The leaders are just merely reflections of our society. A society without strict principles to uphold status quo of good conducts will, by implication, suffer quality leadership. For instance, our leaders can flout our laws with impunity because many of the citizens ordinarily often disregard traffic rules. They confidentiality embezzle public funds because they know they will be eulogized by citizens whenever they give them a tip out of our common wealth.
Leadership deficit in Nigeria has remained a recurring plague whose cure has yet to be discovered or implemented since the country’s Independence. And this, by far, has made good governance seems cumbersome and having adverse effects on many of our systems of governance. For clarification, leadership deficit, in this regard, is defined as leadership which lacks accountability, transparency, innovation, integrity and patriotism. Since Nigeria’s Independence in 1960, different systems of government ranging from unitary to military and federal democratic systems have been staged and adopted to ensure the people, the masses, enjoy the full dividends of governance. But instead, the dividends have become a mirage which can only be imagined by a large number of Nigerians.
Certainly, in other climes, good governance is a fundamental and basic practice which is not negotiable between the government and the people. But, here in Nigeria, the basic and common dividends like tarred expressroads, quality basic education, good healthcare system, potable and drinkable water, uninterrupted electricity and protection of lives and property have become very rare privileges to the people of the country. Consequentially, majority of Nigerians have been rather reduced to idolise any government or individual in position of power who care to provide the least of these basic essentials of life.
Little would one wonder why most government hospitals are in abysmal state, why some major roads are in a shambles, why many promising young Nigerians are always aimlessly roaming or helplessly hawking around the streets during school period. It is just somewhat unfortunate to say the leadership style of the has been ineffective.
However, without overstating, the society is the main actor and factor responsible for the phenomenon of leadership deficit being witnessed in our country. Right from the individual’s family to the larger community, the society makes and produces the leaders that govern its affairs. And in a case when the native leaders are irresponsible, the society should be a suspect. Our Nigerian society is unarguably in disarray and in obscurity which has left our sociocultural awareness to be jettisoned for frivolities. We are currently in a dispensation where everyone seems to be after quick wealth. Not because many are desperate, but because of society highly regards and gives godly names to anyone with superfluous wealth. So sad that we now live in a society where momentary recognition and stardom is accorded to those who make living out of immoral and illegal activities.
The leaders are just merely reflections of our society. A society without strict principles to uphold status quo of good conducts will, by implication, suffer quality leadership. For instance, our leaders can flout our laws with impunity because many of the citizens ordinarily often disregard traffic rules. They confidentiality embezzle public funds because they know they will be eulogized by citizens whenever they give them a tip out of our common wealth. As a parent or employer, if you treat your children or your employees as slaves without giving them better treatment which they deserve, certainly, you can never make a good leader in the society. And as a electorate, if you ever sell your vote for money, I doubt if you ever want accountable and transparent leadership.
To end, good governance is a manifestation of public development. Therefore, our direction and action, as citizens, will always guide our leaders to the right path to toe.
Damilare Adeleye
