The Selfishness Of Some Technocrats: Why They Pander To Dictators And Election Riggers

By Ogie O. 

Technocrats are the backbone of government in many countries, providing expertise, knowledge, and skills to solve complex problems and implement policies. 

Technocrats are frequently recruited from academia, business, and civil society, and they are expected to be unbiased, competent, and accountable. In some cases, however, technocrats become accomplices to dictators and election riggers for their greedy interests rather than the public good.

Technocrats in Nigeria whom Nigerians thought were on their side quickly become turncoats and mouthpieces for those who profit from the suppression of the people. These technocrats no longer hide their odious positions, and millions of Nigerians who called themselves obidient and were vexed by how the electoral umpire rigged Nigeria's 2023 elections were recently labeled nitwits and fascists by one of them.

This article aims at answering, Why some technocrats pander to the whips of dictators, and election riggers betraying their professional ethics and moral principles? Let's explore some possible causes of this selfishness.

1) Technocrats may be driven by personal ambition and careerism, rather than public service. Technocrats who aspire to higher positions or more power may see the dictator as a route to achieve their goals, by pleasing him or her with flattery, loyalty, or obedience. They may also fear retaliation or marginalization if they oppose the dictator or expose his or her corruption or abuses. Thus, they may compromise their integrity and rationalize their actions as necessary for their survival or advancement. This type of selfishness is often fueled by a lack of institutional checks and balances, such as independent courts, media, or civil society, which can hold technocrats accountable for their actions.

2) Ideological or cultural biases that favor authoritarianism or paternalism may influence technocrats. Technocrats who believe in the superiority of their expertise or values may see themselves as the protectors of the national interest, and see the dictator as a necessary evil for putting their vision into action. They may also believe that the people are incapable of making informed decisions or that democracy is an unnecessary luxury for the country. This type of selfishness is frequently reinforced by the technocratic elite's lack of diversity and inclusiveness, which may exclude or marginalize voices that challenge the status quo. 

3) Technocrats may be exposed to institutional pressures like election rigging that normalize or legitimize the dictator's rule. Technocrats who work in a government or a society that has a long history of dictatorship or autocracy may internalize the norms and values that support such a system, and see it as natural or inevitable. They may also be surrounded by peers or colleagues who share the same worldview or interests, and create a bubble of conformity that discourages dissent or critical thinking. This type of selfishness is often perpetuated by a lack of exposure to alternative views or experiences, which can broaden the perspective of technocrats and challenge their assumptions.

To summarize, the selfishness of technocrats who pander to dictators is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon resulting from the interaction of individual, institutional, and cultural factors. Technocrats who put their interests ahead of the public good undermine government legitimacy and effectiveness and contribute to the erosion of democracy and human rights. To avoid such selfishness, it is critical to strengthen the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the diversity of voices in the public sphere, as well as to cultivate a public service culture that values integrity, accountability, and empathy. Only then will technocrats be able to realize their full potential as agents of positive change rather than enablers of authoritarianism?