Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist Dele Farotimi has expressed concerns about governance in Anambra State, alleging that successive administrations after Peter Obi have not sustained or improved upon the standards set during Obi’s tenure.
Speaking during an interview on Channels TV, Farotimi described Obi’s period in office as a benchmark for effective leadership, arguing that subsequent governors have not adequately built on the structures he established. He suggested that while individual leaders may occasionally demonstrate competence, such progress is often inconsistent and heavily dependent on personal values rather than institutional strength.
Farotimi emphasized that Nigeria’s governance challenges are rooted in systemic weaknesses rather than solely in the quality of individuals occupying public office. According to him, the absence of a strong, law-driven framework allows elected officials significant discretion, which can lead to inconsistent performance and limited accountability. He argued that without institutional constraints, governance outcomes remain unpredictable and largely tied to the personal disposition of leaders.
He further noted that what is often described as good governance in Nigeria tends to occur by chance rather than by design. In his view, this is because the system does not sufficiently enforce standards or compel leaders to adhere to their responsibilities. As a result, improvements in governance are neither guaranteed nor sustainable over time.
Farotimi advocated for structural reforms that would ensure leaders are bound by clear legal and institutional frameworks. He stressed the importance of credible elections, where votes genuinely reflect the will of the people, and where elected officials are held accountable for their campaign promises. He maintained that only through such reforms can consistent and reliable governance be achieved.
Summarizing his position, he stated, “Peter Obi was the measure of good governance. He left power about 16 years ago, have the people who followed him built on what he did? You can, by sheer force of personality, make a difference. But as long as that system that is untethered to law, that allows the person occupying the office to do as they please is sustained, you cannot have good governance.”
His remarks contribute to broader discussions about institutional reform, accountability, and the long-term sustainability of effective governance in Nigeria.
