The Challenges Before the Press
Right of Reply
By Sule Aminu
I am compelled to write this piece principally because of my exhilaration upon reading Godwin Agbroko's masterpiece titled "A REAGAN FOR NIGERIA" which was published in your June 15, 2004 edition. I reasoned that just as we should always speak out against the wrongs we see, likewise we should always celebrate excellence whenever we come across it.
Since his columns started last year, they have always been original, insightful and candid. He is clearly value added to your paper.
In the Nigeria of today, outright failure is easily argued away by those in authority and easily accepted by the populace who should otherwise insist on positive results. People even claim as a matter of course that they were misquoted if their earlier utterances elicit negative reactions. These ignoble social traits have been elevated to art forms in the Nigeria of today. To be a leader is an onerous responsibility and consequently, the human qualities needed for the task are simply incredible. Simply put, leadership is actually a calling and not an all comer's exercise.
Agroko highlighted the index for objectively identifying a successful leader in his piece. I take the liberty to summarize it as follows; a good leader's constituency must clearly feel his positive impact in tangible terms. Anything outside of this is a failure, and that is when excuses and inhuman theories start to be bandied about. Dr. Dora Akunyili, the Director-General of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NAFDAC) is a God sent role model to Nigeria. She debunks the excuses of all failures by her clearly visible successes.
I hasten to add that it will be a complete lack of appreciation of the complexities of leadership in today's Nigeria for her achievements to be taken for granted by anyone. She is succeeding in spite of the enormous obstacles we all know people in public service have to contend with nowadays. These hindrances are actually products of years of structural, social and moral decay. Her success is simply because she is a round peg in a round hole. Her job overlaps with those of the police, customs, judiciary, information, welfare and health.
Of course she also has to generate and prudently manage the agency's funds. This is aside from having to motivate her staff so they don't accept bribes nor apply double standards. Where then are the excuses of our leaders who handle similar portfolios at various levels and scales? I'm sure that there are many other obstacles she has to overcome daily in order to make sure Nigerians do not continue to die needlessly from taking fake drugs. I believe NAFDAC can be viewed as a microcosm of government establishments to a large extent and if she can do it, then no leader at any level whatsoever has an excuse for failure. Anybody failing is simply a square peg in a round hole.
Another beautiful point that Agbroko treated is the misconception that effective leadership is synonymous to working round the clock and putting your life at risk. This is a grave lie and this culture must be discouraged. A truly good leader would have duly delegated duties to competent hands, thus the need to keep life-threatening hours at work is reduced to the barest minimum. The year 2007 will be decisive for Nigerians because it will present another opportunity for us to get ourselves out of our present quagmire.
The spin doctors are already at work trying to brainwash us into believing that the race is already a done deal and that the main contenders are only but three or so. There is also this notion being peddled about that only persons who have ruled before, or assisted in governance can take charge of this country. This is pure hog wash. General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) even though a military ruler had not ruled before nor been a deputy before he ruled Nigeria for nine years.
He was actually a very young man at that time. With the benefit of hindsight I believe a number of Nigerians are beginning to appreciate the successes and great foresight of his government especially when compared with others. Even presently, we have governors who are doing well even without prior experience in government. Let Nigerians not be deceived. We have many capable hands that can lead this country in all capacities and at all levels. The press must close ranks and speak with the voice of truth and reason so that the best and most capable hands are identified and presented to the people.
It is also the press that must stave off the onslaught of those leaders with controversial antecedents and politicians of doubtful pedigree. They have had their shot and should let others try too .We should be allowed to take our destiny on our hands through people who are energetic and have fresh ideas. It all sounds like a tall order but it is quite possible.
A vibrant and truly visionary press is more effective for change than any military coup. It is not for nothing that it is said that the pen is mightier than the sword. I submit that the press, at this point in time more than ever before has the onerous responsibility of positioning this country for positive change. God help us all.
Aminu writes from Abuja
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