The Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Nnaemeka Achebe, has urged Nigeria’s political leaders to prioritize public interest over personal gain to advance the nation’s progress. Speaking in Abuja during the launch of Bold Leap, an autobiography by Senator Chris Anyanwu, the monarch emphasized the detrimental effects of unchecked corruption, warning that if such practices persist, the nation’s resources, likened to a cow being over-milked, will be exhausted. He stressed that Nigeria is at a critical juncture, requiring decisive action to either reverse the damage or face dire consequences.
Achebe expressed frustration over decades of inaction and emphasized the need for a collective shift in governance. “Since independence, we’ve been talking endlessly about solutions without acting. We must stop milking the cow to death and instead place Nigeria’s welfare above sectional or personal interests,” he declared. His remarks were met with applause from a distinguished audience, including representatives of President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Senate Presidents David Mark and Anyim Pius Anyim.
The event also featured a panel discussion on the theme, “How Do We Fix Nigeria? System, Structure, Institutions, and Leadership.” Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, criticized the current political system, describing it as “electorialism” rather than true democracy. Fayemi argued that Nigeria must move beyond superficial elite agreements and foster a national consensus. He urged the nation to establish a clear vision, asking, “Who are we, and where do we want to be in the next 10 to 50 years?”
Activist and panelist Ann-Kio Briggs echoed the need for systemic restructuring. She criticized the electoral system, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failing Nigerians by compromising their ability to choose effective leaders. Briggs lamented that patriotism in Nigeria has been reduced to symbolic acts rather than meaningful contributions to national progress. She called for a reevaluation of how leaders are chosen, emphasizing that Nigerians must demand accountability and trustworthiness from their representatives.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe highlighted the importance of strengthening institutions and ensuring that the right people occupy key positions. He decried the lenient punishments for corruption, citing the recent case of a public officer convicted of embezzling N23.2 billion but fined a mere N323 million and given an option of a minimal fine to avoid jail. Abaribe stressed that without capable individuals in leadership, institutional reforms would remain ineffective.
Dr. Aminu Gamana underscored the need for societal value reorientation, noting that many Nigerians trade their votes for petty incentives such as food items. He warned that unless citizens begin to prioritize long-term national interests over immediate personal gains, the cycle of ineffective leadership will continue.
The discussions at the event collectively highlighted the urgent need for reforms in governance, leadership selection, and societal values. The consensus was clear: for Nigeria to thrive, both leaders and citizens must embrace responsibility, accountability, and a collective vision for the nation’s future.