How To Conquer Nigeria’s Biggest Problem?
Former chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the last election, Prof. Attahiru Jega, has said that Nigeria’s biggest problem to its democracy is the corrupt politicians. He said this in one of the National dailies, Vanguard newspaper, a few days ago.
This timely statement came at no better time than now.
Interestingly, Nigeria has been in this position in history before. It’s not new. The first republic was marked by this abnormality. Early on after independence in 1960, Nigeria was thrown into total gloom when corrupt politicians had field days in mismanagement and wanton looting of National treasury meant for benefit of all.
No sooner than this ugly incident began that the military hijacked the government because they feared for the destiny of their beloved nation in the hands of the crooks.
Since then we have been worse off until the year 1999 that we returned to where we started from — democracy. Decades afterwards, Nigeria is back on the same journey to nowhere unless something is done fast.
Nearly two decades after, events have been worrisome; thus indicating that we have not learnt much. I guess.
While many believed that Nigeria is on track going by the quality of president and his vice-president who are incorruptible and purposeful, some are yet to find the ripple-effect in other arms of government and agencies.
At best, unlike the preceding governments whose evils began at the executive arms to others arms, now we can clearly decipher that our burden or plaque is multi-faceted depending on each government in power.
In other words, in this APC-led government, the national assembly is rotten as well.
Thanks to Senator Shehu Sani representing Kaduna Central constituency who recently opened a can of worm to teeming Nigerians who have assumed the role of auditing Nigeria’s problems. According to the senator, the Upper Chamber coasts home with over $193 million every four years, to the detriment of average Nigerians who daily struggle to earn $1 per day.
Now, back to Prof. Attahiru Jega’s statement that politicians pose a threat to the survival of Nigeria as a nation. He continued that the way forward is strong leadership at all levels.
I agree, but unfortunately leadership is difficult to measure for a common man.
Take Away
Leadership
So, the question is what does it take to be a strong leader that Nigeria needs?
Leadership is inspiration according to John C. Maxwell, a world acclaimed leadership expert.
In his book titled, “The 21 Irrefutable Laws Of Leadership,” he pointed out that leadership is neither position you occupy or amount you have in your bank account but rather who you are — life you live every day, whether in public or private must be the same.
Also, leadership journey is a process that has no end in sight. In facts, it has no graduation date. You keep learning and absorbing as much as possible.
Among the laws is Law of influence. Becoming a man others want to follow is rooted in your character. Character is reputation. You earn it every time you live up to the expectations others have for you, and you lose it whenever you fail in applying the principles.
Management of people’s trusts and rights is paramount in an environment such as ours — politics.
Also, there is a need for new breeds of leaders, at all levels, to embrace strong values that see other citizens as equals and unique beings capable of making this nation great. This equally is possible by becoming a life-long student of leadership.
Besides, there should be a policy that rewards and honours leadership traits among the citizenry, especially prior to emerging for elective positions.
Love and Justice
Finally, until there is equal opportunity and protection of individual rights for all Nigerians regardless of race, religious affiliation, ethnicity, tribe, class, gender, and geographical location of residence, Nigeria would never cease becoming vulnerable to social vices and insecurities prevalent in our societies.
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership tribute song.
