Veteran Nigerian singer Cobhams Asuquo has weighed in on the viral clip of Edo State Governor Okpebholo struggling to read figures from the 2025 national budget, calling the incident “very bad.” The video, which has sparked widespread debate online, shows the governor having difficulty reading the budget figures during a public event, leading to questions about leadership competency in Nigeria.
Taking to Instagram on December 11, 2024, Cobhams expressed his dismay over the situation, calling for greater introspection from both Nigerian leaders and citizens. “To be clear, some of the most brilliant Nigerian minds I have encountered are from Edo State. So this begs the question, is it that we’re not ready to tell ourselves the truth, or that we don’t want progress as much as we claim to?” Cobhams wrote. He further questioned whether the people of Nigeria are ready to confront uncomfortable truths and work towards real change, rather than accept subpar leadership.
The singer’s comments raised concerns about accountability in Nigerian governance. “Some choices may be foisted on us but is that to remain our lot?” he asked, reflecting on the sense of helplessness many Nigerians feel in the face of leadership failures. Cobhams pointed out the need for a shift in attitudes toward governance and leadership, stressing that the country’s problems cannot be ignored any longer.
Cobhams also questioned the meaning and purpose of governance in Nigeria, both for the leaders and the citizens. “What does governance mean to us; all of us – the governed and the governor? I’m really confused this hot afternoon. This is bad. Very, very bad. There’s got to be a way out,” he added, expressing his frustration with the current state of affairs in the country.
The post resonated with many Nigerians, sparking a lively discussion about the state of leadership in the country. Fans and followers flooded the comments section, sharing their thoughts on the issue. One comment read, “He didn’t have any input in that budget else the figures won’t be confusing to him. He wasn’t even ready for the job. He represents some elite interests in the state. It’s sad.”
Another comment voiced a sense of resignation, stating, “Unfortunately there is no way out. Our systems are hijacked while all of us are watching comedy skits!” This sentiment echoed the growing frustration among Nigerians, who feel that the country’s leadership is not living up to expectations.
