In the ongoing discourse on Nigeria’s governance, a troubling pattern emerges: many citizens are quick to lament the nation’s challenges yet remain unaware of the specific responsibilities of various levels of government. This widespread lack of knowledge fuels misplaced blame, often directed at President Bola Tinubu, even for issues that constitutionally fall under the purview of state and local governments.
A simple question—“Who is your Senator or Representative?”—often leaves many Nigerians without an answer. Few can name their Local Government Chairperson, yet they attribute every failing, from poor roads to failing schools, to the Presidency. However, a closer look at the Constitution reveals a more nuanced division of responsibilities.
Who Should Be Held Accountable?
The Federal Government, led by the President, is primarily responsible for national defense, foreign policy, the armed forces, the police, paramilitary forces, ports, interstate roads, railways, fiscal and monetary policy, tertiary education, and national emergencies. Some areas, like taxation, housing, healthcare, and infrastructure, are shared responsibilities between the federal and state governments.
However, state governments and Local Government Authorities (LGAs) bear the primary responsibility for essential services such as primary and secondary education, local healthcare, and water supply. If a community lacks a functioning school, clinic, or potable water, the blame should rest squarely on the state government and LGA, not the President.
Over the years, Nigeria has moved away from a centralized system where the Head of State controlled all aspects of governance, as was the case under military rule. Today, many sectors, including power, the oil industry, and agriculture, have been privatized or deregulated. Yet, the tendency to place the burden of every national shortcoming on the President persists, often driven by political actors who exploit public ignorance to serve their interests.
The Politics of Gaslighting and Misinformation
Opposition politicians understand the public’s limited grasp of governance structures and leverage this to turn frustration into political capital. By directing public anger solely at the President, they obscure the failures of state and local leaders who have direct control over key aspects of daily life. This tactic not only misinforms citizens but also weakens democratic accountability at all levels.
A well-informed electorate is crucial to demanding accountability from the right quarters. If Nigerians genuinely want change, they must scrutinize their Governors, House of Assembly members, and LGA Chairpersons with the same intensity as they do the President.
Personal Responsibility in Nation-Building
Beyond governance, personal choices also play a significant role in individual and national progress. Economic hardship is real, but factors like financial planning and responsible family size cannot be ignored. Blaming the government for personal financial struggles while making poor economic decisions only compounds the problem.
Similarly, entitlement within youth service programs needs reevaluation. In many countries, national service is a sacrifice, not a privilege. In Israel, conscription lasts over two years, and in South Korea, it spans nearly the same duration. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Nigeria was designed to instill discipline and national consciousness, not to provide luxury.
Fuel Subsidy Removal: A Necessary Decision
President Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidies was not an act of punishment but a necessary step to safeguard Nigeria’s economic future. Had the country continued borrowing to fund subsidies, future generations would have been burdened with unsustainable debt. While the short-term impact is challenging, the long-term benefits of fiscal stability and sustainable economic growth outweigh the temporary discomfort.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s challenges are complex, and solutions require a collective effort. Blaming the President for local and state government failures is a distraction that hinders meaningful progress. Citizens must educate themselves on the responsibilities of different tiers of government and hold the appropriate leaders accountable.
Governance is not solely the responsibility of the President; it is a shared duty. Until Nigerians understand this, they risk being used as political pawns rather than active participants in shaping the nation’s future.
Dr. Amiida
The National Patriots
Headlinenews.news
These are other comments compiled by the Headlinenews.news team regarding the same subject.
“Misplaced Blame: Understanding Who Really Governs Nigeria” – Political Analyst.
“Beyond the Presidency: Holding the Right Leaders Accountable” – National Patriots
“Stop Blaming Tinubu for Everything – Know Your Government’s Role” – Lecturer Federal University.
“Governance 101: Why Your Governor and LGA Chairman Matter More Than You Think” – Former LG Chairman
” Political Misinformation and the Nigerian Voter: Who Should You Really Hold Responsible?” – Legal Luminary
“The Danger of Ignorance: How Nigerians Are Misled About Governance” – Retired Judge
“From Lamentation to Accountability: Who Runs Nigeria?” – Former Senator.
“Fixing Nigeria Starts with Knowing Who to Hold Accountable “- International Observers.
Beyond Tinubu: Why Nigeria’s Problems Are Bigger Than the Presidency- Dr. Amiida.
Blame Games and Bad Governance: How Politicians Exploit Public Ignorance – The National Patriots.
