A strong wave of criticism has trailed leadership appointments in Gwagwalada Area Council after civic voice Jennifer Raymond accused political leaders of prioritizing settlement over competence, warning that such decisions are weakening governance and damaging public trust.
In a Facebook post that has begun gaining attention among residents and political observers, Raymond questioned the rationale behind appointing individuals to sensitive positions without the required competence, particularly in media and communication roles.
According to her, having “Aluta high-tension” energy from the local government without a reliable and informed media leadership creates a dangerous disconnect between governance and the people.
“When you have Aluta Hightension from your local government and yet your SSA media is not well informed or reliable, what do you expect?” she wrote.
Her comments appear to be directed at leadership under Hon. Abu Giri, where concerns have been growing about communication gaps, policy awareness, and crisis management, especially following infrastructure failures recently exposed by early rainfall in parts of Gwagwalada.
Raymond argued that public offices should never be used as compensation platforms for political allies, stressing that governance requires excellence, not settlement.
“Leaders should do better and appoint people per excellence not settlement. If you want to settle them buy them motor or empower them but don’t use public office to settle people,” she stated.
Her remarks reflect a growing frustration among residents who believe that poor appointments often translate into weak governance, poor project monitoring, and ineffective communication with citizens.
Beyond Gwagwalada, Raymond extended her concerns to Nigeria as a whole, calling on leaders to think beyond political cycles and focus on legacy.
“This is not just about Gwagwalada but about Nigeria as a whole. We should think about the future and the legacies we leave behind for the coming generations,” she wrote.
She also posed a rhetorical question to political leaders:
“How do you want to be remembered when you’re no longer here or you just don’t care?”
In what appears to be a direct message to incoming leadership, Raymond also addressed Hon. Kasim, urging him to avoid repeating what she described as past mistakes.
“And to Hon Kasim as you are coming sir I am sure Muhammad Isah Hassan is your choice for Media. Be different.”
Her statement has sparked conversations within political and youth circles, with many interpreting it as a call for merit-based appointments, particularly in strategic offices such as media, youth development, and public engagement.
Observers note that in a politically active and youth-driven community like Gwagwalada, communication roles are critical, as they shape public perception, crisis response, and accountability.
For many residents, Raymond’s message reflects a broader national concern, that governance in Nigeria must transition from patronage to performance.
As the political landscape in Gwagwalada continues to evolve, one question now lingers in the minds of many:
Will the next generation of leaders choose settlement or legacy?