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“The days of politics are over, it is now time to face governance head-on and marshal out policies that speak to the unity, progress and prosperity of Nigeria. Today, Nigeria faces no other bigger challenges than security, economy and unity. If the first can be combatted and combatted to a fault, it is bound to have a snowball effect on the economy which in turn makes for liveable condition that has for long deserted Nigerians. On unity, it is more of a technical and deep-seated struggle but one not without its fixes embroidered in peace and conflict-resolution. Over the years, our leaders have failed at this, with the perpetual approach of papering over rooted issues yet wanting rooted answers, placing politics over policies, yet wanting history to be kind to them.”
The country is a week old into a new democratic dispensation as newly elected governmental officials from the President down to State governors have all assumed office, and as rightly expected, started doling out appointments to technocrats and politicians who would form their cabinets.
Expectations are high, hopes are aloft for a new leadership that will usher in a new lease of life for Nigeria, particularly one that extinguishes the heft of sufferings, agony and pains that have marked the society for far too long.
Although, the country is still reeling from the otherwise shock of the fuel subsidy removal and the drastic reaction of oil marketers towards the disruptive policy, it bears to think on the long-term gains of such policy and how inevitable the removal of the subsidy was with all due respect to reservations about the mannerism and context of its removal. The bottom line is whether euphemistically removed or bluntly expunged, the fuel subsidy is gone, and we must, by all legit means, adjust for the assured long-term gains.
We’ve come a long way as a country to take steps backward. We can’t afford another roundabout of circling that has brought us to where we are. For this reason was democracy founded to ensure that the people take their own fate in their own hands and affect the changes they want to see in their lands. In other words, the people you elected have stepped up to be responsible to the mandate you have handed to them in the respective capacities it comes. The last thing we’ll expect of them is to fail which invariably means that the last thing we will give to them is our back because when they fail, we suffer, and when they succeed, we enjoy.
Bearing in mind the expectations of success followers have of leadership, it becomes pertinent for leaders to ensure that they rise up to the occasion, and deliver to the people good governance. In the light of this will history not be tossed aside in determining that such results does not emanate from wishful thinking, but from deliberate choices abetted by governance skills — not political skills.
The days of politics are over, it is now time to face governance head-on and marshal out policies that speak to the unity, progress and prosperity of Nigeria. Today, Nigeria faces no other bigger challenges than security, economy and unity. If the first can be combatted and combatted to a fault, it is bound to have a snowball effect on the economy which in turn makes for liveable condition that has for long deserted Nigerians. On unity, it is more of a technical and deep-seated struggle but one not without its fixes embroidered in peace and conflict-resolution. Over the years, our leaders have failed at this, with the perpetual approach of papering over rooted issues yet wanting rooted answers, placing politics over policies, yet wanting history to be kind to them.
It’s a new lease of leadership, one that is pregnant with hope — they say that’s the last thing to ever leave a man. Looking on this bright side of hope is the exciting possibility of our current leaders to right the wrongs of their predecessors and set the tone of governance on the touchstone of competence, insight and skills. To this end is the overarching need for leaders both in elected and appointed positions to be skilled, especially in the area of security, peace and conflict-resolution for an administration of enduring impacts.
“Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twisted linen and blue and purple and scarlet material; you shall make them with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman.” – Exodus 26:31
In this month of June, whether you are a politician, technocrat, CEO, leader, you can become an expert in peace, security and conflict management through our MASTERCLASS series.
By virtue of attending the MASTERCLASS, you get the become a certified peace specialist and manager of crisis while representing the best of Europe and America in Africa through our international collaborations.
On offer are premium training and certification in Peace Studies, Diplomatic Communications, and Security.
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Dr. Ofonime Emmanuel Bassey is a Security, Peace and Conflict Resolution coach with decades of experience in the practice and promotion of Law Enforcement, Peace and Security through the Nigeria Police and the United Nations.
He is a professor in Leadership, Peace and Conflict Resolution, a certified United Nation’s Trainer, and currently the Director of ICOF Institute of Leadership, Peace and Conflict Resolution in Africa.
Prof. Bassey has served and interacted at the top-level management of the Nigeria Police as well as internationally as a United Nation’s Monitor/Mentor in Kosovo, Europe.
With his marks well-established in Peace Leadership both in Nigeria and Africa, he is currently the President, NISSI Safety Management Institute: An Institute of Peace Leadership.
To his many humanitarian acts, he currently spearheads a campaign tagged “The Next Peace Leaders” billed to run from 2022-2023 with a target of training 37,000 young peace leaders.
For peace and security tips, consultations and trainings, reach him via:
Facebook: Dr. O.E Bassey
LinkedIn: Dr. O.E Bassey
Twitter: Dr. O.E Bassey
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