Politicians stop being patriotic after leaving office — Ezekwesili

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has criticised Nigerian politicians for what she described as a lack of patriotism after leaving public office.

Ezekwesili made the remarks on Monday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time.

She alleged that many politicians portray themselves as patriotic while in office but become “predators” after leaving government.

According to her, politicians in office often react negatively to criticism of poor governance, accusing those who question their policies and actions of being enemies of the country.

Ezekwesili, who is the founder of the School of Politics, Policy, and Governance, also expressed concern over Nigeria’s repeated electoral cycles, saying they have contributed to the erosion of human dignity and the value placed on human life.

She called for a change in the country’s political culture, stressing the need for leaders and citizens to place national interest above personal and political considerations.

She added that Nigerians should not focus on the 2027 general elections at the moment, but on the current state of the country.

The ex-minister called for Nigerians to vote for themselves as the current leadership of the country has led to significant degradation among the citizens.

“The Nigeria construct is orphaned, and it’s only loved by the people I call predators of patriotism. When they are in office, they are patriotic about Nigeria but outside of office they are not patriotic.

“If you consider the kind of hollowing out of the Nigeria state that we have experienced in the last couple of years, then you should know that we are sleepwalking. It’s almost like we’re in denial.

“I do not think that the most important thing for Nigerians to be talking about is the 2027 elections at this point.

“Elections after elections in Nigeria there is a complete collapse of human dignity. It’s like we have zeroed out on the value of life, and yet we continue to think that if we just keep having elections, we will be fine.

“And I am challenging and saying that Nigerians should at least start voting for themselves,” she said.