Former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili has accused Nigerian politicians of showing patriotism solely when they hold office, only to turn into “predators of patriotism” once they leave.
Speaking on Monday during a live interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, Ezekwesili said officeholders often reject criticism of their poor governance and brand critics as enemies of the nation.
The founder of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance also decried Nigeria’s repeated election cycles, arguing they have contributed to the collapse of human dignity and the erosion of the value of life.
She urged Nigerians not to fixate on the 2027 general elections for now, but to confront the country’s present condition. According to her, current leadership has caused significant degradation among citizens, and people should begin “voting for themselves.”
“The Nigeria construct is orphaned, and it’s only loved by the people I call predators of patriotism. When they are in office, they are patriotic about Nigeria but outside of office they are not patriotic,” she said.
“If you consider the kind of hollowing out of the Nigeria state that we have experienced in the last couple of years, then you should know that we are sleepwalking. It’s almost like we’re in denial.
“I do not think that the most important thing for Nigerians to be talking about is the 2027 elections at this point.
“Elections after elections in Nigeria there is a complete collapse of human dignity. It’s like we have zeroed out on the value of life, and yet we continue to think that if we just keep having elections, we will be fine.
“And I am challenging and saying that Nigerians should at least start voting for themselves.”
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