Good leaders are known for their competence, patriotism, dedication, committed to excellence, confidence, enthusiasm, openness to change and recognition of the value of change.
By Chinedu Opara
These are the major yardsticks or components of ethos to understand Nigeria leadership. Nigeria military and democratic leaders since independence have performed below expectations considering the largely untapped natural and human resources, boundless possibilities and opportunities that abound in the country.
Leadership behaviour should be a natural part of performance. It is getting things done and not wasting of human lives. Leader doesn’t tell his subordinates) what to do, but keep on inspiring them to see what they are capable of, or prompts others to be their best, then, helping them to get there.
The reverse is the case in our time. A leader will prefer to appoint an Hausa Man. And then that Ministry’s head in turns will appoint his relations, some party members and friends even if they are not qualified to complete his team. Are we expecting miracles from them? A round peg in a square hole is nothing but a misfit. Many qualified Nigerians are victims of this misfit.
So since leadership is perceived as a demonstrative ability. A Good leader should always display sincerity, credibility, integrity, intelligence, competence in all his actions, Can we then write these for President Buhari in the last 100 days? Leaders make timely and appropriate changes in thinking plans and methods to carry out their assignments out successfully. A good leader does not need up to 365 days before starting to perform with good results. He knows what is important to the people he is representing.
Yes the likes of Murtala Muhammed and other brilliant past Governors was a reflection of the characteristics and values of true leadership. This tells us that a new Nigeria is possible. It is either you are a bad leader or a good leader.
Good leaders are very clear about their missions, goals, priorities and preferences. The poor ones will always refuse to do nothing after a lot of promises made in their political campaigns and voluminous party programmes.
Since October, 1960, the only things we get from majority of our leaders is destructive leadership styles in which they violate the legitimate interest of the country and thereby sabotaging the socio-economic transformation for the development of the country.
Can we now say President Buhari is ready to work, after hundred days in office?
By Chinedu Opara
