Nigeria is really out of order with so many struggling to stay upbeat about the future. Sadly, the many intractable challenges are not giving any strong hint of melting away.
When two or more citizens congregate you can tell miles away what their discussion is predicated on. For the most part, issues on parade are insecurity, inequity and the enervating socioeconomic climate.
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Those in the cocoon of power are ensconced from the quotidian reality in the country. It rankles when they struggle to explain the position of the government on issues affecting Nigerians.
Every aspect of our national life has really gone south. The breakdown of leadership is across the board. States are offering the worst strand of inept leadership and serving as serial offenders of democratic principles.
The leadership conundrum has severally been implicated as a major snag on our path to progress. The stellar leadership performance of our founding fathers has not been remotely replicated. In effect, modern-day Nigeria remains in the tight grip of leadership deficiency.
Though it sounds too simplistic to narrow the nation’s problems to just leadership, it sure makes a world of difference as an agent for building a great country. Falling or rising from the rubble of collapse by any country has always been on its back. And history is quite replete with remarkable instances.
Now, for Nigeria, the future still holds out great promise, which is contingent upon credible leadership. The current state of affairs is dark enough for a leader with a vision to shine like a million stars. This is why we need to direct attention to happenings in our political parties since they are springboards for our would-be leaders. Undoubtedly, internal party democracy is consequential at this point.
The idea of dispensing with indirect primaries appears brilliant. It’s common knowledge how delegates are always suborned in the process. Though problematic, it is a bold move yet in sanitising the process of churning out leaders.
Citizens’ sensitisation on the merits of electing based on credibility is also the way to go.
Already, a glimmer of hope is emerging- a form of reawakening, which is a fallout of the popular disenchantment with the status quo.
The Nigeria case is challenging and in the same token promising under the watch of a purposeful, objective, creative and result-oriented leader, which is not out of reach in a country like Nigeria.
Abachi Ungbo can be reached through [email protected]
