Philosophy of feasting on tomorrow (2)

Nigeria cannot continue to operate a system in which citizens are expected to trust what they cannot independently verify. The philosopher Karl Popper taught the importance of institutions that make it possible to correct political mistakes without depending on the moral perfection of individual rulers. That insight is crucial. Nigeria does not need leaders who merely promise to be angels; it needs institutions designed on the assumption that human beings can be tempted by power and money. Strong institutions must, therefore, make stealing difficult, detection likely and punishment certain.