Veteran Nollywood actor and lawyer, Kenneth Okonkwo, has warned that while bad leadership may be short-lived, the damage it causes to a nation’s image and people can endure for generations.
Speaking at the 1st Civil Society Summit on Civic Democracy and National Development in Abuja, Okonkwo shared hard-hitting truths about the cost of poor governance, the abuse of constitutional rights, and the urgent need for civic action.
“The tragedy of bad leadership is temporal, but the damage we do to our country might be permanent,” he declared.
“We must unite to ensure that the will of the people prevails. There are not even 5,000 politicians, yet they do abracadabra and we all go silent.”WATCH FULL VIDEO ON SYMFONI TV
Drawing from personal experiences of racial profiling during international travels, Okonkwo revealed how Nigeria’s tarnished global reputation continues to affect even its most prominent citizens.
Recounting an incident in Dubai, Okonkwo said he was subjected to humiliating security checks, including inspections of his ears, toes, and personal belongings, before someone finally identified him as a respected African actor.
“They didn’t stop until someone said, ‘Don’t you know him? He’s one of our best actors.’ That’s when they apologized,” he said.
In Hong Kong, officials questioned why he was leaving early, suggesting that most people who “look like him” overstay their visas. When he said he had completed his business and preferred to return to Nigeria, they were visibly shocked.
“They expected me to name America or some European country. When I said Nigeria, they gave me sarcastic smiles. But I stood firm. I told them: bad leadership is temporary, but this is still my country.”
“No Freedom Is Absolute”
Okonkwo also delivered a legal warning about the misuse of constitutional freedoms. He urged Nigerians, especially the youth and civil society, to exercise their rights responsibly.
“Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to malign others. Even if what you’re saying is true, if you can’t prove it, don’t say it in public,” he cautioned.
“Judges don’t deal with the truth you know. They deal with the evidence before them.”
He stressed that all rights—speech, movement, and assembly—are limited by the rights of others and must be exercised within legal boundaries.
“When protests turn violent, when people get hurt, you are no longer protected. No freedom is absolute.”
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Despite the challenges, Okonkwo remains hopeful about Nigeria’s future. He called on citizens to defend democracy, insisting that collective civic engagement can bring about real change.
“I don’t advocate military rule. But I know that democracy, when collectively defended, is resilient. We must not keep quiet.”
