TwoCents | APATHY IN POLITICAL LEADERSHIP

When one looks at the Nigerian political space particularly and the African space generally, its structures and players, one is forced to realise that there is a distinction between politicians and leaders, even without a dictionary check or carrying out any research. Naturally, one would assume that it is an African problem but when you look the shores of Africa to black countries in other continents, countries like Jamaica and Haiti, it is obvious the same issues persist. It is safe to assume that it is a problem peculiar, not just to black Africa but to the black race generally. Wherever the blacks are left to self-govern, there is usually a leadership lapse. Basically why we're all third world countries. Bringing it back home, one can almost say Nigeria is cursed with this leadership deficit. Over the decades since independence, Nigeria has seemed to have more of politicians than leaders. There has hardly seemed to be anyone who balances politics and carrying out the constitutional responsibilities of their esteemed offices through quality leadership. Everyone seems to complain about it, as it stares all in the face but what is shocking is that when those who complain the most or maybe have in one way or the other been a direct victim of this leadership pariah get into these same exalted offices, they do same or even worse than their predecessors. In stark contrast, we should think of some of the biggest companies in Nigeria, whether IOCs, construction, manufacturing, auditing companies in Nigeria with international affiliations. These companies are managed day to day by Nigerians, living in Nigeria, yet, they have continued to meet set targets and be profitable year over year (YoY) Why then, is it impossible for Nigerians to be effective in government and public service? The answer is quite simple infact. Those who work in the private sector for these highly profitable multinationals are held to a high degree of responsibility and accountability. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as well as other structures and apparatus are put in place to measure performance and productivity and justify renumeration being earned by the individual. When things do not go as expected, it is quickly noticed and solutions get proferred. Thriving nations emulate these structures and measure performance in one way or the other. The treat government as a business adhering to and respecting the rules while it is the lack of respect for these rules and lack of performance measurement systems that entrench the mediocre leadership that Nigerians get from their leaders as there's nothing to hold them to a high standard.

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