Deeper Reflection on 29th May
By George Ozalla
“We have regrettably an unfortunate trajectory of progressive-retrogressive leaderships over the years, each one becoming worse off than the previous one, except maybe Late Yar’adua’s short administration.“ – Ozalla CG
The quote above clearly captures the essence of Nigeria’s downward spiral, precipitated by a cocktail of bad leadership and corruption over the years. The nation’s trajectory is a stark reminder that the quality of leadership determines the fate of nations. James MacGregor Burns, an American historian and political scientist, aptly puts it, “Leadership is one of the most observed and least understood phenomena on earth.” Regrettably, Nigeria’s leadership has been more observed for its failures than its successes.
The statistics are alarming. According to Transparency International, Nigeria ranked 154 out of 180 countries in the 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), with a score of 24 out of 100. The country’s corruption profile is staggering, with an estimated $400 billion stolen from the public purse between 1960 and 2020. The consequences are far-reaching: over 40% of Nigerians live below the poverty line, struggling to access basic necessities like healthcare, education, and clean water. The unemployment rate hovers around 33%, with many Nigerians being underemployed and others resorting to menial jobs or informal entrepreneurship to eke out a living. The nation’s infrastructure is in shambles, with dilapidated roads, epileptic power supply, and inadequate healthcare facilities.
Meanwhile, as the 2027 elections approach, politicians are tirelessly strategizing to come again with promises they know they can never keep. Like the saying goes, “all politicians are like the Chinese, they all look alike,” and Nigeria’s experience bears this out. But this is not about political party affiliations; it is about good practical democratic governance that impacts lives across the board. Our unified manifesto as political parties or key actors in this democratic journey should be improved and progressive good governance deliverables across boards.
Nigeria indeed needs a seismic shift in its leadership paradigm, one that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens and promotes good governance above anything else: rather than continually throwing up league of selfish- accidental, incidental and experimental leaders. Aristotle, a Greek philosopher who made clear cut contributions to various fields, including philosophy, science, and ethics, once said, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” Unfortunately, Nigeria’s educational system is characterized by decaying infrastructure, inadequate funding, corruption, and a lack of emphasis on moral education.
The effects of bad leadership and corruption are not limited to economic indices alone; they have also eroded the nation’s moral fabric. When the privileged few wallow in opulence while the masses struggle to survive, social cohesion is threatened. Some people’s perceived comfort in the midst of uncomfortable folks may eventually turn them into an endangered species because the hungry may rise up when the time comes. The rising tide of social unrest, protests, and violence is a testament to the fact that the system is broken.
It is high time Nigeria began to reevaluate the huge paraphernalia of public offices and executive powers, allowances, excesses, and the cost of governance, so as to channel those resources into more people-oriented uses. The long convoys and intimidations of citizens by security operatives and bodyguards as leaders move around do not make a great nation. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, known for her strong leadership style, once said, “Being in power is like being a lady; if you have to announce it, you are not.” Sophisticated intelligence and modern-day security networks are covert and not full of showmanship. Let the masses breathe freely. Security and safety of leaders are important, but they should not come at the cost of citizens’ freedom and well-being.
When good democratic governance takes hold, the results are readily transformative. Peace, progress, and justice reign supreme, and crime rates plummet. Citizens live without fear, and their creative energies are unleashed. A nation that prioritizes the welfare of its citizens, promotes transparency and accountability, and invests in human capital development becomes a veritable magnet for investment, innovation, and progress.
In such a nation, education is highly valued, and schools are well-funded, producing a citizenry that is informed, critical, and innovative. Healthcare is accessible and affordable, and citizens live long, healthy lives. Infrastructure is modern, efficient, and reliable, facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people. The economy thrives, with a thriving private sector that creates jobs and opportunities for all. Leaders are accountable to the people, and power is exercised with humility, caution and restraint. The rule of law is supreme, and justice is dispensed without fear or favor. Corruption is a relic of the past, and public resources are used for the public good. Citizens participate fully in the democratic process, and their voices are heard. This is not a utopian dream; it is a reality that has been achieved in many nations. And it is a reality that Nigeria can equally achieve if it adopts good democratic governance and prioritizes the welfare of its citizens. The benefits are numerous: increased economic growth, reduced poverty, improved healthcare outcomes, and a more just and equitable society. To achieve this, Nigeria needs to embark on a fundamental transformation of its leadership culture, institutions, and systems, and work towards building a nation that is truly of the people, by the people, and for the people, so that the popular song by late Sunny Okosun titled “Which Way Nigeria” will not continue to be a constant reality in today’s Nigeria historical moment.
*Ozalla is the Publisher & Editor-in-Chief; Newscount..
