Sometimes, some people are not even present, but they are sufficiently “excellent” to be captured in the speech anyway. Their Excellencies. In Nigeria, it has captured the imagination and worship of politicians who are fascinated by the concept—but rarely the substance or challenge—of excellence. Some public officials, unfortunately, serve their extremely narrow and selfish interests. Still, we call each governor “Excellency” even when we know there is no one more sinister, incompetent, or corrupt.

Source: Punch October 20, 2024 16:15 UTC