By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
A Senior Manager at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and National President of the Izhi Tehu Foundation (ITF), Adm. Igwe Christopher Agbo, has identified flawed electoral processes and weak accountability systems as major drivers of Nigeria’s deepening socio-economic crisis.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday in Abakaliki, Agbo said the inability of citizens to hold leaders accountable, combined with irregularities in the electoral system, has continued to produce leadership that is disconnected from the needs of the people.
According to him, when elections are not free, fair, and credible, they often result in leaders who lack legitimacy and, in turn, show little commitment to transparency and good governance.
“Flawed elections weaken accountability because leaders who emerge from such processes do not feel responsible to the people. This has far-reaching consequences on governance, policy implementation, and overall development,” he said.
Agbo noted that Nigeria’s rising hardship is not only a product of economic pressures but also a reflection of systemic governance failures, including corruption, weak institutions, and poor execution of policies.
He stressed that governance should go beyond political promises and translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens, such as access to reliable electricity, good roads, potable water, quality healthcare, and functional education systems.
“Citizens must feel the impact of governance through improved living conditions, not mere rhetoric,” he added, emphasising that transparency, inclusiveness, and adherence to the rule of law are essential for national progress.
On why many Nigerians fail to demand accountability from their leaders, Agbo pointed to poverty, fear of repression, and deep-rooted ethnic and religious loyalties as key barriers.
He, however, highlighted the growing role of civil society organisations and digital platforms in promoting transparency and civic engagement.
The ITF president also underscored the need to strengthen institutions through reforms such as automation and digitisation of public processes, which he said would reduce opportunities for corruption and improve efficiency in governance.
To address corruption, he called for greater transparency in public spending, strict compliance with procurement laws, and the adoption of automated budgeting systems. He also stressed the importance of holding contractors accountable for government-funded projects.
Agbo further linked Nigeria’s economic challenges to poor coordination and implementation of policies, noting that many well-intentioned policies are either poorly executed or abandoned midway.
He advocated inclusive governance, urging greater participation of women, youths, and vulnerable groups in decision-making processes, supported by deliberate investments in education and skills development.
According to him, stronger collaboration between government and non-governmental organisations is critical to improving service delivery and ensuring that public policies reflect the real needs of citizens.
Assessing the performance of the current administration in Ebonyi State and at the federal level, Agbo said that while some efforts have been made, overall performance remains below expectations. He cited persistent insecurity, inadequate infrastructure, high energy costs, and abandoned projects as key concerns.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, he urged Nigerians to prioritise integrity, patriotism, and competence when choosing leaders, warning that failure to do so could further entrench the country’s governance challenges.
He concluded that only through credible elections, strong institutions, and a culture of accountability can Nigeria overcome its current difficulties and achieve sustainable development.