By Francis Sadhere, Warri
Foremost Ijaw leader and elder statesman, Joseph Ambakederimo, has warned that Nigeria risks remaining trapped in underdevelopment if citizens and leaders fail to confront political ignorance, weak institutions, and poor governance head-on.
Speaking in Warri on Friday, August 15, 2025, during his Birthday Breakfast Media Chat Series themed Democracy at the Cross Road: The Leadership Question and the People’s Welfare, Ambakederimo said the democratic experiment since 1999 has fallen short of expectations, leaving most Nigerians disillusioned.
“Since the return to civilian rule, we’ve been promised a better tomorrow. But the tomorrow has always come without the promises being fulfilled,” he said.
He lamented that only about 30% of Nigerians can name the three arms of government, a situation he described as dangerous for a system meant to be powered by informed participation. According to him, political ignorance is not due to a lack of information but the belief that one vote will make little difference.
“Our politics is now without ideology. Even those shouting about a ‘New Nigeria’ have not put forward clear programmes,” he noted.
On link between welfare and democracy, Ambakederimo stressed that true democracy must translate into improved welfare for citizens, adding that accountability, rights protection, and citizen participation are essential.
He pointed to countries with robust welfare systems, such as those in Scandinavia, as examples where democratic stability and citizen well-being reinforce each other.
On governance and constitutional debates, he argued that the problem is not Nigeria’s constitution but its operators, dismissing intermittent calls for a return to parliamentary rule.
“We are a confused bunch, not knowing what system of government best suits us,” he said, blaming corruption, overdependence on oil, and institutional weakness for Nigeria’s inability to generate wealth through democracy.
Speaking on the roadmap for change, Ambakederimo proposed strengthening institutions, diversifying the economy, investing in education and healthcare, promoting inclusive growth, and intensifying the fight against corruption as urgent steps to rescue the country from stagnation.
“If we address these issues, we can create a prosperous and equitable society,” he concluded.
The event, attended by members of the press and dignitaries, formed part of his 64th birthday celebration.
