Leadershift: Leadership Triumph or Crisis in Nigeria - Wole Sosanya

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Leadershift : Leadership Triumph or Crisis in Nigeria 

 
Nigeria, O Nigeria, the giant of Africa may be crumbling gradually in the hands of inexperienced, selfish, irresponsible, greedy and self-centred leaders across all sectors.
You will be tempted not to believe this is the same country we knew 30-40 years ago. She was a country with great potential, destined for greatness but the potential has been clouded with mismanagement, poor leadership and greed.

The prosperity of a people is a reflection of the posterity of their nation. It will not be out of order if I say Nigeria is now the laughing stock (termite) of Africa. It is a tale of “how the mighty have fallen”
 
This article is not to degrade Nigeria in any way but to contribute my quota to the intensive campaign going on for a better nation, better governance, better welfare system, enhanced standard of living, better accountability and sustainability. Never be fooled that Nigeria does not have what it takes to be one of the greatest nations and best place to live in the world, we do but we lack the foresight and understanding that “it can be done”, why? Because the elected leaders do not have vision for development and empowerment of the people rather the only vision they have is what, when, who and how to make themselves rich. They are not interested in making a difference instead they just want to make a living. That’s why a senator in Nigeria earns more than the United State of America’s President (president of the first nation) and British Prime Minister. Why will they not think of assassinating any opposing voice to the reality of their “dream.”
 
Many events in Nigerias political scene and the recent national embarrassment on voting on age to marry ladies/girls all point to one thing: we have all wronged ourselves.
We are the ones that voted these people into power, people who don’t have any leadership skills and ability, not interested in the affairs of his/her people.
 
Leadership is a call to serve not to be served! Nigeria Politics and Legislation seems to be fast losing common sense and humanity in judgement.
Do we know what Child Protection is in Nigeria?
Does our law or do our lawmakers understand what the meaning of Under-age is?
We should not allow few illiterate politicians that got to office by accident drag the whole country back into the Stone Age. It is time for us to rise up and correct all the accidents. Political offices should be made less attractive with less benefit packages; then we will see true leaders who have the passion and calling to serve and not to be served!
 
In few words, a shift is needed urgently in ways we elect or select leaders to take up political responsibility or office. We don’t appoint or even call candidates without the necessary experience for job interviews, so why use different parameters to vote for political office?
Enough is enough. A shift is desperately needed. Our spiritual leaders who ought to influence political leaders positively are no better. It’s such a shame. My dear friend, Dr Daniels made these comments today when I asked what influence are the spiritual leaders having on the political leaders:
“In all humility, the spiritual and political leaders are the same in a sense that they are mostly exploiting the people and nation for their personal advancement. The government is not for the people and the church is not for the people….” so where should the people go? When the churches started schools we saw it as a sign of hope for the poor but the poor can’t afford those schools. Economic empowerment is not just about encouraging the people to give an offering… It’s accessible through education, occupational training and availability of needed resources.”
 
We sure have a lot of issues to deal with in our nation, but leadership is at the heart of it all. Everything starts and ends with leadership. It’s time for us to wake up the giant in us as a nation. It is never too late, we can start today to rewrite our destiny starting with you. Japan and China did not become world economic powers by accident it was by deliberate, well-executed vision for the nation.
Do we know where we are going in 20 years, 50 years as a nation? Where will Nigeria be in 100 years of independence? 
 
This is food for thought. It is definitely a leadership crisis and not a triumph in any level or capacity. 
 
Wole Sosanya

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