CRITICISM AS A CATALYST: Driving Progress In The Face of Unresponsive Governance

 

In present day Nigeria, public discourse on the nation's challenges often carries a tone of resignation and frustration. Many citizens are exasperated with a system that feels resistant to change, where ideals of citizens welfare seem distant, if not altogether unattainable. The pursuit of that ideal is often met with apathy, as it seems that the structure of governance itself is rigged against the common good. Yet, there is a glimmer of hope in the idea that if more people shared a deeper concern for the welfare of the citizens, life could indeed improve. The path to achieving this, however, is not straightforward. It requires constant criticism and public scrutiny of those in power. Only through this process can Nigeria hope to spur improvement and reclaim its potential.

Criticism is vital for fostering accountability. In any thriving democracy or society seeking progress, government officials must be subject to regular, rigorous examination. Criticism not only points out the flaws in leadership and governance but also pushes those in authority to reassess their actions and policies. It serves as a counterweight to the abuses of power and as a reminder that the public is watching, even when the government fails to listen. If this scrutiny is absent, the space for corruption, incompetence, and neglect only expands. It is through the lens of persistent criticism that societies are able to check their leaders and demand better governance.

However, in Nigeria, there seems to be a significant disconnect between those in power and the very idea of accountability. Unlike other nations where public opinion and the scrutiny of civil society can act as significant forces for change, Nigerian leaders often appear disinterested in meaningful engagement with these mechanisms. Many seem to function in a bubble, far removed from the realities on the ground. This has led to a culture of cynicism and despair, particularly among the citizenry, who feel that their voices and concerns are continually ignored.

What is particularly disheartening is the fact that the Nigerian leadership tends to react only when personal interests are threatened. Whether it be through public embarrassment or potential harm to their financial stakes, leaders rarely seem to act for the sake of the greater good. Instead, decisions are made and institutions are maintained primarily as tools for self-gain rather than public service. The common refrain in Nigeria is that "nothing works as it should," a damning indictment of the failure of governance and the erosion of trust in public institutions. When things do work, it is often due to the potential for personal gain rather than a sincere commitment to improving the lives of the people.

This is nowhere more evident than in the realm of public media and newspapers. What should be a pillar of democracy and a platform for holding power to account has instead become a tool for those in power to manipulate the narrative. Newspapers are often filled with paid advertisements, public relations campaigns, and falsified stories that serve the interests of the elite rather than providing a platform for truth and accountability. As a result, the media’s role as a watchdog has been deeply compromised, further distancing the public from avenues for real change.

Given this reality, criticism remains one of the few tools available to challenge the status quo. Through essays, articles, protests, and public speeches, it is essential to keep pushing these issues to the forefront of national discourse. Each new piece of criticism, each new public statement, acts as both a reminder to those in power and an invitation to new generations of citizens to engage in the conversation. The repetition of these criticisms is necessary, as it reinforces the point that change cannot come through complacency. Though the situation may seem stagnant, the constant drumbeat of criticism offers a glimmer of hope that, eventually, those in power will be forced to listen.

Nevertheless, this is Nigeria—a place where, more often than not, it feels like no one in authority cares unless their personal interests are at stake. It can feel discouraging when leaders seem more interested in maintaining their image or attending social events than addressing the systemic failures that affect the daily lives of millions. The country’s institutions are riddled with neglect, and it can feel as if the pursuit of justice and fairness is a losing battle. Yet, despite this, the role of the critic remains vital.

By continuously highlighting the failures of the system and calling out the shortcomings of leadership, we create the conditions for potential change. It is a slow and arduous process, but history shows that no oppressive system or failed state remains stagnant forever. With enough pressure, even the most entrenched elites can be moved. The hope is that, one day, the interests of the people will come first and that governance in Nigeria will finally prioritize the common good over personal gain.

Criticism in Nigeria is not merely about pointing out what is wrong. It is about holding onto the hope that change is possible. It is about keeping the conversation alive and ensuring that those in power are aware that the people are watching and waiting for them to act in the public’s interest. It may feel like an uphill battle, but without the persistent voice of criticism, Nigeria risks sinking further into despair. Only through this relentless pressure can there be any hope for a better, more just, and more accountable future.