Nigeria, Nov. 9 -- Nigeria's political establishment has once again exposed the disturbing extent to which public appointments have become instruments of political patronage, personal reward and the silencing of critics. This time, the revelation came from no less a person than Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Nigeria's number three citizen.

Speaking on Sunday, November 2, at a special dedication service for the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 election campaign in Akwa Ibom State, Akpabio disclosed how former senator Ita Enang became Nigeria's ambassador to Germany. According to him, Enang had threatened to continue criticising Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State unless he was given a political appointment.

Recounting his conver...