A NATION IN SHAMBLES: HOW LEADERSHIP FAILURES THREATEN NIGERIA’S PROGRESS
This Op-ed is from High Chief Peter Ameh. National Secretary, CUPP
The recent incident at the Nigerian Senate, where Senator Onyekachi Nwoebonyi stormed out of a committee room during the 2025 budget defense of the Nigeria Police Force, is a stark reminder of the leadership failures threatening Nigeria’s progress. The altercation, sparked by discrepancies between the IGP’s presentation and the documents received by lawmakers, highlights the deep-seated issues of mediocrity, incompetence, corruption, conspiracy, collusion, compromise, and concealment that plague the country.
At the heart of this problem lies a lack of accountability and transparency. When leaders exhibit contempt for the institutions they serve, it sets a dangerous precedent. The committee chairman’s decision to continue the session despite the objections raised by Senator Nwoebonyi and others demonstrates a startling disregard for due process, camaraderie and the principles of democracy.
This incident is not an isolated event, but rather a symptom of a broader disease that afflicts Nigeria’s leadership. The country’s democratic system has deteriorated over time, with leaders prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of the people. The absence of solidarity from fellow senators in support of Senator Nwoebonyi’s objections is a telling indication of the lack of cohesion and commitment to democratic values within the legislative body.
For us to reverse this trend, Nigeria needs leaders who embody integrity, transparency, and accountability. Leaders who prioritize the nation’s progress over personal gain and are willing to take a stand against corruption and incompetence. The country’s citizens must also demand more from their leaders, holding them accountable for their actions and advocating for a better future.
My final thought, the events that transpired at the Nigerian Senate serve as a wake-up call for the nation. It is time for Nigerians to recognize the urgent need for leadership reform and to demand a new era of accountability, transparency, and progress. Only then can the country hope to overcome the challenges that have held it back for so long.
