society
Nigeria’s Curse of Inverted Leadership: How Greedy Fools Hijacked Power While True Activists Are Left Behind
Nigeria’s Curse of Inverted Leadership: How Greedy Fools Hijacked Power While True Activists Are Left Behind.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
Nigeria is a nation bleeding not from natural disasters or foreign invasions, but from the deliberate elevation of fools, greedy misfits, empty-headed manipulators and wicked siphoners of public funds into high political and economic positions. While the true patriots (our real natural activists) languish in low places, silenced, marginalized and often criminalized. This is not just an accident of fate; it is a carefully orchestrated inversion of values designed to keep Nigeria perpetually underdeveloped and in bondage.
There is no justification for a country as richly blessed in human and natural resources to be crawling in shame, poverty and insecurity. And yet, here we are, because we have placed square pegs in round holes. We elect thieves and expect transparency. We reward incompetence and pray for miracles. The tragedy is not just the ignorance of the masses, but the cunning of the elite who keep reshuffling the same deck of political jesters, many of whom are neither intellectually nor morally qualified to lead.
” _When the wicked rule, the people groan_.” Proverbs 29:2
This biblical wisdom could not be more apt. Nigeria groans under the weight of clueless leadership, men and women whose only credentials are the ability to loot and lie without shame. These individuals lack vision, empathy or any form of developmental mindset. They rise to power through manipulation, rigging and blood-stained wealth. And once in office, they treat national resources as private inheritance.
*LET’S CALL NAMES*: how do we explain a political system that promotes people facing corruption allegations into ministerial appointments? How do we justify the appointment of individuals who cannot recite the national anthem or articulate a policy vision as governors, senators or commissioners? Nigeria is probably the only country where being caught stealing public funds makes you more politically relevant than being an honest advocate of reform.
“ _No nation can rise above the quality of its leadership_.” ~ Chinua Achebe
This truth continues to slap Nigeria in the face. Our greatest minds are not in Aso Rock, in the National Assembly or the state government houses. They are in exile, in underground movements, in social media spaces and civil society groups shouting truth into the void while rogues with padded agbadas and bulletproof SUVs rule with arrogance.
One may ask, “ _Why aren’t the true activists rising to power?_” The answer lies in the deliberate and violent structure of Nigerian politics. The electoral process is rigged from start to finish. From party primaries to the declaration of results, the system is designed to eliminate sincerity. The political thugs are funded by godfathers. The real change agents are harassed, arrested or frustrated into silence. They lack the financial muscle to compete in a terrain where Naira notes are more powerful than manifestos.
“ _Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter._” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
And yet, the real activists must not give up (because the biggest danger Nigeria faces today is not even the looters in office) it is the silence and compromise of those who should speak up. It is the passivity of intellectuals, clerics, academics and some few traditional leaders who now dine with devils for crumbs.
The system elevates noise-makers with no track record of integrity, just a network of praise singers. In 2023, Nigerians witnessed the recycling of old political faces known for nothing other than their ability to switch parties and buy loyalty. While this happens, young, vibrant leaders with fresh ideas are dismissed as “INEXPERIENCED,” “TOO IDEALISTIC,” or WORSE, “THREATS TO NATIONAL UNITY.”
In the words of Fela Anikulapo Kuti, “ _Na craze world be dis._” Indeed, it is madness that thieves are called “YOUR EXCELLENCY” and warriors of truth are labelled “TROUBLEMAKERS.”
Nigeria’s political tragedy is also worsened by the complicity of the people. Many citizens celebrate criminals in agbadas because of tribalism, religion or temporary handouts. We defend mediocrity when it is our ethnic brother wearing the crown. We forget that poverty does not recognize ethnicity; when hospitals collapse, both Hausa and Igbo patients die; when roads fail, both Ijaw and Itsekiri crash.
“ _Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter_.” ~ African Proverb
It is time the lions (the true patriots, the honest men and women who have dedicated their lives to fighting injustice) began to tell their stories, to rise beyond mere activism and seize platforms of power; because ACTIVISM without STRATEGY is noise and noise without POLITICAL POWER changes NOTHING.
Let us also not forget that leadership is not just about occupying public office. Many of Nigeria’s saviours may never become governors or presidents, but they can influence minds, awaken consciences and organize alternatives. What we need is a grassroots revolution; not necessarily with guns, but with ideas, education and civic courage.
Take for instance the likes of Comrade Shehu Sani, Omoyele Sowore, and Aisha Yesufu. These are individuals who speak with clarity and consistency, yet the system treats them as irritants. Compare them to many of the current state governors or lawmakers whose legislative records are empty, whose media engagements are filled with incoherence and whose communities remain undeveloped. The contrast is glaring and sickening.
The 2024 minimum wage debate is another sad illustration. While over 20 states have failed to implement the ₦70,000 wage, governors continue to live in luxury, maintain bloated convoys and embark on foreign trips in the name of attracting investors. What investor will come to a land where workers are unpaid, infrastructure is crumbling and insecurity reigns?
“ _Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will._” ~ Frederick Douglass
It’s time Nigerians began to make that demand; not just on social media, but in the streets, in the ballot box, in schools and in marketplaces. We must reject this inverted pyramid where mediocrity sits on top and brilliance is crushed underneath. We must stop electing jesters and criminals and expect miracles.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Restructure Electoral Integrity; Until elections are fair and transparent, fools will keep ruling.
Public Funding of Activists: Let us create crowd-funding systems to support credible, passionate and intellectually sound candidates.
Civic Education: We must re-educate Nigerians to understand that character is more important than tribe or religion.
Punish Corruption Ruthlessly: There should be zero tolerance for public fund looters, with lifetime bans from public office.
Reward Merit: Promote competence not connections.
FINAL THOUGHT
Until we correct this moral and intellectual misplacement, Nigeria will continue to recycle failure. We must flip the pyramid. Let fools go to the bottom where they belong and raise true activists (men and women of integrity, competence and compassion) to the top. It is not just a moral obligation; it is a matter of national survival.
“ _The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality._” ~ Dante Alighieri
Neutrality is no longer an option. Silence is complicity. The time has come for Nigeria to rise and it must begin with telling the truth, electing the worthy and rejecting the wicked.
Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
Alleged Manipulation of Defilement Case Sparks Call for Review of Legal Advice in Lagos
By Ifeoma Ikem
A legal controversy has emerged in Lagos following a petition seeking a review of a legal advice issued in a case involving two female teachers accused of negligence in a child injury incident at a nursery school in Ikorodu.
The petition, submitted by Crown Cannan Attorneys, urges the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to reconsider the legal advice issued on September 16, 2022, in the case titled Commissioner of Police vs. Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba and Rukayat Lawal.
Addressed to the former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, the application argues that the legal advice may have been influenced by what the petition describes as a “deliberate manipulation of facts.”
According to counsel representing the defendants, the allegations stem from an incident that allegedly occurred on October 26, 2021, at Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School located in the Adamo area of Ikorodu, Lagos.
The defendants, Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, 26, and Rukayat Lawal, 24, were reportedly the class teacher and assistant class teacher respectively in charge of a Nursery One class where the incident occurred.
Court documents indicate that a three-year-old pupil, identified as Victim A, was reportedly injured after another pupil allegedly pierced a pencil into her private part during school hours.
The prosecution claims the incident occurred due to the failure of the teachers to exercise adequate care and supervision over the children under their custody.
Based on this allegation, the two educators were charged with negligence under Section 252 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which addresses acts that may cause harm through lack of proper care.
The defendants were subsequently arraigned before Magistrate Court No. 2 in Ikeja on April 19, 2022, where they faced a one-count charge relating to the incident.
During the investigation conducted at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja, several civil society groups reportedly monitored the proceedings.
Among them were representatives of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) and other non-governmental organizations.
These groups reportedly raised concerns about what they described as a growing tendency to weaponise allegations of child abuse in ways that could unfairly damage reputations and careers.
In its petition, the defence team argued that the case deserves a fresh review to ensure that justice is served based on verified facts rather than assumptions or public pressure.
They urged the Ministry of Justice to carefully reassess the legal advice and the circumstances surrounding the investigation to determine whether the prosecution should proceed as currently framed.
Legal observers say the outcome of the requested review could determine the next stage of the case and may also highlight broader concerns about investigative procedures and child protection cases within the justice system.
Reacting to a viral social media post by Ambassador Rukayat Tobiloba, who claimed she might be jailed for defilement, the head teacher of Great Kezino Nursery and Primary School, Mrs. Edaolaropin Toyin, provided the school’s account of events.
According to her, the pupil identified as Victim A was enrolled in the Nursery One class on September 20, 2021, which had about 15 pupils.
She explained that on October 26, 2021, the pupil was transported home on the school bus after closing hours and handed over to her father around 4:30 p.m.
“Later that night, the pupil’s mother allegedly contacted the head teacher, claiming her daughter cried while bathing and alleged that a male classmate, Victim B, had inserted a pencil into her private part during school hours,” she said.
The school, however, rejected the allegation, maintaining that no such incident occurred while the child was in its custody.
“The following morning, the teacher visited the pupil’s home, where the father reportedly denied the mother’s account of the incident,” Toyin added.
She said the situation escalated later that day when the child’s parents arrived at the school with police officers from Imota Police Station demanding that the alleged male classmate be produced.
The head teacher further stated that the school management had supported Tobiloba throughout the legal process.
“Since the incident happened, the school management has never stopped supporting Tobiloba’s welfare until last year when she sent a WhatsApp message saying she was no longer interested in the court matter, claiming she had relocated to Ibadan,” she said.
She described the claims currently circulating on social media as “defamatory narratives.”
*GEN CG MUSA SUPPORT INITIATIVE MOURNS FALLEN HEROES AND URGES UNITY IN SECURITY SUPPORT
The Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa Support Initiative (GCGMSI) expresses its heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Grand Patron of the Initiative, and the families of the fallen heroes who courageously lost their lives in a recent attack by ISWAP in Konduga, Marte, Jakana, and Dalori in Borno State, northeast Nigeria. Among the tragic losses were three senior military commanders: Major U.I. Mairiga, Lt-Col Umar Faruq, and Lt-Col S.I. Iliyasu, who dedicated their lives to the service of our nation.
The GCGMSI implores the public to continue supporting our security agencies, emphasizing that the safety and security of our nation is a collective responsibility. Every day, our security forces pay the ultimate price to safeguard our country. We urge the public to remain supportive, pray for their success, and refrain from politicizing the security challenges we face.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Convener, Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu, which has been made available to the press. The statement highlights the initiative’s profound concern for the losses sustained by our security personnel and reflects on the broader security situation in Nigeria.
In his unwavering commitment to addressing the insecurity plaguing our nation, the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Gwabin Musa, has consistently engaged in urgent meetings with service chiefs, reinforcing strategic plans to combat threats and enhance national security. His leadership and decisive actions demonstrate a dedication to restoring peace and stability across our regions, ensuring a safer environment for all Nigerians.
society
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
SECURITY IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY: BACKING OUR MINISTER OF DEFENCE GEN. CHRISTOPHER GWABIN MUSA OFR
By Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
In these challenging times, it is essential for all Nigerians to rally behind our leaders, particularly His Excellency Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, the Minister of Defence. The security of our nation is not a matter to be taken lightly or politicized. Gen. Musa, recognized for his unwavering dedication and sacrifice, has served our country commendably throughout his life.
Following the recent reshuffle of service chiefs by President Asiwaju Bola Ahamed Tinubu GCFR, which resulted in Gen. Musa’s retirement as Chief of Defence Staff, many voiced their concerns. Yet, upon his appointment as Minister of Defence, there was a renewed sense of hope among the populace. Gen. Musa has embraced his role with an unwavering commitment, often sacrificing his rest to ensure the safety and security of our great nation.
While it is undeniable that Nigeria faces security challenges, we must approach these issues with unity rather than division. It is crucial to recognize that those who politicize our national security are often those who have not contributed positively to the success of our security agencies. Instead of spreading negativity, we should support Gen. Musa in his mission to restore peace and stability.
To achieve our collective goal of a secure Nigeria, we must provide Gen. Musa with the trust he deserves. His vision and determination, paired with our support and prayers, can pave the way to overcoming the challenges we face. It’s time for every Nigerian to put aside political differences and work together for the common good. Let us have faith in our leaders and trust in Gen. Musa’s ability to steer our nation towards safety and security.
-
society6 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news3 months agoWHO REALLY OWNS MONIEPOINT? The $290 Million Deal That Sold Nigeria’s Top Fintech to Foreign Interests
-
Business6 months agoGTCO increases GTBank’s Paid-Up Capital to ₦504 Billion
-
society6 months ago“You Are Never Without Help” – Pastor Gebhardt Berndt Inspires Hope Through Empower Church (Video)