Keyamo decries recruitment process
Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN) has blamed Nigeria’s persistent governance problems on a flawed leadership recruitment system. The minister noted that the process of selecting leaders is
- From Tosin Tope, Akure
Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN) has blamed Nigeria’s persistent governance problems on a flawed leadership recruitment system.
The minister noted that the process of selecting leaders is central to national development.
Keyamo spoke yesterday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, at a public lecture marking the 70th birthday of Chief Olusola Oke (SAN).
The minister described leadership recruitment as the process through which individuals are identified, selected, groomed, and elevated to positions of authority.
He noted that the integrity of this process determines the quality of governance.
Keyamo cited Chinua Achebe’s famous assertion that Nigeria’s core problem is a failure of leadership.
“While Nigeria is richly endowed with natural and human resources, poor leadership selection has stalled our progress,” he said.
The minister warned that when merit is sacrificed for money, ethnicity, or patronage, the consequences are far-reaching, including weak institutions, corruption, poverty, and insecurity.
“Leadership positions should be responsibilities, not loyalty rewards,” he said.
While the 1999 Constitution provides clear eligibility guidelines for public office, Keyamo said the candidate emergence process often deviates from these standards.
The minister identified the monetisation of politics, rising costs of nomination forms, and campaign expenses as barriers that exclude capable Nigerians.
“Politics has become an elite affair, dominated by those with deep pockets or powerful backers,” Keyamo said.
The minister blamed godfatherism and political sponsorship as major challenges.
He welcomed recent electoral reforms, such as the removal of the delegate system, but noted that weak party democracy, lack of ideological clarity, and electoral violence might continue to undermine credible leadership.
According to him, there is a need for urgent reforms, including the financial autonomy of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stricter regulation of campaign financing, enhanced civic education, transparency in party primaries, and a dedicated body to prosecute electoral offences.
Keyamo also stressed the importance of character in leadership, urging Nigerians to prioritise integrity, competence, humility, and compassion.
“The path to a better Nigeria is not a mystery. It lies in making deliberate choices about who leads us, because how we select determines how we are governed,” he said.
The minister described Oke as a model of principled leadership.
Reviewing the lawyer’s autobiography, titled: From The Ocean to the Bar, former The Guardian Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Martins Oloja, described the book as a guide for young readers, teaching grace, humility, gratitude, and faith.
Oloja acknowledged Oke’s multi-faceted life as a singer, teacher, lawyer, and politician, stressing that leadership and achievement result from deliberate choices, discipline, and faith.
The eminent journalist noted that the narrative is rich with real-life encounters and reflective insights, presenting a consistent message that integrity, perseverance, and reliance on divine guidance remain critical to success.
“Through its blend of personal history and moral instruction, the book reinforces the idea that leadership and achievement are products of deliberate choices, sustained discipline, and unwavering faith,” he said.
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Reflecting on his 70 years, Oke credited divine grace for his journey.
The SAN described his life as a testimony of resilience and accomplishment.
He added that his life’s story reflects both challenges and triumphs across his career as a legal professional and politician.
“At 70, I have seen a lot - both in the legal profession and in politics. It has been a journey of challenges, but also of remarkable accomplishments,” Oke said.
He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership, expressing appreciation too to political associates and leaders who have contributed to his growth over the years.
Oke expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, assuring fellow compatriots that the current challenges confronting the nation would soon pass away.
Oke urged the government at all levels to intensify efforts towards ending poverty and improving the welfare of citizens.
