The Tragedy of Governance in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic
Since the inception of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic in 1999, a troubling pattern has emerged: a ruling class characterized by intellectual deficiency, toxic tribalism, mediocrity, and acculturation have colluded to dominate power structures in Nigeria. This elite minority, often prioritizing self-interest over national progress, has systematically worked against Nigeria’s highly intelligent and resourceful majority. Their collective failure to govern with vision and competence has forced over 200 million Nigerians into artificial poverty, perpetuating a cycle of economic stagnation, disunity, despair and mass migration
The timeline below highlights key events from 1999 to the present, revealing the deliberate policies, governance failures, and economic disasters inflicted on the nation by successive administrations.
1999
Introduction of Sharia Law in Northern Nigeria:
During Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidency (1999–2007), several northern states adopt Sharia law, violating the cultural sovereignty of indigenous Nigerian native tribes in the north, leading to sectarian tensions and sparking religious conflicts.
Economic Loss: Destruction of infrastructure, loss of investments, and reduced economic activities in affected regions result in millions of dollars in losses.
2001
Introduction of GMO Seeds via Cartagena Treaty:
GMO seeds are introduced under the Cartagena Protocol, raising concerns about food security and the domination of local agriculture by multinational corporations during Obasanjo’s tenure.
Economic Loss: Increased dependency on foreign seed suppliers, reduced agricultural resilience, and loss of farmers’ livelihoods natural right to seeds
2002
Founding of Boko Haram in Maiduguri, Borno State:
Boko Haram emerges as a radical Islamist group in Maiduguri, during Obasanjo’s presidency, setting the stage for years of terrorism, violence and systemic genocide.
Economic Loss: Billions lost due to the destruction of infrastructure, disruption of agricultural and trade activities, and security expenditures.
Bakassi Peninsula Lost to Cameroon:
Nigeria cedes the oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon following a questionable International Court of Justice ruling under Obasanjo’s administration.
Economic Loss: Loss of potential billions in oil revenue and alleged displacement of tens of thousands of Nigerian natives on their ancestral land
2009
Removal of History Lessons from Nigerian Schools Curriculum:
During Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s tenure (2007–2010), history is removed from school curricula, weakening national identity and educational standards.
Economic Loss: Long-term erosion of cultural awareness and intellectual development, indirectly affecting productivity and governance.
2014
APC Allegedly Brings in Foreign Terrorists:
Allegations surface under Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency (2010–2015) that the APC collaborates with foreign militants to destabilize his government.
Economic Loss: Loss of investor confidence and billions in potential foreign direct investment due to heightened insecurity.
2015–2023
Over 60,000 Nigerians Killed by Terrorism:
Under Muhammadu Buhari’s presidency, terrorism, systemic ethnic cleansing and banditry intensify, claiming thousands of lives and destabilizing the nation.
Economic Loss: Over $10 billion lost to security issues, humanitarian crises, and destruction of property.
Unaccounted Niger Delta Crude Oil Revenue:
Buhari’s administration is accused of mismanaging or diverting tens of billions of dollars from crude oil revenue, exacerbating economic inequality.
2023–2025
Economic Disasters Under Tinubu’s Government:
Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s controversial government inherits a struggling economy but exacerbates challenges with poor policy decisions. Fuel subsidy removal without adequate safeguards triggers unprecedented inflation and hardship.
Economic Loss: Inflation surges beyond control; millions pushed into extreme poverty; Naira value plummets.
Acceptance of Questionable Foreign Loans:
Tinubu’s administration secures several controversial foreign loans, raising concerns over Nigeria’s growing debt burden and the absence of transparency.
Economic Loss: Burgeoning debt profile likely to cripple future generations with repayment obligations.
Reintroduction of GMO Seeds:
GMO seeds are reintroduced despite earlier warnings and criticisms from concerned Nigerians, increasing dependency on multinational corporations.
Economic Loss: Undermines local farmers’ resilience, freedom and intensifies food insecurity.
Waterways Bill Allegations:
The controversial Water Resources Bill is allegedly passed amidst allegations of monetary incentives from international bodies, further centralizing control over natural resources.
Economic Loss: Potential marginalization of communities dependent on waterways, with increased distrust in governance.
Cultural Disunity and Tribalism:
Tinubu’s leadership faces criticism for fostering tribalism and institutional criminality, weakening Nigeria’s unity and ability to tackle pressing challenges.
Economic Loss: Loss of cohesion impairs collaboration, reducing productivity and growth opportunities.
Summary
Nigeria’s political trajectory from 1999 to 2024 reveals an avoidable pattern of consistent failure in leadership, resulting in monumental human and economic losses. While each administration grappled with its challenges, none demonstrated critical thinking skills and the capacity to effectively steer the country toward progress:
- Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007): Policies and decisions under his leadership ignited sectarian violence and territorial losses.
- Umaru Musa Yar’Adua (2007–2010): His tenure failed to strengthen the educational framework, contributing to Nigeria’s intellectual and cultural decline.
- Goodluck Jonathan (2010–2015): Allegations of sabotage and weak governance undermined his administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity.
- Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023): Mismanagement, corruption, and rising insecurity defined his tenure, compounding Nigeria’s woes.
- Bola Ahmed Tinubu (2023–Present): Glaring incompetence, poorly executed economic policies, tribalism, and increasing debt burden highlight a grim future for the nation.
If Nigerians fail to exhaustively address and permanently halt the ongoing tragedy of how intellectually deficient and criminally minded individuals seem to somehow find their way into Nigeria’s highest and most sensitive offices, including INEC, the poisonous trend of tribalism, institutional corruption, and religion induced disunity, will continue.
Urgent reforms and visionary leadership are critical to reversing this gloomy trajectory and ensuring a sustainable, unified, and prosperous future for all Nigerians and Africa at large
SOURCE: ioiNews Editorial
IMAGE: Peoples Gazzette
