The quality of politicians and economic outcomes

I have been wondering lately about the quality of the politicians in Nigeria, and how their actions and inactions affect our economic wellbeing. Low quality politicians are believed to be pervasive in developing countries, and one of the reasons blamed for their economic misfortunes, Nigeria inclusive. According to Thomas Jefferson, who was one of the founding fathers of America, the key role of elections is to create a natural aristocracy of the talented and virtuous. The personal qualities of the politicians such as competence and integrity become even more important in political climes where they face little or no retribution for their misdeeds. Hence, the need to raise the bar for those elected into political positions across-the-board in Nigeria.

The electorate in Nigeria typically pays more attention to electing people that occupy positions in the executive arm of government, while those in the legislature fly under the radar at both the State and National levels. The legislative branch of government plays a pivotal role in democratic dispensations, as they are the only arm of government vested with the powers to enact new laws or change existing laws. It is these laws that often shape the activities of the executive arm of government, and determine the socio-economic configuration of a country.

Since the inauguration of the current National Assembly, however, it has been one scandal after the other. First, it was the Senate President being accused, and charged for false and presumptive declaration of asset. Many people expected him to tow the path of honor by tendering a resignation to enable him clear his name, but those people have forgotten that resignation is alien to our clime. It is reserved only for those few, and now endangered species with good names and legacies to protect. When we thought things couldn’t get worse, came the news that activities in the upper chamber was suspended to allow members show solidarity for their principal officer on his day of reckoning, and about 80% of members showed up for this naked dance at the village square. These are supposed to be the custodians of our constitution; people of integrity and virtue.

Although other members of the upper chamber have not been devoid of their own individual scandals, with many of them having criminal court cases hanging around their necks, one in particular, is trying to outdo the others on the caliber of people not to elect to office. His most recent threat to assault and impregnate a colleague for comments he deemed disparaging, and the lack of disciplinary action against him is a coronation of the absurdity emanating from the ‘hallowed’ upper chamber.

The lower chamber has also, lately been embroiled in its own scandal- the budget padding saga, with fresh accusations, and counter accusations served on a daily basis. These are the institutions we expect to enact laws that will transform the country, and the members are the people we expect will come up with solutions to problems plaguing the average Nigerian. Where are the talented and virtuous Nigerians? Where are the competent people of integrity?

Economic outcomes strongly depend on policy choices, and policy decisions in turn depend on the people in the saddle of leadership. To paraphrase the influential American political scientist, V. O. Key, the nature of the workings of government depends on the men and women who run them. The people we elect into office and the circumstances we create that affect their work determine the nature of popular government. Let there be emphasis on those we elect to office.

Olugbenga A. Olufeagba