Lately, the cry for a young leader, someone not above 40 years old has reached the apex. Younger generation clamoring for a leader like them. For so many reasons. But one reason stands out - The Nigerian public feel the issues they face as a nation is as a result of being led by old people. Over time Nigerian leaders have been known for corruption and Injustice.
So it's looking like when you want to define corruption and social injustice, just mention Nigerian political leaders (Past and present). Past, at least in the last two decades.
The level of corruption no doubt has eaten deep into the fabric of the Nation. The so-called leaders embezzle public funds (meant for the sole development of various sectors) with reckless abandon and walk freely across the length and breadth of the nation with an expression on their faces which reads: "you masses can't do anything to us, we will keep on stealing public funds".
During the recent #EndSars and #EndPoliceBrutality protests which started in october that had wide media coverage, several warehouses (where covid-19 palliatives were stored for massive distribution to the masses) was discovered by the masses and they (the masses) wasted no time in taking them away. Two things was annoying about this;
1. most of the palliatives have already spoiled and unsafe for human consumption. 2. The government regarded the act of taking the palliatives away from the store by the masses as: "hoodlums looting away government materials"
And it begs the question: "what really is the motive behind the unjust of the Nigerian Government?
So now, the youths are asking for younger leaders as a president, as governors and legislators etc.
My concern is this. Is Nigeria's problem as a result of being led by the older generation or a mentality and conscience issue.
If Nigeria is known as a nation where most of older generation that leads or led in the past are corrupt and wicked, what about the nation of Israel(B.C) whose leader in the Old Testament told the citizens that he was going to make life miserable for them - A young leader for that matter. He did exactly what some of our leaders have done.
Looking at both sides of the coin, I believe that a Nation isn't great because a certain kind of generation dominates it's political, judicial and legislative system but because the people holding public offices in any of the systems decided to make it great.
A young leader can do great and also have the capacity to do evil. It's all about the choices we make.
An old man can do great and also do evil. It's all about choices.
I don't want an old person as a leader neither do I want a young person as a leader. All I want is a leader who cares so much about the people he or she leads. A leader who is COMPETENT and has CHARACTER.
You may say it is great an idea to give the younger generation a chance to lead and see the outcome since the outcome of the older generation had already been seen. I AGREE but let it not be a person who has the body of a young man but the mind and heart of a wicked person like some of our leaders of the older generation.
If you look at the picture below, you will notice that three out of the four leaders are old yet they did great things for their nation. So it's not about the age but the heart and mind of the leader.
A new Nigeria is possible only and only if, the masses stand in solidarity to vote out the leaders perceived to be unproductive and frequently turn deaf ears to the cries of the masses they sworn to lead effectively and vote in a somewhat new breed of government that have their best interest at heart. the masses on the other should join in the development by keeping everywhere tidy, paying taxes and obey the various laws that govern the entire Nation.
PS: Leadership is for both Men and Women. The use of "man" is just for writing convenience.
Thanks for reading!
See you on the next one!
For me, both the leaders and the masses are involved. I don't think they can do it themselves with any contribution from the masses.