2023 PRESIDENCY... Will you be accountable?

 

WHO WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PEOPLE?

INTRODUCTION

I want to start this short piece with an appeal to whoever wins the 2023 Presidential election to be accountable to the Nigerian people.  

The issue of accountability is vital for the progress of the government and the people.  An accountable leader will take the people along with his/her policies and plans.  This means there has to be 'A plan of action' for Nigeria from the start.

An accountable leader will also take responsibility for the actions of his government, and be humble to make amendments, where it is necessary.  Such a leader will ensure his appointees are held accountable as well.

This is not a mean task in a polarized country like Nigeria.  But, that's the kind of leader we need now, a Nationalistic leader.  We don't need a 'tribal' or "winner takes all" leader.  We need one that is able to rise from being a regional and ethnic leader to the leader of all Nigerians.

A NATIONALISTIC LEADER

He should be confident to share his/her vision for the country right from his political campaign headquarters and get his team and his followers to identify with them.  The plan of action is presented in all his/her political campaign meetings and crusades?.  Are the political campaign meetings not a crusade to win voters' love and confidence?  That's what it is. 

A leader with a good heart and is well focused to confront the high rate of youth unemployment. with effective policies.  The unity of Nigeria should concern the leader, and actions and steps that will engender love among Nigerians of all ethnic groupings should be communicated to voters during campaigns.

We have spoken wrong words to each other over the years, and we are so polarized and ethnically divided than ever before.  We need a leader who loves the people and progress of this nation, to begin the process of repairing the foundation of the Nigerian state.  

Incidentally, it will be done with good words and positive actions and of course prayer.

Beyond the boasting of politicians, the country needs a leader who will be open and transparent in government.  One that is fearless, and zealous to do the economy and the people of Nigeria good.  A 'goal-driven' man or woman who monitors to see that things are moving in the right direction economically and politically.

Can we have such  a Nationalist Leader?  the answer is YES. 

A SERVANT LEADER

Then, the question is "Who among the leaders" campaigning to lead the country now can be trusted to be a 'Servant Leader'?  Who understands what it takes to mobilize Nigerians back to work on the farms, factories, laboratories etc. 

A leader who will appoint men and women with the right skill to turn the economy around for the better.  Who is not selfish and greedy.  Who has compassion for the poor and the down-trodden? 

In modern Nigeria, we have had leaders who picked the best hands during their leadership years.  Those who were around during Ibrahim Babangida's years, as well as OBJ whose regime ended a few years ago, can attest to what I am saying.

No matter how competent a leader may be, he needs the best 'brains' without minding the ethnic or religious background of the person.  A leader who is disciplined himself, to obey the laws of the land, and who is determined to see that the rule of law and fairness is applied to all.

Such a leader will strengthen the institutions of government to fight institutional and systemic corruption.  That is corruption that goes beyond taking bribes and inflating contracts, to include making sure people do the right things, and no impunity.

Nigeria needs a leader who will empower the institutions of government to function without fear or favour. A leader that will put Nigeria First and be ready to defend his actions in power.

HOLDING LEADERS ACCOUNTABLE

It is only an accountable regime that will render an account of their activities to the people.  A proud or corrupt leader will not.  It is difficult to get a proud government to listen to the views of the people.  

We have lost a lot of people to strikes and campaigns targeted at getting the government to change their policy.  Remember the 'EndSARS' protest and how long it took to get the Nigerian Police to disband the Unit called SARS.  

Thank God they disbanded the Unit eventually, but at a high price to the nation. 

Many times, the people may not understand the true state of things and the consequences of their agitation, but a listening government will have several open strategies to listen to people's views and engage them meaningfully.

Nigeria has come a long way, make no mistakes about this.  It has not been easy leading and blending a multi-ethnic society.  I think we are lucky to have intelligent men and women, whose wisdom and contributions are acknowledged around the world.

What we seem to lack is political unity and individual decision to live a selfless and patriotic life.  We're rich in human capacity, but the ability to harness and empower human capital is one of the skills we should demand from whoever wants to lead Nigeria in the 21st century.

On a final note, if we elect a man or woman from any part of Nigeria, who cannot rise to become a National Leader in words and action, then we have missed it again...GOD FORBID!

CONCLUSION

It is the duty of all Nigerians to vote for a leader that will move the country forward.  We should also pray for God's guardian for our leaders.  

Friends, Jesus is coming soon.  If you have not yet received Him as LORD and Saviour, I plead with you to do it now with this simple prayer: 

  

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ.
I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose again for my justification. I repent of my sins and ask for forgiveness. I ask Jesus to come into my heart and reign as my Lord and Saviour.  
  
I receive Him by faith and I am born again.

 
FIRE...