Guest Author 
Oscar. H Blayton
Bunmi Adekunle
CareTaker 
Codrin Arsene
Aba Boy
Dave O'Cube
Don Thieme
Emmanuel.K. Bensah
Ella Romanos
Charles E.
Holli Holdsworth
Misi Coker
Nzingha Smith
K A-T
Pamela Stitch
Sokari Ekine
Samantha Ofole-Price
Tomas Ernst
Thomas Gowans
Veronica Henry
Vic 
Oluwole Akindutire
Xcroc 
William J. Zick
Debate: Is Africa a Case of Bad Leadership Aided by Complacent Followership?
“Nigerians should recognize that their leaders are what they make them. By accommodating unbecoming conduct just because, some ‘pittance’ is showered on some hungry souls, sacrifice for good governance is compromised, which perpetuates the ills that plague the nation. No matter the relationship, ‘bad is bad’ and ugliness stinks, and those that perform political functions with such attitude need not stay one day in office. The sooner Nigerians embark on serious soul searching for better ways to relate and rebuild the nation, the sooner they shall see the latent benefits ready to be unleashed on the nation….” – African Executive: The Political Intrigues of Obasanjo by Ejike Okpa II.
Societies are rough sculptures carved by its leaders, but it’s the people that smoothen the edges and breath life into it.
The subject of bad leadership and complacent followership is often debated across Nigeria and very much all over Africa; while both are complementary, one takes preeminence over the other.
The above excerpt speaks to the followership issue, and highlights one of the stepping stone any African nation needs to ascend from a mediocre existence to that driven by purpose and social responsibility. However, current and past experiences indicate this may be an unrealistic expectation from a society composed of hungry, uninformed, marginalized, and disenfranchised people.
On the other hand, great (political and social) leaders do not drop from heaven – they are born, but made and nurtured by the contemporary events. In the case of Nigeria, it is a fair assessment that out of the 140 million Nigerians on earth today, those men and women exist, but are hidden and latent.
The question then is is what will initiate the transformation processes? Followers need to challenge the status quo, and leaders-in-waiting need to leap from latency into potency.
The business of democracy – as it’s been conducted by its originators in western societies – relies on an informed and active electorate, without which the concept has no meanings. It’s enormous weight of responsibilities is borne on the shoulders of ‘the people’ who are made up of the leaders- the elected, and the followers – the electorate. These people man the various components that constitute collective democratic society.
As Nigeria and other regions of Africa fumble and grapple under the weight of democracy, it becomes necessary to do some soul searching, and muse on the following:
- Can the followers, on their own, find the magic to transform their collective state of complacency into that of active engagement within their societies?
- And what ‘catalytic processes’ can unveil and refine the currently hidden leadership potentials lurking within that society?
- Or is this pursuit a lost one – can the notion of good governance – one driven by the proper application of democratic principles – actively pursued and realized by the sheer desire of the masses?
These are questions for the social scientists, but are open to the general audience. Leave your comments.
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Muti This
Omotaylor | Mar 28, 2008 | Reply
I stand to have my head guilotined but in the spirit of freedom of ideas, I risk some answers:
Can the followers, on their own, find the magic to transform their collective state of complacency into that of active engagement within their societies? IN NIGERIA AS IT IS RIGHT NOW, THE MAGIC EVEN IF EFFECTED WILL NOT WORK FOR THERE ARE TOO MANY COMPLICATIONS IN THE PROCESS, AND AS A HOUSE DIVIDED, IT WILL BE DIFFICULT. SO THE SOFTLY SOFTLY APPROACH IS INEFFECTIVE FOR IT IS NOT FOR WANT OF TRYING BY SOME COMMITTED PEOPLE WHO ARE GROSSLY IN THE MINORITY.
And what ‘catalytic processes’ can unveil and refine the currently hidden leadership potentials lurking within that society? JERRY RAWLINGS STYLE, SHORT OF A REVOLUTION. LET US NOT FOOL OURSELVES ANY LONGER. THERE ARE TOO MANY FRUSTRATIONS AND THESE COME RIGHT FROM THE TOP DOWN. DINOSAURS DONT CHANGE HENCE THEY NEED BE EXTINCT. CARE MUST BE TAKEN FOR THERE ARE A FEW WHEAT AMONGST THIS MOUNTAIN OF CHAFF.
Or is this pursuit a lost one – can the notion of good governance – one driven by the proper application of democratic principles – actively pursued and realized by the sheer desire of the masses? NO PURSUIT IS EVER LOST IF GIVEN THE DUE ATTENTION AND SOLUTION EVEN IF DRASTIC. COULD BE UGLY, COULD BE COSTLY BUT WITH UNRELENTING CALCULATED EFFORTS, WITH PERSISTENT CONSISTENT OUTCRY IT WOULD BE DONE. TAKES TIME.
Rightly said, a lot depends on the attitude of the governed. Nigerians are good at managing hardship and suffering in near silence. Worse still a lot of Nigerians from the grassroot level up are so accustomed to sycophantic praises if they are given handouts, contracts and have a chance to cash in on what I would call our national misfortune. If these dont change their mindset, well we could be talking of a lost cause. We pray but faith without action is void.
WHICH WAY NIGERIA. WE THE GOVERNED NEED TO UNITE, SACRIFICE AND GIVE DEMOCRACY A CHANCE AND STOP BEING BOUGHT OVER. THE STATE OF THE COUNTRY IN ALL DIMENSIONS IS BAD, i.e. Politically, Economically, Culturally, Religiously, Educationally, Morally and what have you.
Ella Romanos | Mar 28, 2008 | Reply
Interesting questions.
I don’t really know what the answer to this is, but some thoughts that did occur to me reading this, is that:
Bad leaders are usually only allowed to rule in societies where the people are deprived in some way. They come to power by being elected over genuine and potentially good leaders because they make promises which cannot be followed through but the electorate are desperate enough to believe or risk it. Or else they come to power by non-democratic paths, which generally only occurs in deprived countries nowadays.
This implies something of a ‘catch 22′ problem.
It seems to me that maybe whilst I agree ’softly softly’ is not going to work, that if success is to be found, it will be a step by step process started by the electorate getting some motivation to help themselves. For example, a leader who is not all good could still introduce a policy that helped in some way (such as easier ways of creating businesses, or easier ways of buying land). This would then lead to motivation amongst the population, who would then in turn perhaps be more motivated to be active in relation to politics.
I don’t know a huge amount about China’s recent history, but the fact that they have progressed whilst living in a non-democratic political country does seem to support this. The government is not ‘all good’ by general standards, but the country is prospering, and maybe in a few decades the problems that still exist will be reduced through a more active population.
The reason I say all this is that I cannot see a situation where all these problems can be dealt with from one big change alone, such as a new government. It will need to be several changes over a period of time.
Whatever else, I do think though that the first step must come from motivation of the population brought on by being given a reason to hope. But where this hope comes from with the leadership problems that exist, that is the question…
lola | Mar 28, 2008 | Reply
Caretaker: The answer to your main question is a resounding -YES!!!
If Nigerians weren’t complacent, then leaders will be more careful about their acts when elected. But they know that Nigerians won’t do anything, we will just stand and watch or hope for a better day.
To be quite honest, the engagement that you are looking for can only be found via the younger generation, many of them in the diaspora deciding that they will go back home and create change.
Those in Nigeria are already used to the status quo.
solomonsydelle | Mar 28, 2008 | Reply
This is an issue that I have harbored for quite a while. Our governments are only as good as we demand them to be. So, while we Nigerians complain tirelessly about our ineffective leadership and the resounding lack of accountability that has been the norm, we have to accept responsibility for allowing things to get to that point. We can no longer simply blame the government for the country’s problems. We all play a part in Nigeria’s issues and can play a part in Nigeria’s solutions.
Until the majority of Nigerians understand that they not only have a personal stake, but a personal responsibility in the handling of the nation’s affairs – we will continue to suffer. Or, of course, God can send a ’savior’ that will ‘deliver’ the nation. But, I posit that no amount of deliverance will help a nation where people do not apply themselves to the betterment of the country and that goes to every individual, from the President, to the ‘megaurd’/gateman. We all have a stake in our country and must hold each other accountable.
NIGERIAN CURIOSITY
IT WAS SO MUCH EASIER WHEN I ONLY HAD ONE…
waffarian | Mar 28, 2008 | Reply
I would have to say that even though we seem to have the two at the moment in Nigeria, bad leaders can not exist without complacent followers. In the case of Nigeria, the people do not seem to realise that the so called “leaders” are only a tiny percentage of the population compared to the followers. There are millions of people in Nigeria cowardly allowing a group of thugs to “lead” us. I think we need the people to realise this fact.
I agree with lola in saying that the younger generation are eager for a change, but we need the majority of Nigerians to be aware of that fact. That there are OTHER kinds of leaders that can be chosen and give them that choice.
I think we need to be ready for the next elections and make sure the people at the polls understand that there are important choices to be made but most importantly, we need those OTHER choices to have their names at the polls so they can be chosen. This is not a time for fear, we need good leaders to start stepping foward so they can be chosen, and we need the people to choose them.
Omotaylor | Mar 28, 2008 | Reply
Re the issue of the younger generation who are eager for a change: I agree with Lola to a point i.e. the younger generation in the diaspora who have the right attitude, mentality and tutelage could make a difference. I have been opportuned to mix and mingle and share ideas with the homegrown younger generation and no offence meant, they talk of the youths taking over and rulling Nigeria but dont have a clue about good governance. Many are semi illeterate wannabees (no offence intended) and if care is not taken, such youths will take Nigeria deeper into the doldrums. So we must qualify the younger generations and those on home soil need a lot of retraining and attitude change for they are mostly a chip off the old block.
Omotaylor | Mar 28, 2008 | Reply
@waffarian, good point about getting ready for the next elections in 2011 from now. Very valid, for change of attitude and mentality does not happen overnight. I pray and say amen that the right sort of people arise for leadership and governance in Nigeria. Hope to see the likes of you there when the time comes.
Misi | Mar 28, 2008 | Reply
Yes! Yes! Yes! We, Nigerians even those that have traveled far and wide and see how the West conducts their affairs, come home and don’t care or mind how dissatisfactory the state of our country is. Sad but true! And I think one of the fundamental causes of such thinking is because we Nigerians do not feel a sense of ownership of Nigeria. We are all too concerned about our individual snippets and don’t think of the whole of Nigeria as Ours. We prefer to believe that Nigeria belongs and is the sole responsibility of the few that lead it hence easily content at whatever they hand us while our mansions in Nigeria our fully equipped with generators etc to take us from the reality of living in Nigeria. This thinking is wrong because –where do these leaders come from? The people. Who elects them? The people….the people…the people.
Secondly, going back to our individualistic nature— we don’t want our individual life, business etc disturbed by riots – we would rather settle for whatever lemon service our leaders provide than to try to effect change because that might disrupt our business or lives. And since our individual lives are functioning what does it matter, right? WRONG!
Thirdly, we are one directional people (no offense meant). We don’t think outside the box. This is evidenced even in our businesses e.g. once Mr. A opens a cybercafé, Mr. B, C, D etc will do the same. Nobody wants to reinvent the wheel. And that same mentality affects our country. Nobody wants to think of new ideas on how to improve our country people would rather continue to follow the same incompetent leaders who are not interested in anything but lining their pockets. We never want to integrate new technology to help run our lives efficiently—it is more convenient to remain in the same outdated practice than to move to a technology that is more efficient and less costly. E.g. why should a person have to wait for almost 3months for university transcript or results if the university were inputting the data as they come? On a good day this should only take a few seconds. Or why should a transcript have tons of error in it—- in a place where there is a delete button on computers.
Thirdly, we lack education (not BSCs & MBAs type education) but education on our rights. We tend to believe and accept these leaders regardless what imbecile behavior they exhibit. My thing is if our people were more educated on their rights they will know that what we are getting is definitely substandard leadership. Good governance is not a privilege it’s an entitlement and the sooner Nigerians realize that the quicker we as a people can attain our goal of betterment. How do you think the west got to where they are today? Certainly not by the people seating around and letting just their leaders steer the wheel—they all hold own to that wheel. Because they have a sense of ownership of it, there is an outcry by social advocacy groups whenever they are being steered wrongly and because people know and fight for their rights for good governance depends on them. So why not learn from this instead of allowing complacency be our middle name?
Lastly, the issue of accountability & transparency, we need to make our leaders accountable for ALL their actions. Up to today I have NOT received a reasonable explanation for why Babanigda is a free man. This is a man that destroyed lives and stole huge sums of NIGERIAN money. But yet everyone seems to have accepted/forgotten/forgiven what he did. Only Nigerians are in the best place to demand for accountability of funds otherwise the leaders will continue to squander the money at will.
Just like the saying goes ‘it takes a whole village to raise a child’ so also it takes every Nigerian working together to improve Nigeria.
Pammy | Mar 28, 2008 | Reply
The answer to the main question is YES.
But beyond all that, most Nigerians know their rights, but rather they choose not to enforce their rights or fight for themselves because they prefer to suffer in silence. They are used to the status quo. I do not know if this attitude is from fear of uncertainty or just a general complacency.
Omotaylor | Mar 29, 2008 | Reply
Pammy rightly said. The attitude I believe is from a mix of what you described, and there are some other additions, try greed, corrupt minds, lack of education on the people’s rights at grassroot level,sectionalism, racial and cultural divide, disunity…
Seleipiri Akobo(curvyice) | Mar 30, 2008 | Reply
In General, I do agree with everyone on how complacency on the part of the followers has continuously fueled the lack of accountability and responsibility on the part of our leaders. These two important components of progression in any society have been missing from our country’s’ politics for as long as I can remember. I am young so I can’t say I have been around for long, but the stories learned in school and heard from older folk, still buttresses my point as to how long we as Nigerians have lived in this decadence we call a political system.
Can we as followers, find a cure to our lack of pro-activity and do something about failing system (politics, education, health, financial viability etc). We can if only we are willing to face the consequences of our actions (these are the fears faced by many). We as Nigerians, living at home and abroad are concerned and want to act, but are bothered by the results that could emanate from our actions. As stated in the original article, Most Nigerians are poor and as we can attest to are focused on meeting their daily needs instead of bothering about what new law was passed by the house of reps or whatever it is they call them law makers (I guess I just depicted an I don’t care attitude usually present in most Nigerians). This poverty drives them to be pawns on the play board of the so called power players, because somehow their bills are paid and they can live the life that is almost unattainable except you belong to their (the politicians) club.
Catalytic process sounds so chemical. But oh well I there has to be a catalyst to set things in motion. There are talents hidden away in many Nigerians, at home and abroad, but like I said earlier, the fear to succeed and the concern that whoever treads on a path to change Nigeria’s history of failure and crushed dreams, ends up living an almost impossible dream. The change however can come from this generation of young, intelligent and creative minds living far away from home: hungry for change in a place we call home (Nigeria). Our advantage, is the experience and diversity we acquire as we go about our everyday’s’ business. The challenge however would be our ability to decide on returning home with our mines of knowledge, perspective and willingness to work purposefully in a bid to create change that is tangible and can be felt. On the other side of the coin, we need to collaborate with the young minds at home, teach them what we have learnt over the years and have them partner with us, since they have lived in the country for as long as we have been gone. That way we can maximize the potential of everyone because we cannot do it by ourselves. And as many other people have stated, the fine-tuning(education) of the minds of Nigerians about the what is expected of our political players(leaders) and the various ways we can act when they do not live up to their responsibilities , like they have been for over 4 decades.
Good governance is something we can achieve as Nigerians, judging by our resiliency and ability to thrive in the worst of situations, if only we can add a little more tact and knowledge to what we do. I believe that Nigeria will withstand the tides and come out stronger than it ever has been. All we need is time, dedication and the man power to necessitate and oversee the change that we desperately need and are going to see, soon.
Xcroc | Mar 31, 2008 | Reply
Democratization in Africa: What Progress Towards Institutionalization?, a report from a conference held in Accra in October 2007 is available in PDF online:
http://www.fas.org/irp/nic/african_democ_2008.pdf
National Intelligence Council
Conference Report CR 2008-1
February 2008
There were 50 participants and 15 African countries represented.
I’ve been reading the report and it is quite fascinating, with much to be optimistic about as well as more discouraging information. It is also interesting because the person who alerted me got the information from Secrecy News, which provides public access to documentary resources on secrecy, intelligence and national security policy, or possibly from the Secrecy News Blog. That makes me wonder if the US does not really want to publicize the report. Every page of it has This paper does not represent US Government views. across the top and the bottom of the page. But that may be some standard format.
For those engaging in any political activity in Africa, and that includes participating in any kind of community groups, even online groups, I think this is valuable reading, certainly worth a look.
controversial | Apr 1, 2008 | Reply
Okay,okay, okay. This is a nice conversation to have but so what? It could be bad leadership thathas caused Africa
problems but it could also be follow follow. Let us not forget that the system (whether it be in Nigeria or in America or in Germany) needs follow follow to function. Democracy and dictatorships depend on people who will act unthinkingly and unquestionigly. That is what makes the world go round. Sorry to say it but if any of you think about it,you will realize it is true.
The only difference between countries like Nigeria and America is the issue of perception. Nigerian rulers are not worried about perception and so do not fret over the need to create equitable systems. They care not for the importance of legacy because our culture allows the wealthy to buy everything inluding a good name and a place in the history books. So, whether it is follow follow bad rulership is secondary to the need to demand working institutions and systems. Education is key.
Congratulations your’s is the 3000th comment on AfricanLoft! – admin.
Jo | Apr 3, 2008 | Reply
I know I only have to hit an African party to find a spirited articulate conversation that is warm and funny. I wonder though whether we just talk our lives away and though we are very funny, use our humor as a an excuse for inaction.
So what action do I recommend? Concentrate on what can be done. Forget what cannot be done. Talk about what can be done. Talk and talk about what can be done. Let’s fill our heads with that.
Veronica | Apr 6, 2008 | Reply
Good discussion so far, but like Jo, I’m at the stage when I wonder what we all can do to “encourage” our leadership to act more responsibly, to put the needs of the people ahead of the greedy few and to take a real interest in the advancement of the country.
The question is how. Even in America, we have issues with politicians talking one way during the electoral process and then turning a blinds eye to all their promises as soon as they are elected. Rarely is anyone taken to task. You only need to look to the current war and the fact that (according to polls) most Americans wish we’d never entered into this and would exit as soon as possible – yet, does our government hear us? No, 5 years later, this thing still drags on.
There are the tried and true methods of protest, marching, sit-ins, boycotts, etc, but ultimately, we must groom our young people to have the character needed to move the country forward – these will be the future politicians and leaders of our societies.
Just my two cents.
Jo | Apr 11, 2008 | Reply
I had forgotten I had commented here. This is such an important topic.
Two things : google Ben Zander and watch an edited version of his Davos talk on You Tube.
Leadership begins with us. If there is anything wrong with Africa, is that we act like teenagers. We do nothing for days then want it all now. Do little things. Trust in your fellow citizens to respond in little ways. It will add up. Our impatience leads to our failures.
If you want to do something small today, please contact SADC to offer thanks & support for the meeting tomorrow. The numbers are on Sokwanele’s blog. Sorry I can’t put the url because it might be seen as spam. It will come up in google. Add Action alert.
Here is a small inexpensive way of showing solidarity with leaders who are in a very difficult situation. Our support may help them find those small points of leverage that may bring the situation in Zimbabwe to a positive outcome.
Thanks – and if you want to laugh. Hit Madam & Eve. The South African cartoonists are having fun at our expense. A laugh is always good.
Thanks for the space!
Kunle | Apr 14, 2008 | Reply
Is Africa a Case of Bad Leadership Aided by Complacent Followership?
I guess this is really meant to be a rhetoric. The answer is all too obvious. I will look a bit deeper and try to configure a couple of similar but more down-to-earth versions:
1. Can the current leardership/followership arrangement deliver Africa out of her current woes?
2. If yes how long do “we” have to wait without having to do anything to change the arrangement? (I’m assuming we should not expect to wait beyond our generation).
3. If no, what do “we” need to do to change the arrangement?
4. What price do “we” have to pay for change?
5. Are “we” ready to pay this price?
6. Who are “we”? More simply put, are there any individuals or groups out there who want rapid change and have the ability and means to effect such a change regardless of the price they have to pay?.
I’m afraid until we can bluntly answer these questions as individuals, peoples and nations we will continue to revolve around this issue for generations to come!
CareTaker | Apr 14, 2008 | Reply
Kunle, the answers to your questions can be found the the comments preceding yours.
If I can summarize, I would say the current leadership/followership arrangement can’t stand the rigors of democracy in the 21st century. The change needed will be spearheaded by the younger generation, several of this bloc are currently entrenched in the Diaspora.
They are the “we”; they are thirsty for change – changes which will come by seeing what is wrong in a new light and being able to craft workable solutions from both ends of the society – bottom-up and top-down. This crop of people will bring a newer meaning to the concept of “leadership” by bringing the people being served.
daud | Apr 19, 2008 | Reply
what i feel about this isssue is to maintain a good leadership which will normally bring good result to our country. moreover,corruption is the basic things that disorganased our nomerous resouces in nigerial, and corruption started from the president, senatoria governor, chairman, house of rep,and the councerlor, with the public and private people living around country
Charles | Apr 21, 2008 | Reply
Well im just writing on the new AIT channel on sky 333 Movistar. To be honest i think the movies shown on that channel is a disgrace to not just Nigeria but to Africa as a whole. The movies are so old with very bad production and with no meaning.Im a Nigerian but i have irish friends that want to know about the nigerian culture,but i have had them wtch at least 5 movies on that channel with me and it was a disgrace,i could not help but flip the channel. Please who ever is incharge of the cannel should do something about it.Thanks
Bunmi A. | Apr 25, 2008 | Reply
The problems with Nigerians living with Nigeria is complacency…Fela correctly said it years ago “Suffering and Smiling”. In order for there to be change in Nigeria, it has to be initiated by those of us, living outside Nigeria. And we have to ready to pay the price for change, and quite frankly the price could very well be our lives. And until we get to that level of patriotism, I doubt the change can come. We’ve seen several examples, or individuals starting movement to implement change, and we’ve seen them pay the utmost price for that change, their lives… Martin Luther King Jr. is a prime example of that, and our very own Ken Saro-Wiwa is another.
The percentage of Nigerians living in poverty is overwhelming, and when you are poor, your only concerns is providing your family with the basic needs of life – Food, shelter, clothing, education not about fighting for your rights, demanding justice, or due compensation. I hear people say that workers in Nigeria go months without pay, and I sometimes wonder why go back to work if you’re not getting paid, why not go on some kind of demonstration. It’s because of our perception of the situation; it’s the “Spirit or mentality of poverty”. I suppose it looks better when you’re going to work each day, and not bringing money home that been jobless – and looking for a job. We think things will be better tomorrow.
We can’t expect change, during the same things … just like we can’t expect Nigerians living in Nigeria to initiate the change; it has to be us living outside… because when you’re outside the situation you see things from a different view.
Things have got to change, if not for us for our children. And in order to do that, we all have to fall in love with the lady, Nigeria, and be ready to give our all for her.