WHY ARE GOVERNORS GETTING WORSE?

The current governors across Nigeria are drawing criticism from the public, with many expressing disappointment in their performance. In the 1999 Fourth Republic, impressive governors emerged in various states. For instance, Donald Duke in Cross River turned his people's hospitality into a revenue-generating strategy, while Muazu in Bauchi made significant strides in education and infrastructure.

Enugu's Chimaroke Nnamani era, however, is remembered for state-sponsored violence against opponents. Rabiu Kwankwaso was recognized for scholarships and educational infrastructure, and Victor Attah was lauded for principled advocacy for the South South.

The second set of governors elected in 2007 also made noteworthy contributions. Babatunde Fashola, for example, excelled in urban renewal, infrastructure development, and administrative innovation. Peter Obi, despite facing impeachment, left a strong legacy in education, investments, and governance. Other governors like Sullivan Chime and Godswill Akpabio made significant strides in infrastructure and investments.

However, the current set of governors appears to be falling short of expectations. A poll on their performance is likely to confirm widespread public dissatisfaction. Many governors are perceived as ineffective money-miss-routes, hiding their incompetence behind a façade of sycophancy and grand titles. Alex Otti of Abia stands out as a notable exception.

Despite receiving larger allocations from the Federal Allocation Account Committee (FAAC), the majority of governors seem to be doing little to benefit the local population.

Some governors resort to authoritarian tactics, expressing power in blunt and bluntly unjust ways. For instance, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State ordered the shutdown of a private radio station for highlighting security lapses. Dave Umahi, the former Ebonyi governor and current Works Minister, was notorious for his hostility towards the media and his use of brute force against journalists.

These trends suggest a broader issue: what accounts for the decline in the quality of Nigerian governors? Is it the arbitrary exercise of power, a lack of public service orientation, or a combination of factors?