Public Office Holders Should Not Be Tribesmen , Avoid Nepotism, Says Populist High Chief Bobo
By Wilson Macaulay
Warri, Delta State
The Oroupawei of the ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, Populist High Chief Wellington Bobo, has issued a strong and far-reaching admonition to public office holders across Nigeria, urging them to rise above tribal sentiments and shun nepotism in the discharge of their official responsibilities, warning that the twin vices are among the greatest threats to national unity, good governance and sustainable development.
Speaking during an interactive session with journalists and community stakeholders in Warri, the respected Ijaw traditional leader, populist voice of the people and elder statesman lamented what he described as the embedded culture of ethnic chauvinism and favoritism which is growing in public administration to an unacceptable level, where appointments, contracts and opportunities are increasingly influenced by tribe, clan, or personal relationships rather than competence, merit and national interest.
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Populist High Chief Wellington Bobo known for truth , integrity and equity stressed that public office is a sacred trust bestowed by the people and not a personal or ethnic inheritance, noting that any leader who governs as a “tribesman” rather than a national figure undermines the very essence of democracy and inclusive governance. According to him, once an individual assumes public office, his loyalty must shift from narrow ethnic considerations to the collective good of all citizens, irrespective of their tribe, religion or political affiliation.
“The moment you take an oath of office, you cease to be a tribal champion and become a servant of the entire people,” Chief Bobo declared. “Nigeria is too diverse and too complex to be governed with a mindset of exclusion. Tribalism and nepotism breed resentment, weaken institutions, stifle innovation and ultimately set the stage for instability and underdevelopment.”
The Gbaramatu Kingdom High Chief warned that nepotism does not only erode public confidence in government but also deprives the system of the best hands needed to drive progress. He argued that when mediocrity is rewarded simply because of blood ties or ethnic connections, excellence is punished and the nation pays a heavy price in the form of poor service delivery, abandoned projects and weak governance structures.
Drawing from his vast experience in community leadership and engagement with government at various levels, as a global citizen, Populist High Chief Wellington Bobo noted that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and that deliberate efforts must be made to reflect fairness, equity and inclusiveness in appointments and policy implementation. He called on leaders to consciously build bridges across ethnic divides and to see diversity as an asset rather than a liability.
Chief Bobo further appealed to appointing authorities to prioritize competence, integrity and proven capacity over primordial considerations, stressing that national development can only be accelerated when the right people are placed in the right positions. He added that merit-based governance would not only enhance efficiency but also foster a sense of belonging among citizens, thereby strengthening national cohesion.
The Oroupawei of Gbaramatu Kingdom also urged civil servants, political appointees and elected officials of Civil Society Organisations to resist pressure from ethnic blocs and personal associates seeking undue advantage, reminding them that history would judge leaders not by how many of their kinsmen they empowered, but by the positive and lasting impact of their stewardship on the wider society.
He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and the media to intensify advocacy against tribalism and nepotism, emphasizing the need for continuous public enlightenment on the dangers posed by such practices. According to him, collective vigilance and moral courage are required to entrench a culture of fairness, equity and accountability in public life.
Populist High Chief Wellington Bobo concluded by challenging Nigerians to demand better service from their leaders and to hold them accountable, insisting that the future of the country depends largely on the ability of those in power to transcend narrow interests and embrace leadership that is just, inclusive and truly national in outlook.
Giving a vivid example he pointed out saying: ” Take a look at men like High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpomupolo aka Tompolo of Tantita security services, Chief Dr Dennis Otuaro, The Presidential Amnesty Programme, Matthew Tonlagha
of Maton Nigeria Limited who are solid examples of detribalized leaders that have cut across all ethnic nationalities in the Niger Delta and beyond in selfless service to Nigeria our nation and humanity in general.
