Omoyele Sowore, human rights activist and 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has strongly criticized the growing practice of naming national infrastructure and public projects after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing it as a display of political insecurity, vanity, and misplaced priorities.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE Television, Sowore condemned what he called the "self-glorification culture" of political leaders who rush to immortalize themselves even while still in office.
According to Naijapunchnews, Sowore argued that the naming of public assets such as roads, airports, and buildings after current leaders is not an act of national honor, but rather a manifestation of ego and a lack of genuine achievement.
“The trend of naming public infrastructure after President Tinubu reflects a deep insecurity within the regime,” Sowore said. “Why should a sitting government be preoccupied with stamping its name on every monument when there’s hardly any significant progress to show?”
He further described the act as “a level of imbecility,” pointing out that many of the individuals who have had infrastructure named after them in Nigeria’s history are the same ones who have failed the people.
“It shows no respect for our history, the suffering of our people, or the dignity of Nigerians. We have roads and barracks named after people like Abacha, Babangida, and Buhari—leaders under whose watch Nigerians endured immense hardship. It’s deeply disheartening,” he said.
‘Name Roads After Trees and Rivers, Not Failed Leaders’
Sowore offered an alternative vision for how public places should be named—one rooted in environmental consciousness and symbolic humility. If elected president, he said, he would opt to name national infrastructure after natural elements like trees and rivers, which contribute positively to the ecosystem without demanding recognition.
“If I were president, I would name roads and buildings after Nigeria’s trees and rivers. At least they are consistent, useful, and contribute to our ecological balance. Unlike some leaders who’ve brought more pain than progress,” he added.
Legacy over Leadership?
The activist didn’t mince words when describing the motive behind the naming spree, arguing that the government appears more interested in legacy-building than addressing the country’s urgent socio-economic problems.
“It’s an insult to the millions of Nigerians living in poverty. You can’t name a bridge after yourself when the people you claim to serve can’t afford food, healthcare, or basic amenities,” Sowore remarked.
He expressed his frustration with the symbolism of roads and facilities bearing the names of controversial former heads of state, calling it a "national tragedy" and a reflection of what he described as a “map of imbecility.”
“Sometimes I drive through Abuja and see signs like Babangida Road, Buhari Road, or Abacha Barracks. And I can’t help but ask: what exactly did they do to deserve that? It’s a painful reminder of how we continue to celebrate those who’ve contributed the least to national development,” he said.
Post a Comment