The cry’s of the many less privileged Nigerians should be heard!
In the heart of Nigeria, and the renewed Hope a poorly designed political reward system has been causing chaos and hindering the progress of the country. The consequences of this flawed system are dire and have far-reaching impacts on the nation’s leadership, governance, and development.
One of the major issues stemming from the flawed reward system is the appointment of incompetent leaders. Rather than selecting individuals based on their skills, experience, and ability to effectively govern, political appointments are often given to those who have shown loyalty to the ruling party or engaged in political activities. This unfortunate practice has led to the rise of leaders who lack the necessary skills and experience to govern effectively, resulting in poor decision-making and a lack of vision for the country.
Corruption is another alarming consequence of the flawed reward system. When individuals see that political appointments and other benefits are being handed out based on political connections rather than merit, it creates an environment ripe for corrupt practices. Individuals may engage in bribery, kickbacks, and other illicit activities in a bid to gain political appointments or access to the rewards that come with political power.
The flawed reward system in Nigeria’s political system has also been criticized for encouraging violence. In a quest for political power and access to the rewards that accompany it, individuals may resort to violence, further destabilizing the nation and undermining the democratic process.
The lack of development in Nigeria is yet another consequence of the poorly designed reward system. Competent individuals who could drive the country’s development may be overlooked in favor of those who are politically connected but lack the necessary skills and experience. This hinders progress and stifles the potential growth of the nation.
It is evident that a paradigm shift is necessary to address these consequences and pave the way for a better Nigeria. Calls for a competency-based appointment system and merit-based rewards have been gaining momentum, offering hope for a brighter future.
Competency-based appointments would see individuals appointed to leadership positions based on their skills, experience, and qualifications rather than their political connections. This shift would ensure that the most capable individuals are leading the nation, resulting in better governance and decision-making.
Merit-based rewards would also play a crucial role in improving the political reward system. Individuals would be rewarded based on their performance and contributions to the development of the country, promoting a culture of hard work and dedication.
In addition, strengthening public institutions such as law enforcement and social security agencies is crucial to eliminating the fear of the unknown that drives corruption. By creating a fair and just system, individuals will be less inclined to engage in corrupt activities to gain political appointments or access to rewards.
Furthermore, the elimination of nepotism and tribalism in the Nigerian Civil Service is necessary to foster a fair and equitable reward system. Merit should be the sole determinant of success, free from any biases based on familial or tribal connections.
Political interference has also been identified as a significant challenge in the management of the reward system. Reducing political interference in the reward system will ensure that appointments and rewards are based on merit rather than political connections, creating a more just and effective system.
In conclusion, implementing these proposed solutions is crucial to improving the political reward system in Nigeria. By making the shift towards competency-based appointments, merit-based rewards, and reducing political interference, the nation can address the challenges facing the reward system and pave the way for good governance and development. It’s time for Nigeria to embrace a new era of leadership and progress.
Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National Chairman AATSG
19th December, 2023.
