The South-South Zone of the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) has issued a strong rebuke of national leadership, citing widespread misappropriation of funds that could have been directed toward critical infrastructure and human development projects.
These concerns emerged during the association’s 6th Annual Conference held in Calabar, which concluded yesterday. In their official communiqué, signed by Chairman Dr. Sunday Ibanga and Secretary Dr. Benson Udom, the association highlighted what they termed a “governance deficit” plaguing the nation.
“Nigeria’s development crisis stems directly from self-seeking leadership,” Dr. Ibanga stated during discussions centered on the conference theme, “Interrogating Politics, Governance and the Crisis of Development.” The association emphasized that the country’s socioeconomic and political challenges are direct consequences of poor resource management.
The NPSA urged a shift from theoretical analysis to practical system transformation, advocating for greater involvement of political scientists in governance to implement progressive ideas. The group specifically identified political parties and partisan politics as major obstacles to democratic progress, while also criticizing Nigeria’s federalism for failing to achieve its intended purposes.
Among other concerns, the communiqué highlighted the absence of an institutional framework for community policing and called for legislative action to formalize these structures. The association also recommended making political offices less financially attractive through legal reforms and strengthening accountability mechanisms.
“We need leadership that prioritizes national interest over personal gain,” the communiqué concluded, emphasizing the importance of responsible governance in addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.
