Imposing or electing unqualified people into power pose great threat to Nigeria’s progress _SWUYN 

By Peters Monday, Abuja

A Pressure Group, the Society for the welfare of the unemployed youths of Nigeria, SWUYN has emphasised that imposing or electing unqualified people into power posed a great threat to the country’s democracy and progress.

The statement was signed by its national president Comrade Preye Tambou which a copy of it was sent to the Congress newspaper on Sunday.

The statement reads, “As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of development and youth unemployment, it has become increasingly evident that the country’s progress is being hindered by the presence of incompetent individuals in high offices. When unqualified individuals are imposed on the people, it leads to ineffective governance, poor decision-making, and a lack of accountability.

“The presence of mediocre and incompetent individuals in positions of power has far-reaching consequences, including perpetuating a culture of mediocrity, mismanagement, corruption, unemployment and underdevelopment in Nigeria. This phenomenon is not only alarming but also unacceptable, and it is imperative that we condemn the sources of this problem and proffer solutions to address it.

“The culture of mediocrity that pervades Nigeria’s political landscape is a major contributor to the presence of incompetent individuals in high offices. The emphasis on loyalty over competence, the influence of godfathers, and the lack of accountability have all created an environment where unqualified individuals can thrive.

“The lack of transparency and accountability in the appointment process has made it difficult to hold individuals accountable for their actions. The absence of a robust and independent vetting process has allowed unqualified individuals to slip through the cracks, further perpetuating the culture of mediocrity.

“The big question is, why do incompetent people end up in high offices in Nigeria? There are several reasons why incompetent people might end up in high offices in Nigeria. Some possible factors include but are not limited to:

1. Lack of Meritocracy: In Nigeria, political appointments and elections are often based on factors other than merit, such as ethnicity, religion, or political connections.

2. God-fatherism and Patronage: The influence of powerful politicians and godfathers can lead to the appointment of unqualified individuals to high offices.

3. Corruption and Nepotism: Corruption and nepotism can also play a significant role in the appointment of incompetent individuals to high offices.

4. Weak Institutions: Nigeria’s institutions, such as the civil service commission and the electoral commission, may be weak or compromised, allowing unqualified individuals to slip through the cracks.

5. Lack of Accountability: The lack of accountability and consequences for poor performance can also contribute to the appointment and retention of incompetent individuals in high offices.

6. Party Politics and Loyalty: Political parties often prioritize loyalty over competence when making appointments or nominations.

7. Limited Pool of Qualified Candidates: In some cases, there may be a limited pool of qualified candidates, making it difficult to find competent individuals for high offices.

8. Cultural and Social Factors: Cultural and social factors, such as the “man-know-man” syndrome, can also influence the appointment of incompetent individuals to high offices”.

“The culture of mediocrity is a significant barrier to Nigeria’s growth and development. By rewarding mediocre performance, we are essentially punishing excellence and discouraging innovation.

Incompetence, mediocrity, and mismanagement are among the primary causes of Nigeria’s backwardness, underdevelopment, and unemployment. The lack of effective leadership and management has led to:

1. Stunted economic growth: Incompetent management of the economy has resulted in stagnation, inflation, and unemployment.

2. Infrastructural decay: Poor management of infrastructure has led to crumbling roads, inadequate healthcare, and insufficient education.

3. Social unrest: The failure of leaders to address the needs of citizens has resulted in social unrest, protests, and violence.

“The conspiracy of gangs, pull him down syndrome, and imposition of unqualified people are other significant factors contributing to the prevalence of incompetent leaders in Nigeria. This phenomenon is deeply rooted in the country’s political culture, where personal interests and loyalty are often prioritized over merit and competence.

The “pull him down” syndrome, for instance, is a pervasive mindset where individuals and groups seek to bring down others who are perceived as threats or obstacles to their own success or interests. This syndrome fosters a culture of envy, jealousy, and sabotage, which ultimately undermines the emergence of competent leaders.

The conspiracy of gangs is another significant factor, where a group of individuals with common interests and agendas work together to manipulate the system and maintain their grip on power. This can involve rigging elections, manipulating the judiciary, and using various forms of intimidation and coercion to silence opponents.

To address this challenge, we propose the following solutions:

1. Establish an Independent Vetting Process: The government should establish an independent vetting process to ensure that only qualified individuals are appointed to high offices.

2. Emphasize Meritocracy: The emphasis should be on meritocracy, rather than loyalty or connections. This will ensure that the most qualified individuals are appointed to high offices.

3. Increase Transparency and Accountability: The government should increase transparency and accountability in the appointment process, including making public the qualifications and experience of appointees. Ensuring that leaders are transparent in their actions and decisions, and that they are held accountable for their performance.

4. Strengthen Institutions: The government should strengthen institutions, such as the civil service commission and the electoral commission, to ensure that they are able to perform their functions effectively. Building strong, independent institutions that can withstand external pressures and promote good governance.

5. Promote a Culture of Excellence: The government should promote a culture of excellence, rather than mediocrity, by recognizing and rewarding outstanding performance. Promoting a culture where competence, merit, and performance are the primary criteria for leadership selection and advancement not imposition or nepotism.

6. Encouraging Citizen Participation: Empowering citizens to participate actively in the political process, through education, awareness, and mobilization”.

“Ultimately, addressing the conspiracy of gangs, pulling him down syndrome, and imposition of unqualified people requires a fundamental transformation of Nigeria’s political culture and institutions. It demands a collective effort from citizens, civil society, and leaders to promote a culture of good governance, transparency, and accountability.

“Incompetence in high offices is a significant threat to Nigeria’s progress. By condemning the culture of mediocrity and proffering solutions, we can ensure that only qualified individuals are appointed and elected to high offices. It is time for Nigeria to prioritize excellence, reward meritocracy, and punish mediocrity. Only then can we achieve our full potential and become the great nation we were meant to be.”