By Prof. Mannixs E. Paul, Ph.D. 

What’s happening in Rivers State—where a sitting, democratically elected governor has been suspended, and a second peace deal has only added to the uncertainty—raises serious questions that go far beyond local politics. It’s a troubling sign, a reminder that all is not well with the functioning of democracy in Nigeria. This isn’t about pointing fingers, but about taking a hard, honest look at ourselves: how we choose our leaders, how our institutions work, and whether we’re truly building a system that serves the people. Now more than ever, we need reflection, not denial.

The proposed peace terms, as they currently stand, appear imbalanced and fall short of the core principles of justice, equity, and fairness. Regrettably, the very citizens who stood in long lines to exercise their democratic rights are once again left feeling sidelined. When the voices of the electorate are not meaningfully reflected in political outcomes, it raises a fundamental question: What purpose do elections truly serve?

This growing sense of disillusionment is evident in the steadily declining voter turnout when compared to the country’s overall population, a clear signal of eroding public trust in the electoral system. Rebuilding that trust requires more than symbolic gestures; it demands a genuine commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and the protection of democratic values at every level of society.

Despite discussions around electoral reform and new bills at the National Assembly, the real issues haven’t been adequately addressed. Weak enforcement, political interference, and the stranglehold of political patrons still plague the process. These reforms must go beyond paper; they need to ensure that the will of the people is truly respected.

But the challenge we face isn’t limited to leadership alone. Nigeria is also grappling with a profound crisis of followership. All too often, societal values seem to prioritize wealth over integrity, favor ethnic ties over merit, and reward connections over competence. In many cases, individuals knowingly align themselves with questionable leaders, not out of ignorance, but for personal benefit or out of loyalty. This erosion of values doesn’t just affect politics; it creates an environment where poor governance can thrive. If we are to move forward as a nation, both leadership and followership must be held to higher standards.

Politics rarely ends at a nation’s borders. More often than we acknowledge, external influences subtly shape domestic affairs, especially in countries where the rule of law and good governance are not consistently upheld. In such contexts, the door is left open for external actors to exert quiet but significant influence over political outcomes in an interconnected world of interest. This is why it is essential to take a thoughtful and measured look at the role external interests may be playing in our political landscape—not to cast blame, but to gain a better understanding of the whole picture and strengthen the nation’s sovereignty through accountability and reform.

Many of these international engagements, whether through aid, development programs, or strategic partnerships, are presented as support for our growth. And in some cases, they genuinely are. But we can’t ignore the fact that some of these relationships come with conditions that aren’t always in our best interest. At times, there’s a quiet but noticeable push to steer our political processes, including elections, in directions that serve outside agendas rather than our national priorities.

To be clear, not all foreign involvement is undesirable. Nigeria, like any nation, stands to benefit from honest cooperation based on mutual respect. However, we must remain vigilant. Not every offer of help is neutral, and not every handshake is made in good faith. Some are carefully calculated moves tied to long-term economic or political goals that don’t necessarily align with what’s best for our people.

When that kind of influence seeps into our democratic institutions, especially our electoral system, it can distort outcomes and fuel public distrust. That’s not healthy for any democracy.This is why we need to be intentional about drawing clear lines. As a nation, we must set the terms of our engagement with the world—terms that protect our sovereignty, reflect our values, and prioritize the interests of Nigerians. Our democracy should never feel like it’s being outsourced. If we’re serious about building a stronger future, then we must defend the integrity of our choices, our voices, and our vote.

Furthermore, it is essential to reflect on the current state of the rule of law. Our judiciary, once regarded as the final refuge for the ordinary Nigerian seeking justice, is now viewed by many with growing skepticism. There is a troubling perception that the courts are no longer impartial arenas of justice, but spaces where outcomes can be influenced—intentionally or otherwise—by political or financial interests.

This perception, whether entirely accurate or not, is enough to erode public confidence in one of the most critical pillars of any democracy. When the courtroom becomes entangled in political battles and when justice is seen as negotiable, the broader democratic process suffers. Rebuilding trust in our legal institutions requires not just legal reforms but a renewed commitment to fairness, transparency, and the true independence of the judiciary.

Why do so many electoral disputes in Nigeria consistently end up in court? This recurring pattern raises serious concerns about the integrity, transparency, and overall credibility of our electoral system. Too often, the clear will of the majority is overturned based on legal technicalities—issues that ideally should have been addressed long before voters went to the polls.

Indeed, several notable and widely discussed cases involving governorship elections and other political contests remain vivid in public memory. In these instances, candidates who were initially declared winners—having secured the majority of votes—were later unseated by court rulings. These decisions favored rival candidates who had received fewer votes, often based ondisqualifying infractions associated with the declared winners. Such outcomes might have been avoided if pre-election screening and vetting processes had been more thorough and efficient.

While the court rulings were constitutionally valid and ultimately respected, they sparked widespread public concern and debate regarding the credibility and consistency of the electoral process. Central to this controversy were questions surrounding the effectiveness of candidate screening mechanisms and the timing of judicial interventions, especially when such rulings appear to override the popular mandate.

These developments underscore the pressing need to enhance both the electoral and judicial systems to operate with greater transparency, accountability, and foresight. The rule of law must be upheld, but equally important is the perception of fairness and legitimacy in the eyes of the public. Justice, to be meaningful in a democratic society, must not only be done, it must be seen to be done in a timely, impartial, and consistent manner.

This situation could have been avoided if the vetting process had been more thorough and efficient. Proper scrutiny at the appropriate stages would likely have identified the infraction early on, preventing the technical failure that ultimately undermined the electorate’s choice. Such lapses not only disrupt the democratic process but also weaken public trust in the institutions meant to safeguard it.

Moving forward, it is crucial to strengthen the integrity of our electoral and judicial systems, ensuring that both the letter and spirit of the law align with the will of the people. This is how we can rebuild confidence and uphold the true essence of democracy.

From a practical standpoint, there have been numerous cases where courts, bound by technicalities, have overturned popular mandates. While the judiciary must operate within the framework of the law, these outcomes underscore a pressing need to reform and strengthen both our electoral and judicial systems. This is not about assigning blame, but about safeguarding democracy and restoring public confidence in institutions that are meant to protect the voice and will of the people.

We are increasingly witnessing a disturbing pattern of cross-party desperation to seize power at any cost. For democracy to have real meaning, both the legislative and executive arms must rise above partisan loyalties and confront this threat with integrity and resolve. Authority must not be blindly shifted to the judiciary, nor should the sanctity of elections be diminished—both are vulnerable to manipulation by those with influence and intent. Restoring public confidence requires more than rhetoric; it demands a firm commitment to preserving and strengthening the system of checks and balances. Only then can our democratic institutions regain credibility and earn the trust of the people they are meant to serve.

In addition, we all agree that leadership is ultimately under divine watch. But as people, we must also do our part—to act with diligence and defend the values that shape our future. A credible election begins not at the ballot box, but in the vetting of candidates. If competent individuals are frustrated out of the process by design, then what real choice does the electorate have?

Today, Nigeria stands as a deeply divided nation, where distrust has become the norm. We witness a constant wave of defections across political parties, often made easier by the lack of clear ideological distinctions among parties. No matter who emerges victorious in an election, they are met with suspicion, not necessarily because of their character, but because the public has lost faith in the very system that brings them to power. When institutions fail repeatedly, cynicism takes hold—and sadly, we have already reached that point.

Making matters worse is the internal rivalry among politicians. These power struggles do more than divide us at home—they damage our reputation abroad. While our leaders fight for control, the country loses out on the global stage. The strength of a nation is measured not just by its resources, but by how united and functional it is. Nigeria is richly blessed with people, with talent, with natural resources. But after decades of corruption and mismanagement, we’re still seen as struggling. That’s the painful truth we need to face.

If we want to change courses, we need more than new policies. We need a reset of values and priorities. Here’s what must be done:

• Strengthening electoral laws to guarantee fairness and transparency

• Reawaken a sense of civic duty and integrity among citizens

• Clean up the judiciary and shield it from political manipulation

• Guard our elections from foreign interference

Agencies like the National Orientation Agency (NOA) play a critical role. Their job isn’t just to run public ads—it’s to educate and empower. They should be leading:

• Civic education campaigns in communities, especially for youth

• Leadership and ethics programs in schools, churches, and mosques

• A fresh national movement promoting discipline and accountability, tailored for today’s generation

There are timeless lessons to be learned from the life and leadership of the late Major General Tunde Idiagbon—lessons that deserve renewed attention, especially as they risk being forgotten by newer generations. During his tenure as Chief of Staff (1983–1985), he exemplified unwavering discipline, integrity, and a deep commitment to national ethics—qualities that left a quiet yet powerful legacy.

One of his most notable contributions was his promotion of the War Against Indiscipline (WAI), a nationwide campaign aimed at instilling order, patriotism, and civic responsibility across all sectors of society. Though not without criticism, the impact of this initiative was far-reaching and reflected his belief that national development could only thrive in a culture of accountability and discipline.

True leadership is not defined by titles or positions, but by purpose, character, and a deep commitment to service. It is not measured by the pursuit of power or personal gain, but by the courage to uphold principles—even in the face of difficulty.

History has shown us that some of the most impactful leaders were not those who held the highest office, but those who led with integrity, discipline, and a genuine sense of responsibility to their nation and people. Their example reminds us that leadership rooted in values leaves a legacy far greater than one built solely on authority.

In a time when ethical leadership is more urgent than ever, their lives echo a timeless message to all public servants and leaders: Choose what is right, not what is easy; lead with integrity, not convenience; and serve with conviction, not ambition.

Let us not wait until we’re out of the office to want to be remembered. Let our legacies be shaped not by what we built, but by who we lifted. Buildings can be renamed. Statues can fall. But a good name—built on service, sacrifice, and sincerity—can never be erased.

We’ve seen the other side, too—leaders who ruled with force or greed, only to have their legacies wiped clean by time or new regimes. Power does not protect legacy. Only character does.

This is not a moment for silence. It’s a call to action—for leaders, for citizens, for everyone. We cannot let this moment pass as just another political drama. It should be the spark that changes the course of our nation.

Lead in a way that future generations will be proud of—not for what you held, but for what you gave.

The future of Nigeria isn’t written somewhere far away. It’s shaped by what we do right now.

Let’s rise, take responsibility, and build the kind of country we all deserve.

Written by: 

Prof. Mannixs E. Paul, Ph.D., MPA (Law & Management), FCFIP, FCIML, FNAMA, FFAR, FCFIA, FCECFI, FCILG, CCrFA
Global Chairman, Chartered Examiners of Criminology and Forensic Investigation Inc., USA,  Founder, AFRO RedFlag Initiative | Executive Director, Uniworld Corporate Investigation & Security Specialist, USA

Prof. Mannixs E. Paul is a distinguished scholar-practitioner, seasoned researcher, licensed private investigative expert, and respected management consultant. He is widely recognized for his contributions to criminology, forensic investigation, ethical leadership, and organizational excellence. His work champions the principles of integrity, accountability, strategic security, and transformative governance, promoting institutional reform and societal progress through evidence-based practices and ethical leadership.