What does some Nigerians want? A saint from heaven?

By Akin Awofolaju, PhD

Then look yourself in a mirror and vote for yourself and see how many votes you will get in return!!!

Public discourse in Nigeria increasingly reflects a troubling paradox with no fair analysis:

A deep frustration with corruption, affordability issues yet an equally sweeping tendency to brand every public figure as corrupt.

The question then arises what exactly do some Nigerians want?

A flawless saint descending from heaven?

In reality, governance anywhere in the world is carried out by human beings with strengths, weaknesses, and limitations.

When society adopts the mindset that “everyone is a fraudster,”  it risks replacing legitimate accountability with cynical generalization.

Such thinking can erode public trust in institutions and discourage capable, honest individuals from entering public service.

Constructive criticism is essential in a democracy, but it must be guided by fairness and evidence not based on tribal sentiments or one political leaning.

Painting every leader, entrepreneur, or civil servant with the same brush creates a culture where integrity is neither recognized nor rewarded.

Nations progress when citizens hold leaders accountable while also acknowledging competence, reform efforts, and incremental progress.

If Nigerians truly desire national development, the focus should move beyond blanket condemnation toward building strong institutions, encouraging transparency, and supporting individuals who demonstrate commitment to public good.

Progress does not require saints from heaven?

It requires responsible citizens, accountable leaders, and a society willing to judge people by facts rather than assumptions. A good name alone cannot withdraw a penny from ATM machine. To make Nigeria great is a task of everyone not a single leader.

Ire o