The Oroupawei of Gbaramatu Kingdom, Populist High Chief Wellington Bobo, has urged public office holders in the country to rise above ethnic sentiments and eschew nepotism in the conduct of public affairs, warning that the practices pose grave threats to national unity, good governance and sustainable development.
The respected Ijaw traditional ruler made the call during an interactive session with journalists and community stakeholders in Warri, where he decried what he described as the growing culture of ethnic bias and favouritism in public administration.
He lamented that appointments, contracts and opportunities were increasingly being determined by tribe, clan or personal relationships rather than competence, merit and the national interest, a trend he said had reached an unacceptable level.
High Chief Bobo stressed that public office is a sacred trust given by the people and not an ethnic entitlement, noting that leaders who operate as “tribesmen” rather than national figures undermine the essence of democracy and inclusive governance.
He explained that once an individual assumes public office, loyalty must shift from narrow ethnic interests to the collective good of all citizens, regardless of 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 traditional leader warned that nepotism erodes public confidence in government and deprives the system of the best hands required to drive progress, adding that rewarding mediocrity on the basis of blood ties or ethnic connections often results in poor service delivery, abandoned projects and weak governance structures.
Drawing from his experience in community leadership and engagement with governments at various levels, High Chief Bobo said Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and called for deliberate efforts to promote fairness, equity and inclusiveness in appointments and policy implementation.
He urged leaders to see diversity as an asset rather than a liability and to consciously build bridges across ethnic divides in the interest of national cohesion.
The Gbaramatu high chief also appealed to appointing authorities to prioritise competence, integrity and proven capacity over primordial considerations, noting that merit-based governance would enhance efficiency and foster a sense of belonging among citizens.
He further advised civil servants, political appointees, elected officials and civil society actors to resist pressure from ethnic blocs and personal associates seeking undue advantage, saying history would judge leaders by the impact of their stewardship on society, not by how many of their kinsmen they empowered.
High Chief Bobo called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and the media to intensify advocacy against tribalism and nepotism, stressing the need for sustained public enlightenment on the dangers of such practices.
He also challenged Nigerians to demand better service from their leaders and hold them accountable, insisting that the country’s future depends on leaders’ ability to transcend narrow interests and embrace inclusive, national leadership.
Giving an example, he said: " 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."
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