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Nigeria Vs South Africa: The Gains Of Selection On Merit
By Isaiah Osifo
The Super Eagles of Nigeria, on 10th July, 2019 defeated the South African national football team in a quarter-final encounter in Cairo, Egypt.
It was a victory celebrated by all Nigerians and it reminded all objective minds, including my humble self the gains of recruitment or electing people into public institutions on the basis of merit.
Nigeria is failing in all aspects of public service delivery, but doing well in international soccer competitions and defeating Nations that are greater than us in the economy, political party organization, democracy, technology, education, military, judiciary, parliamentary conduct, good governance, etc.
The reason for this success is the selection of these young men and women on the basis of merit. These victories in the international competitions are earning huge capital – image and material for Nigeria and Nigerians.
In most cases it is even difficult for the government to appreciate the efforts and talents of these great ambassadors.
The first goal against the South Africa team was scored by a young man, Chukwueze from Abia State, South East of Nigeria. Many people are aware of the neglect and persecution of the Ibo by the ruling political party and its leadership in Nigeria.
I have read comical comments and most irresponsible analysis that the Ibo are not qualified to hold certain positions in the Federal Government by virtue of their voting pattern. Some have boasted that the Ibo are not qualified to contest for the presidency of Nigeria.
The young Chukwueze from Abia State has exposed the foolishness of those who think a nation can grow without recruitment or election of governmental representative based on merit.
I am from Benin, Edo State of Nigeria. I attended University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. I learnt so many good virtues and l saw hard working people, talents, scholars and among the best of Nigerians in all fields of human endeavor in the South East of Nigeria.
If you are searching for the best including a personality that will be the best of the presidents of Nigeria, you will find among the Ibo of Nigeria.
The earlier we realize the gains of meritocracy and learn to situate our political decisions on merit, the better for Nigeria.
The Nigerian political system is failing, INEC is failing, the State Electoral Commissions can’t conduct free and fair Local Government elections, and the judiciary is failing.
Some governors are inaugurating State Houses of Assembly in the midnight with minority members, Security agencies are becoming members of political parties, political party executives want to remain in office at the expiration of their tenures in office and internal democracy is not achievable. Nepotism, tribalism are becoming state policies, etc.
All these political and social vices are justified and being rationalized by those that are against the development of Nigeria. Sustainable development and National Foundation can only survive on merit and Rule of Law. Even animals know the gains of talents and merit. Any nation that prefers to sacrifice merit to satisfy nepotism and partisan interest will end up in failure.
Failure is not the portion of Nigeria, and Nigerians should be united and be committed to the principle of merit as the basis for the selection and election of those that should represent us in all national assignments.
Dr. Osifo is a university teacher and Coordinator Nigeria Grassroots Patriots
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