By Dr Raymond Anumve
The message, body language and stand of President Donald Trump resonates deeply and serves as a wake-up call, not just to ordinary Nigerians but especially to our political class. The time for excuses, blame games, and self-serving governance is over. Nigerians deserve better than a system riddled with corruption, inefficiency, and neglect.
A public office is not a personal entitlement; it is a sacred trust to serve the people. As leaders, your mandate is to uplift the nation, not to enrich yourselves at the expense of millions. Looting public resources while citizens languish in poverty is both a betrayal of trust and a crime against humanity.
Our health sector remains a glaring example of neglect. It is shameful that leaders run abroad for medical care while hospitals at home lack basic equipment and personnel. Nigeria has the human and material resources to build world-class hospitals. Instead of spending billions on foreign treatments, channel those funds into revamping our health system. The COVID-19 pandemic should have taught us that no leader can escape the consequences of a failed health system.
Education is the bedrock of national development, yet Nigerian schools remain underfunded and overcrowded, with poorly paid teachers. Meanwhile, political leaders send their children to prestigious institutions abroad. If you truly believe in Nigeria’s future, invest in our schools and universities. Ensure every child, regardless of background, has access to quality education.
The tribalism and nepotism that plague Nigerian politics are holding us back. Leadership should be based on merit, vision, and competence—not on ethnicity or religion. Unity in diversity is our strength. It’s time to prioritize nation-building over sectional interests.
The era of looting with impunity must end. Nigerians demand transparency in governance and accountability for every kobo spent. Leaders who mismanage or embezzle public funds should face the full wrath of the law. Strengthen anti-corruption institutions and make them truly independent to prosecute offenders without fear or favor.
Dependence on imported goods, including drugs, is a disgrace for a nation with vast resources and intellectual capacity. Support local industries, invest in research and development, and empower entrepreneurs to create homegrown solutions to our challenges. Nigeria has the potential to be a global powerhouse if its resources are utilized effectively.
Good governance includes providing basic amenities like roads, electricity, water, and housing. The poor state of Nigeria’s infrastructure is unacceptable. Leaders must prioritize long-term infrastructural development over short-term, superficial projects designed to win elections.
Nigerians are fleeing in droves because they no longer believe in the system. It is the responsibility of leaders to inspire confidence and hope by delivering on promises. Lead by example—live modestly, show accountability, and prioritize the common good.
History has shown that no ruling class can oppress its people forever. The French Revolution, the American fight for independence, and other global revolutions remind us that when citizens unite for justice, change becomes inevitable. Nigerian leaders must act now or face the wrath of a people pushed to the brink.
Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The world is watching. Will you continue on the path of corruption and failure, or will you rise to the challenge of rebuilding this nation? The choice is yours, but the consequences of inaction will be grave.
To Nigeria’s political class: history will remember you—not for what you took, but for what you gave. Rise to the occasion and give Nigerians the future they deserve. The time to act is now.
Dr Raymond Anumve; Makurdi Benue State
