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In the intricate tapestry of Nigeria’s political landscape, the complexities of leadership often reveal striking contradictions. This is particularly evident in the statements and behavior of certain leaders, such as Nasir el-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State. What shocks me to my core is the ease with which leaders, having previously benefitted from the very systems they now criticize, pivot to denounce these mechanisms when they perceive personal advantage slipping away. This essay explores el-Rufai’s recent denunciation of federal funding for a rail project in Lagos while juxtaposing it against his silence during analogous situations in the past. This behavior serves to question the overall quality of leadership in Nigeria and elucidates the disappointing pattern of selective outrage. El-Rufai’s apparent outrage over federal government investment in Lagos’s rail infrastructure stems from a broader narrative that seeks to promote regional equity in funding and development. However, such a stance becomes convoluted when placed under scrutiny. It is damning for a leader of his stature to recoil at the disbursement of federal funds for a pivotal infrastructure project in Nigeria’s vibrant commercial capital while remaining silent or indifferent to previous federal expenditures for other states, including Nigeria’s Niger Republic. Under President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria funneled approximately $2 billion into constructing a railway line in Niger Republic, ostensibly motivated by familial ties to the region. At that time, el-Rufai did not voice any dissent, thereby raising significant questions about his current motives and the consistency of his stance. The critique by el-Rufai does not only highlight his selective indignation; it also illustrates a lack of consistent principles concerning governance and resource allocation. The conventional wisdom suggests that our leaders should promote equitable development for all, yet el-Rufai’s current outrage appears to undermine this very tenet. The allocation of $1.2 billion by former President Goodluck Jonathan to construct the Abuja-Kaduna superfast railway met with silence from el-Rufai. Similarly, while the federal government invested $769 million in establishing 165 Almajiri schools in northern Nigeria, el-Rufai raised no objections then. This raises a fundamental question: Why is he now concerned only when federal investment aims to bolster Lagos, a city that contributes nearly 35% of Nigeria’s GDP and houses about 8% of the population? This inconsistency not only reflects a personal grudge against the current administration but signifies a broader malaise within Nigeria’s leadership: the tendency to politicize every move made by the federal government while neglecting the bigger picture. The very fabric of governance ought to be centered around national development, not reduced to personal power struggles. To rebuild trust and relevance in Nigeria’s leadership, a paradigm shift is crucial. Leaders across the political spectrum must foster a commitment to objective discourse, recognizing the importance of infrastructure development how it serves all citizens of Nigeria. Like el-Rufai, leaders must realize that their voices have immense power and that inconsistency dilutes their credibility. No one should ever lose sight of the broader dynamics that govern national development, particularly when those dynamics benefit the populace. To this end, leaders should embrace transparency, admit past oversights, and advocate for policies grounded in common good rather than self-interest. If el-Rufai is genuinely concerned about equitable distribution of resources, he ought to contribute proactively to that discourse rather than merely casting stones from the sidelines. For those coming to equitable discourse, they must come with clean hands. Nasir el-Rufai’s recent condemnations of federal funding for the Lagos rail project starkly contrast with his previous acquiescence to similar federal expenditures. This inconsistency not only questions his credibility as a leader but also reflects a wider concern about the quality of governance in Nigeria. As citizens, it is incumbent upon us to demand integrity, consistency, and a genuine commitment to national development from our leaders, ensuring that they prioritize the needs of the populace over personal grievances or political expediency. Only then can Nigeria hope to emerge from the shadows of divisive leadership into a future characterized by unity and equitable progress. Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo National Chairman AATSG Email: nchairman@aatsg.org.ng Mobile: +2349053535322 AATSG Media. URL: www.AATSG.org.ng WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VadcNX21NCrRShw4S33A AATSG OFFICIAL https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.slim.aatsg AATSGiD https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.myid.aatsgid.
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