As we look ahead to the next century, leaders will be those who empower others
—bill gates
In a television history titled The Office, Micheal Scott is a typical example of bad leadership. He is fond of uttering unprofessional and malapropos remarks to employees and failing to observe the discomfort caused. Scott put his workers in danger almost all the time.
Words they say are powerful. Silence as well has a meaning. This is why an adage which says ‘silence is the best answer for a fool’ is in existence.
A leader’s expression both in words and inaction has a lot to do with how the followers will perform.
For a country such as Nigeria, it will not be difficult to say that we do not have a leader. I dare to say this because I have proof.
The success of a leader is based on the reactions of the followers and the quality of results the leader produced. The question is
Can any Nigerian say good about the leadership of the country?
What are the leadership challenges faced in Nigeria
The leaders in Nigeria appear to have failed in showing what leadership entails.
If your action inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader
John Quincy Adams
The government is not able to implement their vision and goals in the society – do they even have a vision for the country other than to embezzle?
The good work of leadership is usually a result of who the leader is and the leadership skills they portray.
Who are the leaders in Nigeria?
Set of people with misplaced priorities other than serving the country.
CAUSES OF BAD LEADERSHIP IN NIGERIA
- Nigeria Constitution
It is the supreme law of the country that takes a crucial aspect in the growth of the country. It also shows the structure, type, and duties of the Government.
The Constitution contains fundamental rights; protecting the right of every citizen in Chapter 4 of the Constitution.
The Constitution encourages Sovereignty. According to the 1999 Constitution, Nigeria’s constitution contains other features, but the Constitution is in disarray according to Section6(6)(C) known as non-justiciability subdivisions.
For example,
The Constitution makes it hard for a government leader to be penalized for wrongdoings.
If the constitution that is supposed to guide a country is boastfully stating that the leaders should be held responsible, how do we move in the right direction?
- Followership
Nigerians are nonchalant about who is leading them or interested in what the leaders are doing. Nigerians disregard their right to vote the right leaders into power. They believe their vote is factored out and refuse to get their permanent voters card(PVC). With this act, the government is mismanaging the wealth of the country.
Effective leadership is not about making speeches or being liked; leadership is defined by results, not attributes
Peter Drucker
- Corruption
Another major cause of bad leadership can be in form of lobbying, bribery, embezzlement, graft, nepotism, extortion.
Though, corruption is a global problem. Corruption is profound in the economy of the nation, even among commoners. Nigeria has been ranked with a high level of corruption among countries as stated by David Cameron; former British Prime Minister. Dishonesty has made Nigeria a poverty-stricken country.
In a news published by Theguardian, it was stated that
Nigeria scored 24 out of 100 in a ranking index by transparency international. This makes Nigeria’s position on the ranking 154 out of 180 countries.
As of today, Nigeria is the second most corrupt country in West Africa after Guinea.
- Lack of accountability and the irresponsibility of Nigeria leaders
Lack of accountability and responsibility is one of the causes of bad leadership. Accountability is a responsibility taken by the public and private organizer to be able to give explanatory details of all operations and resolutions carried out.
Nigerian leaders have not done well in that aspect. They are leaders who use public offices for their private gain.
Effect of bad leadership in Nigeria
- Insecurity
Insecurity in Nigeria is on the high side and increasing rapidly. The news channels in Nigeria are always filled with news about the state of insecurity in the country.
Insecurity is a composer of corruption in every sector in the country. The southern part of the country is facing kidnapping and herdsmen demanding ransom making it a millionaire business. Also, the issue of herdsmen making farmers fled their farms in the North and Boko Haram tormenting them is proof of insecurity in the country.
If the security of a country is greatly tampered with as we experience in Nigeria, investors and innovators will be very skeptical to do business in the country. I believe that this was why Twitter’s headquarters didn’t come to Nigeria but to Ghana.
Insecurity is a killer of development.
- Underdevelopment
The negative effect of leadership has made Nigeria underdeveloped. Bad leadership has made the country not progress in all aspects.
Underdevelopment is caused by the political-economic system in Nigeria.
Some of the reasons why Nigeria is undeveloped include
- Insufficient infrastructure
- Unemployment
- Insecure
- Low-income rate
The country is stuck in unremitting underdevelopment.
- Economy downturn
The frequent downtown or stagnation in the country is caused by bad leadership.
According to sociologists, there are three classes of people. In other words, a society is categorized into three which are the upper, working(lower), and middle class.
There has been a perpetual decrease in the classes. The working(lower) personnel are becoming the middle class while the middle class is becoming poor which decline in the growth of the economy.
The leaders are embezzling the resources of the country. In all, the effects of bad leadership in Nigeria are interwoven and cannot be differentiated.
The nation will find it very hard to look up to the leaders who are keeping their ears to the ground
Sir Winston Churchill
Some possible solutions to the challenges of bad leadership.
- Amendment of the Constitution
The Constitution should be reviewed or amended according to section 9, and be fair to both parties. Especially in section6(6)(C) and the fundamental rights of the people (Chapter IV).
One of the major characteristics of good leadership is to explicate and execute the law and the rules of the country.
- Good Followership
A good leader with good followers makes good governance within the country. Followership and leadership are interchangeable and make a great impact on the affairs of the nation.
The people of the country should stand in one accord, do their right to bring in good governance. The election is around the corner, the citizens of the country should go out to vote.
- Anti-corruption
Corruption influences all the facets of the country; the economy, the society, and the political growth of the nation. Corruption is a major hindrance in attaining a developed country. With good leadership, all 17 sustainable development goals will be achieved which include; No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education among others.
- Accountability
Good leaders should be accountable for every decision and step took. Accountability toward the people is a vital component in driving the country to a better place. Leaders are those who are committed to the welfare of the country.
In conclusion,
“The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humour but without folly.
Jim Rohn.
If Nigerian leaders take after this quote, then Nigeria will be better.
