Corruption, Political Gladiators, Technocrats, and Governance

By Prince Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh

The popular adage that the worst democratic government is far superior to the best military government no longer holds true, particularly given the manner in which today’s political gladiators have reshaped the narrative. The evolving practice of “winner takes all” has become entrenched in our democracy and political system, leading to growing concerns about the state of governance in Nigeria. This shift, once viewed as a necessary feature of democratic competition, has deepened corruption to the extent that it now appears to be a central pathway to power.

The Oxford Dictionary defines democracy as “the government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” However, in Nigeria, this concept has been perverted to represent a government of the few, by the few, and for the few. The political class has become so disconnected from the electorate that they no longer consider themselves servants of the people but rather self-styled political juggernauts and gladiators. This detachment from the people, compounded by unscrupulous electioneering practices, has paved the way for widespread embezzlement, money laundering, and the looting of public funds with impunity.

Since Nigeria adopted a democratic system of governance, the inclusion of technocrats in both federal and state administrations has been a topic of ongoing debate. Political gladiators view the appointment of technocrats as a threat to their hold on power, primarily because of the technocrats’ credibility and their unblemished professional records. Technocrats are individuals who possess specialized knowledge and expertise in specific fields, though they are not traditionally active politicians. These professionals, due to their skill sets and levels of exposure, are more likely to be found at the federal and state levels rather than at the local government tier.

Politicians, entrenched in their corrupt ways, often perceive technocrats as obstacles to governance because they bring a level of integrity and expertise that challenges the status quo. Technocrats, by their nature, are not driven by the desire to amass wealth but are motivated by the opportunity to contribute their knowledge and experience to the success of the government. In stark contrast, political gladiators often view government office as a means of self-enrichment, neglecting the welfare of the masses in the process.

A prime example of the value of technocrats in governance can be seen in the recent appointment of Elon Musk by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Musk, the world’s richest person, was appointed to lead a new initiative called the “Department of Government Efficiency” (Doge). Musk’s role, though informal, was designed to provide strategic advice on cost-cutting, reducing excessive regulations, and eliminating wasteful spending. This demonstrates how technocrats can make a significant impact in government by using their expertise to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

If the likes of Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and Mr. Vivek Ramaswamy could be appointed as part of Donald Trump’s government, why would the most richest man in Africa, Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Emeka Offor, Mike Adenuga and others could be given the room to serve in their respective fields and discipline, Nigeria democracy would be envy of Africa nations and the world at large.

Nigeria’s political gladiators should take a cue from this. If figures like Musk, who is known for his remarkable achievements in business and technology, can be entrusted with a major governance role in the U.S., Nigeria should also consider opening its doors to individuals of similar caliber. Prominent Nigerians such as Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Obiageli Ezekwesili, Femi Falana, Prof. Pat Utomi, Col Abubaka Uma Rtd, SAN Femi Falana, Prof Lucky Akaruse , Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, Dr Dopkemi Andrew Ayu, Femi Shewu Sani and others others—who have established themselves as leaders in their respective fields—could bring invaluable expertise to the Nigerian political landscape.

The country would benefit immensely from their inclusion in government, as they could inject new life into the system, ensuring that the focus remains on the collective good rather than personal gain.

The successful legacies of past leaders such as Obafemi Awolowo, Lateef Jakande, and others serve as a reminder that genuine politicians can indeed make a positive impact. These individuals were able to combine their professional expertise with a deep commitment to public service, and they continue to be celebrated for their contributions long after their time in office. Nigeria still has the potential to harness the expertise of technocrats, and doing so could breathe new life into the country’s political system.

One of the core reasons for the increasing frustration with the political class is the perception that career politicians often lack the capacity to make tough, non-partisan decisions. This is where technocrats come in—they are experts in their fields and do not get distracted by the political whims that often cloud judgment. For instance, in the management of ministries, agencies, and departments, it is often the civil servants who are the true technocrats. They possess the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure that policies are effectively implemented.

This is a crucial point: the role of political appointees, such as commissioners, in ministries is often to oversee policy implementation, but they rely heavily on the technical expertise of civil servants. These civil servants, particularly permanent secretaries, are the true custodians of institutional memory and are responsible for ensuring that policies are carried out as intended. Without the technical input and guidance of these professionals, political appointees, regardless of their political experience, may struggle to navigate the complexities of governance.

It is worth noting that civil servants, especially those with professional qualifications and experience, are indispensable to the functioning of government. They play a pivotal role in supporting the work of political appointees and ensuring that the policies of the government are not just implemented, but also executed efficiently and effectively. It is, therefore, crucial that their expertise is recognized and leveraged, particularly in an environment where political appointees may have limited technical knowledge of the sectors they oversee.

A critical issue that must be addressed is the pervading culture of impunity, where political appointees exploit their positions for personal gain, sometimes at the expense of the public trust. If this culture is not curbed, it will continue to undermine the integrity of the entire political system. To put an end to such practices, it is essential to strengthen the mechanisms of accountability at all levels of government. This requires robust checks and balances, transparent oversight, and a commitment to ensuring that public office is used for the collective good, not private enrichment.

If these reforms are successfully implemented, the results will be far-reaching. Not only will the political system be sanitized, but the governance structure will also become more inclusive, with technocrats and professionals playing an increasingly significant role. This will help ensure that public policies and programs are driven by expertise and are focused on the long-term welfare of the Nigerian people, rather than the short-term interests of the political elite.

In conclusion, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. The continued dominance of political gladiators in government has led to systemic corruption and inefficiency. However, by embracing technocrats and experts from all sectors of society, the country can take a giant leap toward better governance, enhanced public service delivery, and a more equitable society. The need for change is clear, and the time to act is now.

…written by Prince Emmanuel Okotie-Eboh, Former Regent of Warri Kingdom.