Political analyst Uwazuruike has cautioned that
Nigeria’s persistent reliance on “strongman politics” is pushing the
country toward disaster. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief
on Thursday, he argued that the last decade of governance has been marked by
unchecked executive power and weakened opposition.
Comparisons With Past Leaders
Uwazuruike contrasted the current political climate
with leadership under Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Goodluck
Jonathan, when both the executive and opposition thrived.
“Today, literally everyone in the opposition has
defected to the ruling party because of this strongman syndrome. Whatever the
President wants, he gets,” he said, lamenting that dissent has virtually
disappeared from Nigeria’s democracy.
Impact on Institutions
He cited Rivers State as an example of how
presidential influence overrides due process.
“The President can ask a governor to step aside and everyone complies
immediately. Our judiciary and legislature — what has happened to them?”
Uwazuruike asked, stressing that such trends weaken Nigeria’s democratic
institutions.
Buhari and Tinubu Criticized
Uwazuruike further criticized former President Muhammadu
Buhari, saying the hopes Nigerians placed in his leadership ended in
disappointment.
“By the time he finished his eight years, the country had gone to pieces — in
terms of security and welfare,” he noted.
Turning to the current administration, he argued that President
Bola Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda has failed to deliver relief.
“Instead, the cost of living has skyrocketed and insecurity has worsened,” he
said.
A Call for Change
Uwazuruike warned that unless Nigeria breaks away from
the “strongman mentality”, the country risks sliding further into
crisis.
“As long as we continue on this path, we are going the wrong way,” he
emphasized.
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