A Country Is Not Run on Pacification But By Confronting Issues –By Matthew Ma

In Nigeria, it is rare to wake up without hearing news of kidnappings, armed robberies, bandit attacks, cult clashes, road accidents, building collapses, or land disputes. While investigations are often launched in response to these incidents, they are frequently incomplete. Even during ongoing investigations, responses are often inadequate, inconclusive, and lacking accountability or public disclosure. What is particularly troubling is that public reactions to these issues typically follow a predictable pattern: officials express sympathy, assure citizens that the situation is under control, and urge them to remain calm. Although these responses may temporarily ease tensions, they do little to address the underlying causes of the crises.

One of Nigeria’s most notable unresolved cases is the 1986 murder of journalist Dele Giwa, who was killed by a parcel bomb. Decades have passed, yet no one has been convicted. Many Nigerians view the case as a symbol of the country’s ongoing struggle, or reluctance, to investigate politically sensitive offenses. Another significant incident is the 2001 assassination of Bola Ige, the former Attorney-General, who was murdered in his own home. Although several suspects have been apprehended over the years, no successful prosecution has brought closure. For many Nigerians, the inability to resolve the murder of such a prominent public figure remains deeply concerning.

In 2005, six young Nigerians were tragically killed by police officers in Abuja. Following public outcry, investigations were eventually launched. However, the incident reinforced the perception that accountability often arises only after significant outrage and media scrutiny. On April 14, 2014, two bombs exploded at a crowded bus station in Nyanya, Abuja, killing at least 88 people and injuring more than 200. Six days later, Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident sparked widespread condemnation and calls for action. While some perpetrators were identified, many citizens felt that broader concerns about intelligence failures and preventive measures were not adequately addressed in public discourse.

In recent years, several prisons have experienced significant jailbreaks. This has raised numerous questions, including how heavily guarded institutions were compromised, whether security failures were publicly investigated, and whether those in charge faced any repercussions. Many observers feel that attention often shifts away before the public receives adequate answers. In 2021, the collapse of the 21-story Ikoyi Building sparked national outrage. Although inquiries have been undertaken, building collapses continue to occur, regulatory enforcement remains insufficient, and public confidence in accountability mechanisms is markedly low. This situation contributes to the perception that investigations do not always lead to meaningful reforms.

In Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, and other regions, communities have faced repeated attacks for years. A common criticism is that after each incident, condemnations are issued promptly. These are often accompanied by visits from government officials and promises of justice. However, true justice remains elusive. Take, for instance, the Yelwata killings. In the aftermath of the massacre, the government swiftly initiated an investigation and arrested several suspects. Shortly thereafter, these individuals were brought to court. Since that court appearance, however, the case has been shrouded in silence. As of today, little is known about developments since the suspects’ initial court appearance. Today, many citizens continue to raise pressing concerns: How were the attackers able to operate on such a scale? What intelligence failures contributed to this tragedy? Who failed in their obligation to protect the community? What reforms have been put in place to avert another Yelwata? Although the public hears about arrests and court proceedings, there is often a lack of clarity about the institutional shortcomings that allowed such massacres to occur in the first place.

In all of these cases, the frustration expressed by many Nigerians stems not from a lack of investigations but from how often committees, panels, and probes are introduced. Far too often, these efforts yield promises without delivering genuine accountability, published findings, institutional reforms, or measurable changes. When tragedies recur year after year, citizens begin to suspect that government responses are crafted more to placate public outrage than to address the root issues. This phenomenon is better described as pacification rather than a genuine confrontation with the problems at hand.

Pacification seeks to ease public frustration, while confronting underlying issues aims to address root causes. Citizens often grow exasperated when governments repeatedly offer condolences, form committees, implement temporary measures, and make promises, only to see the same crises recur year after year. Whether the challenges involve insecurity, education, corruption, flooding, or unemployment, the true measure of governance lies not in how effectively leaders assuage public outrage, but in how successfully they tackle the fundamental causes of that outrage from the outset.

Pacification without accountability fosters a perilous cycle. When incidents occur and investigations are delayed, incomplete, or absent, public confidence in institutions erodes. Citizens grow frustrated not only by tragedies but also by a perceived lack of commitment to uncovering the truth and delivering justice. The absence of transparent investigations paves the way for speculation, misinformation, and distrust, further exacerbating societal divisions.

A responsible government understands that addressing challenges is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of effective leadership. Investigating security breaches, pinpointing institutional shortcomings, and holding those responsible accountable are essential steps to prevent future incidents. True governance requires asking tough questions: Why did this crisis occur? Could it have been avoided? What systemic vulnerabilities contributed to it? Most crucially, what concrete measures will be implemented to prevent a recurrence?

Governance should not be merely an exercise in appeasing public outrage with promises and rhetoric while sidestepping the difficult work of addressing the root causes of national issues. A nation cannot advance solely through superficial pacification; true progress occurs when leaders tackle problems head-on, conduct thorough investigations, and implement sustainable solutions. The ongoing crises in Nigeria underscore the importance of confronting issues directly, rather than merely managing public perception, to achieve genuine national development.

Nigeria’s development hinges on institutions that prioritize truth over convenience. Citizens merit more than fleeting reassurances; they require transparency, accountability, and effective solutions to pressing issues. Addressing insecurity, economic instability, and governance failures requires more than public statements meant to soothe the public. It demands political courage to acknowledge shortcomings and the commitment to enact meaningful reforms. History shows that nations that confront their challenges head-on emerge stronger. Countries that thoroughly investigate crises often use their findings to strengthen institutions, refine policies, and restore public trust. In contrast, societies that habitually rely on pacification risk letting unresolved issues fester, making them harder to manage.

Finally, no country can be governed solely through pacification. While condolences, assurances, committees, and promises may temporarily quell public anger, they do not address the root causes of that discontent. To truly address the root causes of dissatisfaction, leaders must confront challenges head-on and take proactive measures. This means conducting thorough investigations into past failures, fostering transparency, and ensuring that both individuals and institutions are held accountable for their actions. Accountability is crucial because it reinforces the idea that there are consequences for mismanagement or wrongdoing, thereby restoring public trust. Therefore, if Nigeria is to build a future based on peace, justice, and public trust, it must transcend the politics of reassurance and embrace the more challenging task of addressing difficult realities directly. A country is not governed by mere pacification; it must be guided by truth, accountability, and the resolve to tackle problems rather than simply explaining them away.

Rev. Ma, S.J., is a Jesuit priest and public policy analyst. He currently writes from Abuja, Nigeria.