Most Nigerians believe that the major problem of the country is with the leadership, but no one is prepared to show the way. Those who have had the opportunity at one time or another to make the desired change bungled it. They have joined the army of critics pontificating and theorising.
Leadership according to a business dictionary, is “the activity of leading a group of people or an organisation or the ability to do this.”
Leadership, according to experts, involves establishing a clear vision, sharing that vision with others so that they will follow willingly, providing the information, knowledge and methods to realise that vision, and coordinating and balancing the conflicting interests of all members and stakeholders.
It is further stated that a “leader steps up in times of crisis, and is able to think and act creatively in difficult situations.”
In the political leadership of Nigeria, true meaning of leadership is totally absent. This was one of the disappointments which Chinua Achebe live and died with. He constantly bemoaned the absence of leadership in the country.
Faulty process of selection of leaders
Pundits blame poor leadership qualities in most public office holders on faulty grooming and selection process. The fact that Nigerians emerge accidentally makes it very difficult for them to discharge the duties of office. For instance, when a man is beckoned to accept the position of president without going through some process of tutelage, he becomes overwhelmed with the problems and challenges of office. A good number of those occupying the governorship positions in the country are people who are not capable of running their own homes. They are not known to have successfully run their individual businesses, but their selection to their present positions came through manipulation of electoral process.
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According to reports, ministers are chosen in Singapore on the basis of their qualifications. They must have gone through the necessary rudiments; they must have climbed the ladder of leadership up to the point of permanent secretaries. They must have served in many sectors (public and private). The essence is to make them know what goes on in all the sectors so as to be in the right position to take executive decisions when the occasion arises. But in Nigeria, ministers are picked based on political patronage.
Need for necessary preparations
Unless Nigeria begins to emphasise on the proper preparation for certain political offices, the country will continue to get it wrong on leadership front. Lack of preparation in all its ramifications (acquisition of requisite knowledge, habit of service, energy and passion) has negatively impacted governance across the nation. The fact that most of those occupying power stool in the country see politics as business and are motivated by material gains as against service to humanity, the real essence of seeking leadership position is defeated.
Moreover, lack of vision on the part of leaders is hindering the progress of the country. Where there are no programmes, or definite things to achieve in office over a period of time, leaders continue to beat about the bush. They continue to do trial and error until their terms of office expire. They lack the burden of service. They are not articulated in their programmes. They are neither purposeful nor focused. These have combined to make Nigeria a laughing stock in the comity of nations.
How to get out of the woods
If leadership must be people-oriented, if it can make any meaning at all, those who aspire to lead must be knowledgeable enough to know the basic things they are to do in office. There must be that sense of service, there must be energy and passion. The passion is not in a president or governor as the case may be holding onto the reins of power even when he/she is not healthy enough to discharge the duties for which he/she was elected into office. For instance, Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State who has been away to in a foreign hospital receiving treatment following the chopper accident he had several months ago presents a pathetic situation of how Nigerians would want to hold on to power even when they know it is impossible to continue to do the job.
Moreover, the problem of corruption must be tackled once and for all. The leadership of the country at all levels must be seen as fighting the monster. The country’s drive for foreign investment may be a difficult task if the problem of corruption is not taken care of. And this is the time to do so.
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