We are where we are as a nation because of failure of leadership at all levels (Federal, States and LGAs) and in all arms (Executive, Legislature and Judiciary) of government. Therefore to build the nation of our dream, Nigeria urgently need leaders at all levels who will do the following;
1. Leaders that will look FORWARD and not keep blaming the past government after all, no one drives a car to a destination ahead and keep looking at the rear mirror. A Nigeria that is prosperous, peaceful, fair and works for everyone can only be found in the future and not in the past. We therefore need leaders that will envision the future and galvanize everyone to get there.
*BIG CAVEAT* – of course, as part of looking into the future, there might be need to revisit the past to learn lessons and punish those who by their actions or inaction brought Nigeria to the sorry state she is currently in so as to serve as deterrent for others BUT blaming the past governments will be tantamount to giving excuses rather than taking responsibilities required for nation building.
2. Leaders that will not LIE to the citizens. The Holy Scriptures says “righteousness exalts a nation” The prevalence of lies coming from government at all levels has reached unimaginable heights such that citizens can hardly trust the government. Nigerians urgently need honest leaders who are worthy of their trust.
3. Leaders with impeccable INTEGRITY and not packaged integrity. Leaders who without being coerced will openly declare their assets in details. As in ” I have (i) a 5-bedroom duplex in no 45, Justice Sowemimo crescent, Asokoro Abuja; (ii) 250,000 shares at First Bank worth N57 Million at present value etc”. After all, if you are a person of integrity, you won’t have anything to hide. We need leaders that will be transparent and be accountable to the people they lead.
4. Leaders that will not see themselves as better or greater than the people they lead. Leaders that will be free to walk among the people not only during campaign but even when in power. After all, THE PEOPLE IN POWER ARE NOT GREATER THAN THE POWER IN THE PEOPLE. Leaders that will not deceive the people with buying roasted corn, frying akara in the market or using satchet milo and peak milk to deceive the people and project themselves as who they are really not.
5. Leaders who will LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Those whose words will be their bond. Those who will tell the people to DO AS THEY DO AND NOT DO AS THEY SAY. Leaders who will be proud to send their kids and that of their immediate families to public schools. Leaders who will be proud to publicly use the nearest health center or hospital and not run abroad at the slightest ailment.
6. Leaders that will promote the ideals of a *free and democratic society*. Where citizens can criticize the government when they err without fear of harassment, after all freedom of speech is a fundamental human right. Leaders who will not only be praised by bootlickers but will win the praise of people by genuine performance and not “propaganda-induced” performance. Has there been any of our past leaders no matter how visibly brutal and oppressive they were, that did not have their praise singers? Absolutely none!!
7. Leaders who will have courage to be *fair* in their dealings, using one standard for all *irrespective* of tribe/ethnicity, religion, relationship, rich or poor, social class etc. Leaders that will interpret the law without fear, favour or from ethnic or religious lens. Leaders who will be bold to bring perpetrators of religious crisis and communal unrest to justice without using “insecticides on some people while applying deodorants on others” (in Senator Sheu Sanni’s voice).
8. Leaders that will genuinely *SERVE* the people. Leaders whose motivation for seeking office is to serve and not to use their position to acquire any personal gains. Leaders who will make decisions only for the interest of the public and not for some interest groups, godfathers, cabals, or selfish interests.
I can go on and on but I know that Nigeria does not lack these kind of leaders we want. The only challenge is that these giants are sleeping instead of standing up to unleash their potentials. They complain instead of taking required actions. They are waiting for so-called messiahs not knowing that they are the ones Nigeria is waiting for to build a prosperous, peaceful, just and fair nation.
*ARISE O COMPATRIOTS, NIGERIA’S CALL OBEY!!!!*
By: Dr Michael Olugbile MBBS (ILR), MPH (Harvard).
Senior Technical Adviser to the Governor, State of Osun on Development Partners and International Relations
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