Niger: Gap between leaders and followers is Africa’s problem

The Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Center, Sam Adeyemi has decried the huge gap between the leaders and the masses, saying it is a peculiar problem in Africa.

He said African countries are dealing with a deeply rooted leadership culture that makes the leader very powerful and the led practically a slave, across almost all sectors.

Speaking against the backdrop of the military coup in Niger Republic in a series of tweets on Thursday, the clergyman said neither military, democratic nor monarchical systems have fostered rapid development in most African countries.

While stating that it was time to address the real problem, Adeyemi said the only way out is to intentionally replace old beliefs and behaviours with new ones, adding that democracy has thrived best in countries that value life and equality.

Advertisement

He wrote, “The military coup in Niger draws attention to Africa’s leadership issues. The leaders of the coup have cited security concerns due to threats by jihadist groups and poor economic growth as reasons for the coup. Similar reasons were given for the military coups in Burkina Faso and Mali.

“The regional body, ECOWAS, insists the coup must end and the former president must be returned to power. They say democracy remains the best form of government. But a large number of Nigeriens are taking sides with the leaders of the coup.

“It is sad that neither military, democratic nor monarchical systems have fostered rapid development in most African countries. It’s time we address the real problem.

“We are dealing with a deeply rooted leadership culture that makes the leader very powerful and the led practically a slave, across almost all sectors. The issue with culture, like habits, is that though people desire change, they will default to their old ways, consciously or unconsciously, when they have to make choices, and they will ultimately produce the same results.

“The only way out is to intentionally replace old beliefs and behaviours with new ones. Only those with the sophistication to shift beliefs, values and culture on a mass scale can lay the foundation for meaningful change, especially for a country. The platforms would be high quality education, the example of leaders, economic empowerment, infrastructure, and so on.

“Truth be told: democracy has thrived best in countries that value life and equality. The power gap has been collapsed and being a leader does not make you superior to the people you lead. In fact, being a leader is understood to be a call to serve the led and leaders don’t consume most of the resources meant for the commonwealth.”