Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai tackled the deep-rooted issue of envy within Nigeria’s political class. Drawing inspiration from a quote by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris—”None of us has to fail for all of us to succeed. And in unity, there is strength”—El-Rufai highlighted how envy has become a destructive force among Nigerian political leaders.....CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE
El-Rufai identified envy as a particularly pervasive sentiment in Nigerian politics, one that demands “everyone to fail for one to succeed.” This harmful emotion, he noted, is often directed toward those who demonstrate competence, capacity, and commitment—traits that should be celebrated but instead provoke resentment from less capable individuals.
“Instead of striving to attain,” El-Rufai observed, “the envious seek to hate and destroy those that are better.” He warned that envy often escalates into hatred and can manifest in malicious actions such as perjury, persecution, and even violence. These actions have real and devastating consequences, both for individuals and for the country as a whole.
El-Rufai expressed concern over the declining quality of political leadership in Nigeria, attributing the nation’s struggles to the prevalence of envy among its leaders. He questioned whether this “incurable disease of envy” could ever be eradicated, admitting his own doubts about the possibility.
Despite his skepticism, El-Rufai called for a collective effort to combat and diminish the “virus of envy” to unlock Nigeria’s potential for greatness and global leadership. He ended his reflection with a hopeful prayer for the nation’s future, emphasizing the importance of addressing envy to ensure Nigeria fulfills its “manifest destiny.”
El-Rufai’s remarks have ignited widespread discussion on social media, with many debating the root causes of envy in Nigerian politics and its broader implications for the country’s development. His message underscores the critical need for unity and mutual support in the pursuit of national success, urging political leaders to rise above envy for the greater good of Nigeria.
