political gain over national well-being. This approach, if continued, can exacerbate existing challenges, such as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

To overcome these obstacles and ensure Nigeria's prosperity, a shift towards meritocratic governance is crucial. By prioritizing competence and expertise over political connections in crucial positions, the government can unlock the true potential of its institutions and effectively address the nation's pressing issues.

Take the case of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for instance.

In 2007, NDDC spent about Two Billion Naira to build two rice mills in Akwa Ibom and Rivers State. Almost two decades after, those rice mills have become a thorn in the flesh of both the Commission, and the region in the face of a crunching cost of living crisis.

For two decades, successive management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) have continued to promise to resuscitate and revive the rice mills which have even been rejected by concessionaires.

All this would have been prevented if we had competent people at NDDC not not politicians and political followers who pandered to the politics in delivering improperly planned multi billion naira rice mill projects.

 

The Niger Delta, once again, like always, continues to be a victim to mediocre leadership and imcompetent ombudsmen.

George Kerley

Port Harcourt

February 24, 2024