The reckless use of power by Nigerian politicians, particularly members of the National Assembly, has become a growing concern, especially in the aviation sector. This sector, vital to the nation’s economy, has been increasingly subjected to undue political interference, with lawmakers and other politicians using their influence to secure favors for family members and cronies at the expense of ordinary Nigerians.
Information reaching The Crucial Moment reveals that aviation agencies are being treated like extensions of political offices, where politicians believe they can demand whatever they want, disregarding the rights of other citizens. Despite already enjoying numerous privileges by virtue of their positions, these political elites seem to believe that they are entitled to even more taking from the very people they are supposed to represent. This winner takes-all mentality is evident across multiple sectors in Nigeria, but the aviation industry has become a glaring example of this exploitation.
Although the current Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, is working hard to transform the sector with progressive policies, and the heads of various agencies are committed to improving aviation, there remains a significant issue with recruitment. Many stakeholders and Nigerians familiar with the aviation industry are deeply uncomfortable with how employment opportunities in the sector have been usurped by politicians. Lawmakers, ministers, and other political influencers have flooded aviation agencies with their children and relatives, leaving little room for qualified, ordinary Nigerians to get a fair shot at employment.
While helping family members is not inherently wrong, the blatant abuse of power in this regard reveals a deeper issue of greed and disregard for the common Nigerian. It has become increasingly clear that many politicians are more focused on serving their families and cronies than the citizens who voted them into office.
According to reports, many of these political figures especially lawmakers have made it a habit to pressure agency heads into hiring their candidates, even if they are unqualified or still undergoing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Once news of job openings in aviation agencies reaches these politicians, they waste no time sending lists of their preferred candidates to CEOs, demanding immediate employment. This is done with no regard for the civil service rules, creating a corrupt system that has hindered the growth of the aviation sector.
The extent of this problem is so severe that a first-time visitor to some agencies might mistake them for school environments due to the overwhelming number of inexperienced young people mostly children and relatives of politicians parading as staff. Meanwhile, qualified and experienced Nigerian youths, who desperately need these jobs, are left on the sidelines. The dreams of these ordinary Nigerians, or what’s left of the middle class, to work in a sector of their choice are being dashed by the unrestrained greed of the political class.
Perhaps the most distressing aspect of this situation is how these politicians resort to blackmail and threats to ensure their candidates are employed, regardless of merit. CEOs of these agencies, fearing for their jobs, are left with no choice but to comply. This systemic problem has stifled progress not only in aviation but also in other sectors of the country.
As these political elites continue to enjoy the privileges of power, the questions on the lips of ordinary Nigerians are: Does Nigeria belong only to the politicians and their families? Is the wealth of the nation reserved exclusively for them?
While politicians freely tap into the nation's resources without remorse, it is high time they recognize that other Nigerians deserve a share of the nation's wealth. The abuse of office in Nigeria, particularly by its political class, is unmatched and would be unthinkable in more developed countries. Politicians must remember that their positions were entrusted to them by the people, with the expectation that they would serve the public interest and provide hope for a better future.
In the end, what goes around, comes around. The very citizens whose rights are being trampled on today may rise to hold their leaders accountable tomorrow. It is time for the political class to rethink their actions and remember the responsibilities they carry for all Nigerians not just a privileged few.