The Surge with Boma Lilian Braide on The Southerner Newspaper
Monday, 15th of December, 2025

As Nigerians, we’ve been sleepwalking through our democracy for far too long, complaining about our Country’s state while doing way too little to change it. That’s changing now. We’re finally waking up!

In recent times, accountability has evolved from a mere buzzword to a full-blown movement in Nigeria. The country is witnessing a seismic shift in how citizens engage with their leaders, marking the end of docile acceptance. Instead, citizens are now boldly demanding accountability, transparency, and good governance. With a keen eye on appointments, Nigerians are fearlessly speaking up, scrutinizing every naira spent, and taking ownership of their country’s future.

The dawn of the accountability era is a beautiful thing to behold, with this awakening testifying to the growing awareness and maturity of Nigerian citizens. It’s a time when Nigerians are demanding more from their leaders, refusing to settle for mediocrity, and insisting on accountability for every action.

But what implications does this hold for Nigeria’s future? How can this momentum be sustained, and what does it mean for the country’s progress?

Why accountability matters

Accountability is the bedrock of good governance. It’s the mechanism that ensures leaders are responsible for their actions, that they’re transparent in their decision-making, and that they’re accountable to the people they serve.

The country’s history is replete with examples of unfulfilled promises, corruption, and impunity, which have contributed to its current development challenges. In Nigeria, we’ve had a problem with accountability for far too long. We’ve had leaders who’ve gotten away with corruption, with incompetence, and with lack of transparency. But that’s changing.

We’re finally demanding more from our leaders, and we’re finally holding them accountable for their actions. But accountability is not just about holding leaders accountable; it’s also about taking ownership of our democracy. It’s about recognizing that we’re the ones who give our leaders the power, and we’re the ones who can take it away.

The recent ambassadorial nominations exposed the mediocrity plaguing our country. But what was even more encouraging was the outrage from citizens that followed, the demands for accountability, and the rejection of subpar candidates.

It’s a clear indication that Nigerians are tired of being taken for granted and they are united in the desire for good leadership just as seen in the outpouring and support for the current Minister of Defense, General Christopher Gwabin Musa.

For the first time, Nigerians as a whole fell in love with General Christopher Musa, and has already appointed him as their Minister of Defence. No tribal, no regional, no religious bias. North to South, Muslims and Christians, everybody loves him. This is a testament to the fact that Nigerians are still united, and our problem is leadership.

If you’re good, people know. If you’re loved, people speak for you. The outpouring of support for General Musa is not just a reflection of his character, but also a reflection of the kind of leadership Nigeria needs.

We need leaders who are honest, transparent, and accountable to the people. We need leaders who will put the interests of Nigeria above personal interests.

Why leadership matters

Leadership matters, and it matters a lot. Good leaders can inspire and motivate their people, while bad leaders can destroy and divide. In Nigeria, we have had our fair share of bad leaders, but we also have good leaders who are working tirelessly to move the country forward.

We need more leaders just as Hon. Bello El Rufai who recently challenged his colleagues at the Green Chamber. He emphasized the need for immediate action, saying, “This is not the time for dinner. We should show that we care.” These words resonate with Nigerians who are tired of empty promises and rhetoric.

We need more leaders like Omoyele Sowore, who fearlessly speaks up and takes bold action to fight for the masses. Not only does he speak up, but he also backs it up with concrete actions, ensuring justice is served to all, regardless of tribe, social class, or religion.

Challenges of accountability

Widespread corruption has plagued Nigeria, with billions of dollars embezzled and squandered. Implementing accountability mechanisms can prevent such malfeasance, ensuring public funds benefit all.

The lack of accountability has resulted in poor service delivery, leaving citizens with inadequate healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Holding leaders accountable empowers Nigerians to demand better services.

Accountability also fosters transparency and predictability, crucial for attracting investments and driving economic growth.

Mechanisms for attaining accountability

Several mechanisms can promote accountability in Nigerian politics:

• Free and Fair Elections: Citizens must be able to hold leaders accountable through regular, free, and fair elections.
• Independent Institutions: Independent institutions, such as the judiciary, anti-corruption agencies, and the legislature, must be strengthened to ensure accountability.
• Transparency: Government activities and transactions must be transparent, with citizens having access to information about government decisions and actions.
• Civil Society: Civil society organizations and the media play a crucial role in promoting accountability by holding leaders accountable and advocating for transparency.

The time is NOW!

We stand at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, where the choices we make today will forge the Nigeria we bequeath to our children and grandchildren. The hour of reckoning is upon us. We can no longer afford to be mere spectators, complaining from the sidelines as our country teeters on the brink.

It’s time to rise up, demand more from our leaders, and hold them accountable for their actions!

Let us be clear: accountability is not a buzzword, it’s a battle cry! It’s a call to arms, a summons to join the fight for a Nigeria where leaders serve the people, not just their own interests. Citizens, your engagement is crucial. When you demand transparency, leaders are more likely to act with integrity.

So, keep speaking up, keep pushing, and let your voices be heard at every given opportunity.

The era of silence is over; the era of accountability has dawned! Let us march forward, united in our quest for a better Nigeria. Let us demand accountability, transparency, and good governance. We are Nigeria, and we are UNSTOPPABLE!

Let the drums of accountability beat louder, Let the winds of change sweep across our nation. We are the architects of our destiny and together we can build a Nigeria that is just, equitable, and prosperous for all.

The time is NOW!