Achebe on occupynigeria: a complete failure of leadership
January 12, 2012
CHinua Achebe says:
At this point in Nigeria’s history, however, we can no longer absolve ourselves of the responsibility for our present condition. Corruption is endemic because we have had a complete failure of leadership in Nigeria that has made corruption easy and profitable. It will be controlled when Nigerians put in place checks and balances that will make corruption “inconvenient” – with appropriate jail sentences and penalties to punish those that steal from the state.
A few observations from this: (1) a complete failure of leadership’ that is 40-60 years old is not unique to Nigeria. In the US, we have had decades of stagnation in black leadership since the early ’70s. Spotty public leaders in a civic/public realm, most of whom flamed out. Globally, there was 30 years of constant-Hosni in Egypt until the Arab Spring touched down in Tahrir Square. (2) blaming others is a form of giving our own power away, and trying to assign responsibility for our individual lives, our families, communities and nations onto another. We perpetuate imbalance of power by diminishing our selves in the face of the history and legacy of colonialism, corruption. (3)
(4) there are ample checks + balances on our law books, yet they lack enforcement. We have not arisen to muster new political will. Instead, acquiescence has fostered a since of skirting rules, and allowing many insiders to remain above the law. This is true in Nigeria, and it is true inside the Beltway.
He goes on to say that during the “first republic”:
[political leaders] now appear almost “saint like” – they were well educated, grounded politicians who may have embodied a flawed vision or outlook for the country (in my opinion); but at least had one.
So, a starting place for decent political leader are: (1) informed and educated, (2) grounded, aka accountable and of the people as opposed to removed from the people, and (3) having a vision or outlook.
What does it suggest to say “vision” or “outlook” rather than “plan”? Immediately, I notice that plan suggests a written document. Vision conjures ideas of what is inspiring, where we are heading collectively. An outlook is a sense of direction that has incorporated some data based on what is happening in the real world.
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Therefore, to retake the term politician, some of what is needed will include:
- being informed, and educated on the issues,
- having connections to the people, the electorate, the masses,
(rather that mistrusting, disliking or being annoyed with people) - a vision/outlook
