We had an event on Tuesday and a Minister, the Director-Generals of Budget and Procurement and House Committee Chair on Appropriation were present. The idea most Nigerians push is that once you start criticizing government, you want them to fail. They also think you have joined the opposition. Those who have problems with your criticisms are not the leaders but the cheerleaders and praise-singers, looking for a mud to fight. Rather than have their independent opinions on issues, they prefer to follow what the leader signals.

I worked in a company that I was favoured to sit in management meetings. I was not allowed to talk (sometimes I interject when allowed) but I sat by the sides with colleagues watching our boss present memos. On this day, while working on the memos, I heard someone suggest an idea. The response from a boss was “The MD will not like the idea”. I had a pause in my spirit. “So what you are saying is that even though this might be good, we have assumed the thinking pattern of the MD, we should not be bold to suggest alternatives to him.” It was a moment I can’t forget. Subordinates do this not because they feel the MD might not accept the idea but if he accepts and the idea fails, the blame will fall on their head. No one wants to bite the bullet. They rather keep quiet and stay on the safe lane.