— Yusuf, M.A
The statement credited to Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, “I do not publicize my political accomplishments, but note that I have achieved a great deal”, perfectly captures the deep sickness at the heart of Nigerian politics. It reveals a mindset that is not just outdated, but dangerous for a public servant who is expected to operate with transparency in a democratic society.
Here is the plain truth:
A Senator who says he chooses not to publicize his achievements is not being humble. He is trying to avoid accountability. He is trying to mask the fact that there is nothing meaningful to publicize.
Public service is not a private charity. It is not family philanthropy. It is not a village meeting where you “do good quietly.” It is the people’s mandate and the people’s money.
In modern governance:
• Performance must be documented.
• Achievements must be verifiable.
• Results must be transparent.
• Public funds must be accounted for.
A Senator who avoids publishing a scorecard is like a student refusing to show his report card, everyone already knows what that means.
Thomas Jefferson:“When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself public property.”
No serious Senator in a functional democracy talks like this.
A performing leader publishes:
• Bills sponsored
• Motions moved
• Constituency projects completed
• Federal opportunities secured
• Human-capacity programs executed
• Real, measurable development outcomes
But instead of evidence, he tells the people: “Just trust me — I have done plenty, but I won’t show you.”
Montesquieu: “To become truly great, one has to stand with the people, not above them.”
A Senator hiding his scorecard is standing above his people.
John Adams: “Facts are stubborn things.” If he has the facts, let him publish them.
Cicero: “The welfare of the people is the highest law.”
Chinua Achebe: “One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised.”
Frantz Fanon: “A leader who does not teach, who does not show, is a leader who fears the people.”
Nigerians now demand proof, not promises.
Public office is earned, not inherited. Performance must be shown, not whispered. Accountability must be visible, not hidden.
The people are watching, and silence will no longer protect failure.