Okowa’s Appointment: Rewarding Political Loyalty Over Performance
PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu’s recent appointment of former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa as his South-South “Renewed Hope” Coordinator has sparked intense debate across political and social media circles, raising questions about the criteria guiding leadership selections in Nigeria.
Critics argue that Tinubu’s penchant for appointing figures with controversial records—from former NIA Director-General Ayo, dismissed under Buhari, to Femi Fani-Kayode facing pending EFCC investigations—reflects a broader trend of recycling political actors irrespective of past performance or accountability. Okowa’s selection, in this view, is less about competence and more about leveraging political influence and delivering electoral capital.
Okowa’s tenure as Delta State Governor has come under scrutiny for widespread financial borrowing, despite receiving record-high allocations. Observers highlight the limited tangible development during his administration, citing gaps in healthcare, education, road infrastructure, and industrial projects. While his government invested heavily in visible propaganda, portraits, and ceremonial projects, many question the enduring benefits for ordinary Delta residents.
The reaction among some communities, particularly in Ukwuani and Ndokwa, has been polarizing. Social media campaigns and paid endorsements appear to amplify approval, sometimes overshadowing the voices of constituents who feel neglected.
Political analysts note that Okowa’s appointment underscores systemic challenges in Nigeria’s governance culture, where loyalty and political maneuvering often outweigh accountability and results. Legal and ethical considerations seem secondary to electoral influence and maintaining alliances.
The controversy raises broader concerns about public trust in leadership, transparency, and the mechanisms through which political appointments are made. Many Nigerians are left asking whether the country can achieve meaningful reform when those with questionable records are elevated, while citizens who demand accountability face ridicule or marginalization.
In a nation grappling with corruption and underdevelopment, the Okowa appointment highlights the tension between political pragmatism and the urgent need for ethical, performance-driven leadership.
