July 7, 2010
Nigeria’s future is uncertain. Even more unclear is the identity of the leaders who will steer the nation in the coming decade. Will dynastic politics continue to define electoral trends? Do businessmen make the best politicians? The question we don’t ask and deliberate on today is what Nigeria leadership will look like in coming years.
Nigeria’s future is uncertain. Even more unclear is the identity of the leaders who will steer the nation in the coming decade. Will dynastic politics continue to define electoral trends? Do businessmen make the best politicians? The question we don’t ask and deliberate on today is what Nigeria leadership will look like in coming years.
To be honest, I think the future leadership in Nigeria will not be too different than what it is today. Unfortunately, the bulk of today’s leadership in Nigeria is dishonest, eccentric, illogical, corrupt from top to bottom, dictatorial in essence, ego-centric and self-serving; to say the least. The future leadership, if at all we can call it so, will be following the footsteps of today’s leaders and will be no different than their predecessors. Much has been written in recent years about new, changing and emergent security issues around the globe. From terrorism to diseases and other chemical and biological threats to the recurrence of ethno-nationalism, security in the contemporary world is a different beast than even a decade ago. Moreover, this process of evolution will likely continue to change in the years to come.
These changes have had distinct impacts on the ways individuals perceive threats to their security and how they act to make themselves feel more secure. But even though much attention has been paid to the ways security (and the ways we cope with challenges to security) is changing, little, if any, attention has been paid to the ways the next generation of citizens and decision-makers perceive current and future security challenges. These analyses will inform discussion about how perceptions of leadership will (or are changing) as the next generation comes of age.
Exploring further in perspective, there was a time in Nigeria when armed robbery, kidnapping, malicious killing of another were all seen as an evil act so unheard of, the society would arise when these acts are conducted. However what we have today is stark opposite of yesteryears, where it appears there is an evidential conclusion to be drawn that certain persons are in competition to out-do the other in the conduct of these crimes. At the time Kidnapping became visible as a result of the restiveness in the Niger Delta region, it spread like an epidemic or business for profit in other parts of the federation. The political citizens cashed in on this unholy trade as a means to settle political scorns. The malicious unlawful killing of another human being in the name of ethnic cleansing, religious terrorism, political supremacy, police brutality, State sponsored homicides etc are all signs of decay in national conscience. The good neighbour principles are as gone as the 18th centuries, what we are now left with is NO FAITH, NO JUSTICE.
Leaders, especially in times like these, are people who can inspire the public, change their opinions and attitudes, rather than working against popular opinion or inciting a bloody revolution. Nigeria needs a leader who understands Nigeria’s tailored needs. Text book solutions cannot be implemented directly; neither will trial and error work as Nigeria is a country with a complex set of problems. The leader, who understands her specific needs, would be able to steer the country out of the current dark situation. The question that came to my mind when for an example during the hay-days running up to the 2007 elections, The ADC presidential candidate Patrick Utomi was said to not be a “politician” because he has not been playing “politics” before. Why must all the leaders Present/future of the country be from the political sector? What about leaders in business, entrepreneurship, technology, science, health, education, rural development, urban development, human rights, legal reforms? Who says only a politician will be able to lead Nigeria? About time we define leadership in Nigeria more broadly to really reflect the diverse country and economy that we need to steer and put political leadership where it belongs –
Harold Pinter (Nobel Laureate) wrote and I concur “The majority of politicians, on the evidence available to us, are interested not in truth but in power and in the maintenance of that power. To maintain that power it is essential that people remain in ignorance, that they live in ignorance of the truth, even the truth of their own lives. What surrounds us therefore is a vast tapestry of lies, upon which we feed”.
As long as we remain ignorant and keep feeding on lies, tomorrow’s Nigeria is not going to be any different. It is more likely to be worse. Who is going to tackle the enormous problems facing the country? You name the problem, Nigeria got it.
1 Education. Literacy rate is abysmal after years.
2 Poverty. Nigeria had always been living on handouts from abroad.
3 Nigeria has many resources which are either not tapped or being misused.
4 Employment. The larger the unemployment, greater the problems we shall have.
5 Infrastructure. Nigeria has not improved on the colonial infrastructure.
6 Law and Order. I don’t have to enlarge on the mess Nigeria is in.
7 Politics. Nigeria eventually has ‘democracy’, but the way the politicians are acting it may not last very long.
These are only a few of the problems that need urgent attention. Some of these issues can be resolved with the presence of an Independent and fair judiciary. The logo UNITY, FAITH, PEACE AND PROGRESS is just on the coat of arms and has no bearing on our lives, there is no unity, Faith is fragmented, Peace is war and Progress is nonexistent. That any of tomorrows’ leaders (we groom now) is capable of reviving Nigeria is extremely doubtful.
Sane societies would be spending time and resources educating their youths about the fundamental principles of life in a democracy, thereby exposing them to successful role models as well as strengthening their self-esteem and confidence whilst providing educational experiences in the field of civic rights which encourages social involvement and bridging cultural diversities and promoting the Nigerian Cause with nurtured Nigerian Spirit.
However, Nigeria lacks this, the various governments over the years have rather created directly or passively a more confused and disorganised Nigeria, through their selfish lame visions, uncaring attitudes and unrealistic set targets and goals. Thereby promoting a culture of lameness / laziness, unintelligent citizenry, uncompetitive workforce, uninspiring students who cannot compete in the 21st century world of technology either because they lack the educational incentives needed for such or their lecturers are outdated/falling behind the development in teaching skills and modernised teaching tools, or the universities closed down due to one avoidable strike or the other, the effect of these has given birth to what we know as extension of secondary schools in the name of Private Universities. Nigeria cannot cope like this, her place among the comity of nations is fast depreciating, and the pride of self assumed Giant of Africa is now known to be giant in size and not in substance. Folks would rather live in the Ant of Africa where basic human dignity and sense of self worth is enriched, than live in a Giant form that has no sense of belonging.
Nigeria have issues arising from the older citizens commission and omission, little wonder why a peep into the Nigeria’s future look so glue and dome. With the mindless rigging of elections, the ecliptic and incompetent persons like Maurice Iwu (INEC Chair) supervising elections that would propel change with accountability, to the Attorney General of Fraud, Michael Aondoakaa who as the chief law officer of the nation should be the driving force promoting rule of law where all men are equal before the law, instead he is the driver of ruse of law with sole intent to satisfy his personal wants and selfish interests. This dark future incorporates the bunch of looters, maimers, killers, oppressors, and egotist nature of our political leaders from Governors, to Ministers down to Local govt chairpersons, sundry of political appointees and CO. We can agree that Nigeria youths are learning the tricks of their seniors.
A nation that want to prosper must take into account the impact of the omission or the veracity of the commission of those that are saddle with the policy direction of that nation and the effects of their action(s) or Inactions on the citizenry present or unborn. A disturbing situation is in the offing where today’s youths see in open, the quantum display of arrogance and total disregard for public perception and opinions as seen in case of Umaru Yar’adua his Kitchen Cabinets cum Federal Executive Council and the host of men/women in the National Assembly, the teaching is that they will be learning and perfecting the precedence set by these leaders in negativity. These learning’s and precedents have a revolving effects; the irony is these same manipulators of the already sad constitution will be the first set of people that will complain when next generation of leaders replay their “movie”.
Let us recall the days of Olusegun Obasanjo and the third term debate, had our legislators done the right thing as at that time by amending other sections of the wholly flawed 1999 constitution we may have taken care of the present Umaru Yar’adua macabre, instead they threw the baby with the bath water away, thereby pushing the days of rain further. Today these same people, who were in position of authority; who by act of omission or commission pushed the rain to another day are the same people today crying the rain has destroyed their homes, should they have done the necessary amendment needed the rain would have been averted prima facie. In the list are Ken Nnamani, Obasanjo and the rest of the people who go by different names in group(s). Doing what is right to avoid the wrong is a question of common sense, this common sense seem to be a missing ingredient in the Nigeria mix.
To put this clearer, has Nigerian leaders try to find out how countries like United Kingdom, Israel and co that do not have written constitution have managed to survive over the years with sound political, socio-cultural, technological and economical growth? The answer lies in the Rule of law, good neighbour principle, conventions / precedents and common sense. In these countries many people fear the crime not because of the punitive measures, but because it betrays morals and contradicts the good neighbour principle. These morals have been inculcated into them by the exemplary lives of their parents and neighbours (distance and close), they also know that the law is respecter of no man, as everyman will be answerable to his/her conducts. Unlike Nigerian where the judiciary is compromised, induced or lame. Little wonders why many people prefer to bear the brunt than seek Justice Solutions.
In conclusion
Future leadership formed out of the present Nigeria where bigmanism, tribalism, North/South divide, godfatherism, nepotism, lootry, total disrespect for known laws, judicial protection of the elites, security for the elites, outright subvention of the constitution, barefaced display of political egotism, inequality before the law, miscarriage of justices to suit a personal interest, glorification of bizarreness, pacification of corruption, awarding national prestige on known criminals and persons of questionable character, presidential wining and dining with corrupt friends and associates, oppression and intimidating of the poor masses, outright rigging / imposition of candidates for elections, Killing of political opponents, financial inducement of opposition, settling of unmerited political friends with appointments and contracts, issuing of contracts without due process / inflation of the contract sum to satisfy personal interest, and so on; will not only Sudanised Nigeria, but also will Haitigate Nigeria. In my view a dual combination of Sudan and Haiti for one country will be equal to being an unfortunate element as the Devil’s Sex Toy.
It is in my sanity to remind us all that “A future not reflected upon whilst it is day, corrections made when it is possible and visible will only beget a future full of chaos, uncertainties, backwardness and vices”.
I am sure the founders of Nigeria didn’t plan for the Nigeria today. It is now left to those who have conscience to act according their faith. The worrying of my mind and thinking of my brain are hereby written.
May Nigerians Heal their land
May God Bless Nigeria
Charles Jiduwah
This article was first published in February 2010.
To be honest, I think the future leadership in Nigeria will not be too different than what it is today. Unfortunately, the bulk of today’s leadership in Nigeria is dishonest, eccentric, illogical, corrupt from top to bottom, dictatorial in essence, ego-centric and self-serving; to say the least. The future leadership, if at all we can call it so, will be following the footsteps of today’s leaders and will be no different than their predecessors. Much has been written in recent years about new, changing and emergent security issues around the globe. From terrorism to diseases and other chemical and biological threats to the recurrence of ethno-nationalism, security in the contemporary world is a different beast than even a decade ago. Moreover, this process of evolution will likely continue to change in the years to come.
These changes have had distinct impacts on the ways individuals perceive threats to their security and how they act to make themselves feel more secure. But even though much attention has been paid to the ways security (and the ways we cope with challenges to security) is changing, little, if any, attention has been paid to the ways the next generation of citizens and decision-makers perceive current and future security challenges. These analyses will inform discussion about how perceptions of leadership will (or are changing) as the next generation comes of age.
Exploring further in perspective, there was a time in Nigeria when armed robbery, kidnapping, malicious killing of another were all seen as an evil act so unheard of, the society would arise when these acts are conducted. However what we have today is stark opposite of yesteryears, where it appears there is an evidential conclusion to be drawn that certain persons are in competition to out-do the other in the conduct of these crimes. At the time Kidnapping became visible as a result of the restiveness in the Niger Delta region, it spread like an epidemic or business for profit in other parts of the federation. The political citizens cashed in on this unholy trade as a means to settle political scorns. The malicious unlawful killing of another human being in the name of ethnic cleansing, religious terrorism, political supremacy, police brutality, State sponsored homicides etc are all signs of decay in national conscience. The good neighbour principles are as gone as the 18th centuries, what we are now left with is NO FAITH, NO JUSTICE.
Leaders, especially in times like these, are people who can inspire the public, change their opinions and attitudes, rather than working against popular opinion or inciting a bloody revolution. Nigeria needs a leader who understands Nigeria’s tailored needs. Text book solutions cannot be implemented directly; neither will trial and error work as Nigeria is a country with a complex set of problems. The leader, who understands her specific needs, would be able to steer the country out of the current dark situation. The question that came to my mind when for an example during the hay-days running up to the 2007 elections, The ADC presidential candidate Patrick Utomi was said to not be a “politician” because he has not been playing “politics” before. Why must all the leaders Present/future of the country be from the political sector? What about leaders in business, entrepreneurship, technology, science, health, education, rural development, urban development, human rights, legal reforms? Who says only a politician will be able to lead Nigeria? About time we define leadership in Nigeria more broadly to really reflect the diverse country and economy that we need to steer and put political leadership where it belongs –
Harold Pinter (Nobel Laureate) wrote and I concur “The majority of politicians, on the evidence available to us, are interested not in truth but in power and in the maintenance of that power. To maintain that power it is essential that people remain in ignorance, that they live in ignorance of the truth, even the truth of their own lives. What surrounds us therefore is a vast tapestry of lies, upon which we feed”.
As long as we remain ignorant and keep feeding on lies, tomorrow’s Nigeria is not going to be any different. It is more likely to be worse. Who is going to tackle the enormous problems facing the country? You name the problem, Nigeria got it.
1 Education. Literacy rate is abysmal after years.
2 Poverty. Nigeria had always been living on handouts from abroad.
3 Nigeria has many resources which are either not tapped or being misused.
4 Employment. The larger the unemployment, greater the problems we shall have.
5 Infrastructure. Nigeria has not improved on the colonial infrastructure.
6 Law and Order. I don’t have to enlarge on the mess Nigeria is in.
7 Politics. Nigeria eventually has ‘democracy’, but the way the politicians are acting it may not last very long.
These are only a few of the problems that need urgent attention. Some of these issues can be resolved with the presence of an Independent and fair judiciary. The logo UNITY, FAITH, PEACE AND PROGRESS is just on the coat of arms and has no bearing on our lives, there is no unity, Faith is fragmented, Peace is war and Progress is nonexistent. That any of tomorrows’ leaders (we groom now) is capable of reviving Nigeria is extremely doubtful.
Sane societies would be spending time and resources educating their youths about the fundamental principles of life in a democracy, thereby exposing them to successful role models as well as strengthening their self-esteem and confidence whilst providing educational experiences in the field of civic rights which encourages social involvement and bridging cultural diversities and promoting the Nigerian Cause with nurtured Nigerian Spirit.
However, Nigeria lacks this, the various governments over the years have rather created directly or passively a more confused and disorganised Nigeria, through their selfish lame visions, uncaring attitudes and unrealistic set targets and goals. Thereby promoting a culture of lameness / laziness, unintelligent citizenry, uncompetitive workforce, uninspiring students who cannot compete in the 21st century world of technology either because they lack the educational incentives needed for such or their lecturers are outdated/falling behind the development in teaching skills and modernised teaching tools, or the universities closed down due to one avoidable strike or the other, the effect of these has given birth to what we know as extension of secondary schools in the name of Private Universities. Nigeria cannot cope like this, her place among the comity of nations is fast depreciating, and the pride of self assumed Giant of Africa is now known to be giant in size and not in substance. Folks would rather live in the Ant of Africa where basic human dignity and sense of self worth is enriched, than live in a Giant form that has no sense of belonging.
Nigeria have issues arising from the older citizens commission and omission, little wonder why a peep into the Nigeria’s future look so glue and dome. With the mindless rigging of elections, the ecliptic and incompetent persons like Maurice Iwu (INEC Chair) supervising elections that would propel change with accountability, to the Attorney General of Fraud, Michael Aondoakaa who as the chief law officer of the nation should be the driving force promoting rule of law where all men are equal before the law, instead he is the driver of ruse of law with sole intent to satisfy his personal wants and selfish interests. This dark future incorporates the bunch of looters, maimers, killers, oppressors, and egotist nature of our political leaders from Governors, to Ministers down to Local govt chairpersons, sundry of political appointees and CO. We can agree that Nigeria youths are learning the tricks of their seniors.
A nation that want to prosper must take into account the impact of the omission or the veracity of the commission of those that are saddle with the policy direction of that nation and the effects of their action(s) or Inactions on the citizenry present or unborn. A disturbing situation is in the offing where today’s youths see in open, the quantum display of arrogance and total disregard for public perception and opinions as seen in case of Umaru Yar’adua his Kitchen Cabinets cum Federal Executive Council and the host of men/women in the National Assembly, the teaching is that they will be learning and perfecting the precedence set by these leaders in negativity. These learning’s and precedents have a revolving effects; the irony is these same manipulators of the already sad constitution will be the first set of people that will complain when next generation of leaders replay their “movie”.
Let us recall the days of Olusegun Obasanjo and the third term debate, had our legislators done the right thing as at that time by amending other sections of the wholly flawed 1999 constitution we may have taken care of the present Umaru Yar’adua macabre, instead they threw the baby with the bath water away, thereby pushing the days of rain further. Today these same people, who were in position of authority; who by act of omission or commission pushed the rain to another day are the same people today crying the rain has destroyed their homes, should they have done the necessary amendment needed the rain would have been averted prima facie. In the list are Ken Nnamani, Obasanjo and the rest of the people who go by different names in group(s). Doing what is right to avoid the wrong is a question of common sense, this common sense seem to be a missing ingredient in the Nigeria mix.
To put this clearer, has Nigerian leaders try to find out how countries like United Kingdom, Israel and co that do not have written constitution have managed to survive over the years with sound political, socio-cultural, technological and economical growth? The answer lies in the Rule of law, good neighbour principle, conventions / precedents and common sense. In these countries many people fear the crime not because of the punitive measures, but because it betrays morals and contradicts the good neighbour principle. These morals have been inculcated into them by the exemplary lives of their parents and neighbours (distance and close), they also know that the law is respecter of no man, as everyman will be answerable to his/her conducts. Unlike Nigerian where the judiciary is compromised, induced or lame. Little wonders why many people prefer to bear the brunt than seek Justice Solutions.
In conclusion
Future leadership formed out of the present Nigeria where bigmanism, tribalism, North/South divide, godfatherism, nepotism, lootry, total disrespect for known laws, judicial protection of the elites, security for the elites, outright subvention of the constitution, barefaced display of political egotism, inequality before the law, miscarriage of justices to suit a personal interest, glorification of bizarreness, pacification of corruption, awarding national prestige on known criminals and persons of questionable character, presidential wining and dining with corrupt friends and associates, oppression and intimidating of the poor masses, outright rigging / imposition of candidates for elections, Killing of political opponents, financial inducement of opposition, settling of unmerited political friends with appointments and contracts, issuing of contracts without due process / inflation of the contract sum to satisfy personal interest, and so on; will not only Sudanised Nigeria, but also will Haitigate Nigeria. In my view a dual combination of Sudan and Haiti for one country will be equal to being an unfortunate element as the Devil’s Sex Toy.
It is in my sanity to remind us all that “A future not reflected upon whilst it is day, corrections made when it is possible and visible will only beget a future full of chaos, uncertainties, backwardness and vices”.
I am sure the founders of Nigeria didn’t plan for the Nigeria today. It is now left to those who have conscience to act according their faith. The worrying of my mind and thinking of my brain are hereby written.
May Nigerians Heal their land
May God Bless Nigeria
Charles Jiduwah
This article was first published in February 2010.
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