In Nigeria today, a significant number of citizens—especially government critics and activists—tend to direct their anger and frustrations at the President over virtually every issue. While it’s understandable that the President, as the face of the nation, bears a lot of responsibility, I believe it’s high time we began to correct this misplaced focus.
Take a step back and observe: whenever there’s a security breach, poor infrastructure, or failing educational systems, the average Nigerian is quick to call out the President. Yet, we often forget that Nigeria operates a three-tier system of government—Local, State, and Federal. Many of the problems we face daily should first be addressed at the Local and State levels before escalating to the Federal Government, where necessary.
What’s even more ironic is that most of these self-proclaimed critics do not even know the names of their Local Government Councillors, Chairmen, members of the State House of Assembly, Commissioners, representatives, Senators, or even their State Governors! If you fall into this category, let me remind you: we all belong to a local government area, and our councilors and chairmen receive hundreds of millions of naira every month—running into billions annually. The same goes for our House of Representatives members and senators, who receive yearly allocations under the guise of constituency projects—funds meant to improve our communities.
Now, let’s talk about the governors. Did you know that following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governments now receive between two to ten times more revenue than they did before? These funds are meant to be used for development across your state, and as a citizen, it’s not just your right—but your civic duty—to know exactly how much your state and LGA receive monthly and how that money is spent.
The hard truth is this: the president is not Nigeria’s biggest problem. Our real challenge lies with the governors. The day Nigeria’s governors decide to truly lead with vision and integrity, that’s the day we will begin to witness real, sustainable progress in this country.
This is not to say that all governors are bad—far from it. There are a few good examples across the country. Unfortunately, it feels like the governors are protected by some kind of powerful juju man—a figurative one, of course—that blinds Nigerians from holding them accountable or even acknowledging their critical role in our development.
I’m calling on all Nigerians to wake up. Start holding your Councillors, LG Chairmen, State Assembly members, Representatives, Senators, and governors accountable. Charity, as the saying goes, begins at home—and so must accountability.
My name is Philip Obin, and you can follow @PhilipObin