By ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA, mnipr
As concerns grow over Nigeria’s political trajectory edging towards a de facto one-party state, experts, academics, and civic advocates have converged to raise red flags over the implications for the country’s hard-earned democracy.
The warning was issued during the 2025 Feast of Barracuda, hosted by the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) at the Anchor Point, Asaba, Delta State. The civic discourse, themed “How Political Defections in Nigeria Impede the Accumulation of Strategic Management Experience in Government” and “The Influence of Fiscal Autonomy on Good Governance at the Local Government Level,” served as a platform to reflect on 29 years of democratic rule and its current challenges.
The Feast of Barracuda, an annual signature event of the Seadogs, is dedicated to promoting civic dialogue, public accountability, and national development. It brings together scholars, policymakers, and civil society actors to brainstorm, analyze, and propose practical solutions to Nigeria’s most pressing sociopolitical and economic challenges.
In her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the event, Hon. Bridget Anyafulu, Member representing Oshimili South in the Delta State House of Assembly, applauded the Pyrates Confraternity for sustaining a tradition of civic engagement that speaks directly to the soul of the nation.
“This gathering provides an important platform to interrogate governance issues and deepen public understanding of the values that must underpin our democracy,” she said.
Also speaking, the Capoon of the Vito Corsica Deck, Comrade Michael Chuks Nwaidei, emphasized that the Feast of Barracuda remains a powerful expression of the confraternity’s founding principles—social justice, humanism, and egalitarianism.
Political Defections Undermine Governance — Prof. Oghojafor
The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. Roberts Dode, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, Prof. Ben Oghojafor. He drew a direct link between Nigeria’s instability in policy execution and the culture of political defections, which he said disrupts the accumulation of strategic experience in governance.
“The unending wave of defections weakens party ideology, breaks continuity in governance, and further erodes public trust,” Prof. Dode noted.
“To move forward, Nigeria must institutionalize meritocracy, strengthen party systems, promote policy continuity, and entrench civic education and accountability.”
Local Government Autonomy Key to Grassroots Development
On the second theme, Dr. Kelvin Obi Ezenyili, Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Area—represented by Barr. (Mrs.) Ndidi Emmanuella Nwulu, Head of Legal Services—highlighted the transformative impact of fiscal autonomy at the local level.
He outlined its benefits, including greater transparency, enhanced infrastructure development, improved investor confidence, and deeper community engagement. However, he cautioned that the absence of a regulatory framework to shield local councils from undue interference, along with the lack of reliable population data for planning, remain significant challenges.
Celebrating Civic Excellence
The event climaxed with the ceremonial unveiling of the symbolic Barracuda fish, followed by the presentation of awards to Hon. Bridget Anyafulu and Prof. Ben Oghojafor for their outstanding contributions to democratic discourse and public service.
The 2025 Feast of Barracuda once again reaffirmed the National Association of Seadogs’ role as a beacon of civic consciousness, pushing for a Nigeria that is more accountable, participatory, and rooted in enduring democratic values.
