Young Nigerians share their views on what they think of the country’s politicians.
Tricia Paul, 25, PR officer, Abuja
Nigerian politicians are still Nigerians. They didn’t fall from the sky. The problem with our politicians is from the roots. An average Nigerian is insincere and it is these same people that become politicians.
Kate Oche, 24, Student, Nassarawa
I think our politicians lack basic skills in public administration. They have no experience and are not ready to learn. Most of them don’t even know the purpose of the office they occupy. They are after money and power. They are very selfish and self-centred. Why should a politician get wardrobe and kitchen allowances when the masses are suffering? Most of these politicians are supposed to be in farms not in public offices.
Marcel Obodo, 29, Butcher
Actually, I have no negative thoughts towards our politicians. They are our leaders and we look up to them. All I can say is that they should provide jobs for the unemployed, support small businesses and provide basic amenities for the people. They should also learn from great African leaders.
Esther Dauda, 21, Fashion designer, Abuja
I think Nigerian politicians are selfish and are two-faced. During campaigns, they promise heaven and earth but the moment they get into office they begin to show their true colour. They forget about us and focus on ways to divert public funds to personal accounts. They use money meant for projects to send their children to school abroad. When a politician falls sick he is rushed abroad. Why not restructure our health sector to the level of the ones abroad? Our politicians are myopic.
Princewill Okonkwo, 24, Student, Abuja
Our politicians don’t speak the truth. That’s the only problem I have with them. They tell so much lies they don’t even care about us.
Eneh Eric, 30, Boutique owner, Abuja
Politicians are self-centered. They only want to satisfy their own personal desires. No politician in Nigeria seeks a post to better the masses. They are just there to amass wealth. As a leader you are supposed to care for your subordinates, look after them and attend to their needs. But our politicians are not doing any of these things. They are living lavish lifestyles while the masses that voted them are close to dying.
Onyebuchi Ani,32, Businessman, Abuja
When I think about our politicians, I think about the masses. The masses are the ones suffering. But one thing that breaks my heart is that the masses will still go ahead and vote them into office after they must have sweet-talked us and given us small money for our votes.
Hope Ogadinma, Student, Abuja
I think our politicians are very greedy. Look at it from this angle. Canadian doctors are saying government should use part of their money for equipment and help patients who can’t afford their bills. Meanwhile, Nigerian politicians earn more than them. Do you think our politicians can come out and say their money should be used to better the society? They won’t do this because they are very greedy and power hungry. They keep amassing wealth for their families.
