LEADERSHIP: A SICKNESS IN AFRICAN POLITICS
By Segun Samuel
Published
October 28th, 2009
Like most advanced nations, Africans have
struggled for a constructive political system that aims at providing total
freedom from condemnation and imperialism. However, in spite of the energetic
and curious agenda directed towards total liberation of the continent from
decadence and impoverishment; it is evidenced that the people of Africa are
still undergoing or witnessing various kinds of economic and socio-political
crises that arise from bad governance which upon time had jeopardized
sustainable development in the region. Besides, in the history of the world
advanced nations, Africa has been relegated to the background. At present, the
continent is described as a ‘third world nation’ or perhaps she is referred to
as ‘developing nation’, though; not on the basis of racial discrimination, but
on the structure of her political, economic and technical circumstances. This
position is premised on the ground that the people lack modern medical and
health facilities. Among other problems identified include: non-challant
attitude of government toward the development of science and technology, poor
funding of researches, high rate of poverty, diseases and illiteracy, political
instability, bad road network, inter-tribal and religious conflict, shortage of
skilled personnel in certain key areas, corruption and so on.
It cannot be overemphasized that change is imperative in African politics. It
could be observed that in Nigeria for example, things have been getting worse in
our economy and politics. Therefore, this demand for change is such which has to
do with the attitude of those in government rather than the political policies
implemented. In my view, policies are invented by the people to govern their
lives, but when it becomes harsh, it should be resisted by the masses through
public polls and peaceful demonstration.
Over two decades, it has become a critical puzzle for everyone to reflect on why
development in the region is only minute. Here, it could be stressed that the
structure of African politics and most political parties have given much room
for those in government to have economic advantage at the expense of those they
governed. In Nigeria for example, we can easily point to those who have stolen
the country’s wealth and went away unpunished. Also witnessed in recent time was
the case of electoral fraud, rigging, assault and political upheaval. Besides,
at the heart of the above crisis is certain economic policies introduced by the
government to sustain their domination and exploitation. The divide between the
rich and poor could be clearly seen and this has fueled the violent revolution
in the Niger-Delta region. The most outrageous event is one taken by the
government in their economy policies such as deregulation, privatization,
commercialization etc. In other words, the government sells vital key economic
sectors to themselves through the harsh economic policies of capitalism.
Though, this invariably does not mean that capitalism does not have it own
advantage rather it meant that this system (privatization of downstream oil
sector, local government jobs etc.) does not take into consideration the well
being of the people. This condition is based on the fact that the private
investors are profit oriented and any attempt to sell our economy to them
entails pushing the people into legalized slavery. The implication of this is
that the masses are not fully considered in most government deliberation and
agendas.
More so, some Africans in Diaspora are not well taken care of. Many Africans had
died in foreign countries with or without any critical offences committed. They
are punished, detained and condemned to death by foreign government without
given them adequate time to appeal for justice. All these crises lie in
leadership. Researches have shown that in most crises some African diplomats
often condemn their citizens even without taken any serious measure to ascertain
what truly happens. Some even fail to intervene as at when due. But unfortunate,
most advanced society usually protect the interest of their citizen whether at
home or while abroad. This is not the case in Africa and thus it tends to affect
the patriotic tendency in the people toward their respective countries.
Hence, it is vital to remark that though most Africans appear free, yet they are
in chains. From this, it could be inferred that sustainable development cannot
be achieved in the midst of these outrageous predicaments.
Nevertheless, the above remarks do nor connote that all those in government in
the region are corrupt nor does it meant that they lack the required leadership
qualities; rather it is a eye opener that corruption and bad leadership could
not lead to any meaningful change. Against this backdrop, I think that conscious
effort must be taken to repositioning the continent in its right order. In other
words, drastic actions should be taken by all and sundry in tackling the
political turmoil which the African nations are exposed to. Suffice it to
mention that the problem of leadership is the major contradiction in African
politics.
The solution to the problem of bad leadership could only be resolved through
conscious effort on the part of the government and the governed. All clauses
that give room to exploitation, corruption and domination should be amended in
our constitution. In fact, the government should stop compensating their
political loyalties with certain key positions that requires expertise, adequate
skills and economic technicalities. More so, African leaders should stop paying
lip-service to the problem of corruption and poverty alleviation.
In conclusion, for lasting solution to be sustained; the people’s constitution
must not only seek to address issue of security, human rights and economic needs
at home, it must also strive to take into cognizance those Africans in Diaspora.
The people of Africa need to join the rest of the world in their bid to
providing security, protecting of human rights, fight against Aids and
terrorism. Most importantly, the people should support the government when she
has undertaken the task to provide the enabling environment for economic and
social development.
Samuel Olusegun Steven (Student)
Department of Philosophy
Lagos State University, Ojo.
meetseggsus@yahoo.com /
08135669061
