Chidinma Iroegbu
…Minister Blames Money Politics And Patronage For Nation’s Governance Failures
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s governance trajectory, blaming the nation’s persistent challenges on a flawed leadership selection process.
Speaking in Akure during a public lecture to mark the 70th birthday of Olusola Oke, Keyamo argued that the foundation of good governance begins with how leaders emerge.
He described leadership recruitment as a deliberate process involving the identification, grooming and elevation of individuals into positions of authority, stressing that any defect in the system ultimately reflects in governance outcomes.
According to him, the integrity of leadership selection remains the single most critical determinant of national progress, warning that Nigeria’s struggles are rooted in poor choices rather than lack of resources.
Drawing insight from Chinua Achebe, Keyamo noted that despite Nigeria’s vast natural and human endowments, progress has been undermined by ineffective leadership.
He warned that the growing trend of prioritising wealth, ethnicity and political patronage over competence continues to weaken institutions and deepen corruption, poverty and insecurity across the country.
The minister maintained that leadership positions must not be treated as rewards for loyalty but as serious responsibilities requiring capacity, integrity and accountability.
He identified the monetisation of politics, prohibitive campaign costs, godfatherism and political sponsorship as major obstacles preventing competent Nigerians from accessing leadership roles.
While acknowledging recent electoral reforms, Keyamo observed that weak internal party democracy, lack of ideological direction and electoral violence still hinder the emergence of credible leaders.
He called for sweeping reforms, including financial autonomy for the Independent National Electoral Commission, stricter campaign finance regulations, transparent party primaries and the establishment of a dedicated body to prosecute electoral offences.
Urging citizens to play an active role, he emphasised the need for Nigerians to prioritise character, competence, humility and compassion when choosing leaders, insisting that national transformation depends on deliberate choices.
In his remarks, Martins Oloja commended Oke’s autobiography, From The Ocean to the Bar, describing it as a compelling guide on integrity, perseverance and faith for younger generations.
Oke, in his response, attributed his life journey to divine grace, recounting a career shaped by challenges and triumphs in law and politics, while expressing gratitude to Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other associates.
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, urging governments at all levels to intensify efforts toward poverty reduction and improved welfare for citizens.