Picture: Prof Jude Okafor
By Chinedum Treasure
A Professor of Public Administration at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Jude Okafor, has urged Nigerians to stop blaming political leaders alone for poor governance and examine how their own choices contribute to the problem.
Okafor, the immediate past Head of the Department of Political Science at the university, said responsible governance requires not only good leadership but also active and responsible citizens willing to demand accountability.
Speaking on leadership and followership, he criticised vote buying, warning that accepting money from politicians in exchange for votes weakens citizens’ moral authority to hold elected leaders accountable.
“Once you do that, they have settled you. So where is the conscience again that you will go and ask them, why did you do this? Why did you do that? When they have paid you off,” he said.
According to the don, vote buying turns elections into transactions and creates incentives for corruption, as politicians who spend heavily to win elections may seek to recover their expenses after assuming office.
He urged Nigerians to prioritise competence, integrity and public service when choosing leaders rather than immediate financial benefits.
Okafor also stressed the importance of responsible followership, saying organised citizens could influence government policies and compel leaders to reconsider decisions that run contrary to public interest.
“You cannot have a good society without sacrifice,” he said, while cautioning that political leaders must also demonstrate willingness to sacrifice and provide responsible leadership.
The professor further called for greater public understanding of the constitutional responsibilities of legislators. He said lawmakers were primarily expected to represent constituents, make laws, propose motions, influence policies and budgets, and exercise oversight rather than personally execute projects that fall under the executive.
He maintained that citizens who understand these responsibilities would be better positioned to demand accountability from their representatives.
As Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, Okafor urged citizens to rethink their role in the political process, stressing that improving governance requires both responsible leadership and responsible citizenship.
Tags
Nigeria Politics, Good Governance, UNIZIK, Vote Buying, Jude Okafor
