By Onyinyechi Nwankwo
A Veteran Nigerian journalist, Casca Ohanele, has sounded a clarion call for Nigerians to prioritize competence and integrity in leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a recent gathering, Ohanele lamented the current state of leadership in Nigeria, accusing leaders of weaponizing poverty and encouraging mediocrity.
“We need leaders with genuine hearts for service, not those who mortgage their future with peanuts from political office holders. Our leaders must allow youths who are reasonable and capable to have a shot at leadership” Ohanele said.
Ohanele, a mental health practitioner and psychotherapist in the United States, expressed disappointment with the Nigerian establishment for hindering journalists from executing their duties, urging newsmen to stand up and help reshape Nigeria through investigative and balanced reportage.
He cited the recent siege on journalists and the purported suspension of a veteran editor by the Nigerian Guild of Editors over comments made after their last annual conference in Enugu.
“Journalists have a critical role to play in holding leaders accountable and promoting good governance, so must be allowed to their job without fear or intimidation. Press freedom is essential for democratic governance, and we must not take it for granted.” Ohanele said
On the 2027 general elections and Imo State governorship, Ohanele said it’s going to be a test case for Nigerians and Imolites to say what exactly they want.
He stressed that the need to stop recycling of leaders both at national and state levels must be discouraged.
Ohanele also emphasized the importance of evaluating the mental health condition of leaders to avoid those with a penchant for substance abuse.
He maintained that he had seen the devastating effects of substance abuse on individuals and communities, calling on the urgent need to help youths and leaders shun acts that encourage substance abuse by taking proactive steps to address the issue
On zoning arrangements of Imo State Governance, Ohanele dismissed arguments that it breeds mediocrity, stressing that competence and integrity must not be sacrificed for anything and that Nigerians or even Imolites should begin to realize that everybody must not be in leadership at the same time.