By Abidemi Adebamiwa
Public office is a trust held on behalf of the people. It is not a personal reward or a family inheritance. That trust comes with responsibilities, boundaries, and expectations. When those boundaries are crossed, confidence in governance begins to weaken.
An official government delegation for an international trip is not simply a travel group. Those chosen to be part of such a visit must have defined duties tied to policy, diplomacy, negotiation, security, or technical expertise. A son, daughter, or relative does not automatically qualify by relationship alone. Unless they have a formal appointment with clear responsibilities, they are not delegates.
Government funds come from taxpayers, and taxpayers are owed transparency in how their money is used. Anything short of that damages the integrity of public institutions.The world has seen what happens when public officials treat government as a family entitlement.
In France, former Prime Minister François Fillon was convicted after it was revealed that his wife had been placed on the government payroll for a job a court ruled she did not actually perform. The result was not only legal consequences but the end of a public career. Public trust, once lost, is very hard to regain.
Spain dealt with a similar matter in the case of Iñaki Urdangarin, the brother-in-law of the Spanish King. He was found guilty of using his position to secure public contracts for a private foundation. He served time in prison, showing that royal connection was not a shield. Public money serves the public, not private interest.
In Israel, Sara Netanyahu, the wife of the Prime Minister, was convicted for misusing state funds on personal meals. The sum involved was not massive, yet the courts insisted that misuse of public resources can not be excused. The legal system reinforced that public trust must be protected even in small matters.
The United Kingdom had its own reckoning during the parliamentary expenses scandal. Several members of Parliament were prosecuted for claiming government funds for personal benefit. David Chaytor, among them, was sentenced to prison after being found guilty of false accounting. The courts emphasized that even the seemingly routine misuse of public money is unacceptable.
In the United States, Congressman Duncan Hunter was convicted for using campaign funds on family vacations and private expenses. He resigned from the office and served a sentence. The case demonstrated that financial misconduct tied to public trust is taken seriously.
Public resources are not meant to provide comfort, status, or luxury to family members. If a relative has skills that are needed on a trip, the proper process is open and documented appointment, not informal inclusion. If they do not have such a role, then their travel should be private and paid for privately.
Nigerians deserve leadership that respects both the letter and spirit of public service. The public office is not a family enterprise. It is a duty to the nation.
Abidemi is a policy analyst and Managing Editor @ Newspot Nigeria
