By Mogaji Wole Arisekola
Welcome to Nigeria, where almost every household operates like a government of its own.
In Nigeria, families have increasingly taken on responsibilities that would ordinarily be expected of government.
Each household manages its resources and provides essential services for itself, turning the family into something of a self-sustaining entity.
Take water supply, for instance. Rather than depend entirely on public water infrastructure, many families sink boreholes to provide water for their homes. Electricity is another example. Beyond relying on generators as backup, households now invest in inverters, batteries and solar panels to keep their homes powered.
Security is also largely a private affair. Families engage private security guards, install electric fences and live in gated communities in an effort to protect lives and property. In some neighbourhoods, community-based security arrangements, including groups such as the Man-O-War and the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), have also played roles in maintaining peace and security.
Road infrastructure tells a similar story. Communities often do not wait indefinitely for government intervention before addressing the condition of their roads. Residents pool their resources, organise themselves and embark on self-help projects to repair or construct roads within their neighbourhoods.
Housing, too, is largely a personal responsibility. Nigerians build their houses from scratch or purchase completed properties, rather than depend solely on government housing schemes, which may take years to materialise.
With all these responsibilities placed on the individual, it is easy to understand why I often joke that I was effectively sworn in as the “President and Commander-in-Chief” of the “Wole Arisekola Government” on the day I got married.
In this small but significant government, my wife, Abebi, serves as the Vice President. Together, we manage our household, make important decisions, provide for our needs and navigate the challenges of everyday life—just like a government managing its affairs.
That, in many ways, captures the Nigerian experience: citizens have had to develop remarkable resilience and self-reliance because many essential services cannot be taken for granted.
Meanwhile, we should expect more political appointees to tender their resignation letters this month, particularly as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration continues to make changes within its ranks.
The President, as I have observed, often prefers asking appointees to resign and move on rather than simply dismissing them.
Congratulations to Nigerians, too, over reports that the presidency has given the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) the go-ahead to examine the books of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and ensure that any staff found to have committed fraud are brought to justice.
If properly handled, such an exercise should be welcomed by Nigerians, particularly ordinary citizens who expect public institutions to operate transparently and accountably. Nobody should be above scrutiny where public resources and responsibilities are concerned.
For me, the principle is simple: accountability should apply to everyone, regardless of status, background or political affiliation.
Mogaji Wole Arisekola writes from Ibadan.
0 Comments