Collaborative silence and some unguided prerogative utterances of Nigerian leaders

Abstract

This essay attempts to demystify the silence and non-prosecution syndrome surrounding unguided prerogative utterances of Nigerian leaders as a contemporary culture, which has continued to threaten the unity and stability of the country. In doing this, the silence and withdrawal of key Nigerian agencies, such as; the judiciary, the legislature, the anti-graft agencies and civil society groups, are highlighted to make the point clear. The essay philosophically discusses the reckless prerogative utterances of Nigerian leaders, while contending that certain aspects of Nigeria’s political culture, such as; political immunity, recklessness of leaders, extra-constitutionality of political powers, abuse of executive veto, ‘sacred cows’ syndrome and the hatred of Nigerian leaders for the common man; must undergo reforms, if prerogative utterances of leaders must be prevented from destroying completely existing political institutions in the country.

Keywords: unguided, prerogative, utterances, Nigerian Leaders, judiciary, legislature, anti-graft agencies, civil society groups