By Maxwell Menkiti Ngene
As Nigerians, we have a unique opportunity to save our country from its downward spiral and state of hopelessness, and shape it into the great nation we all desire. At the heart of democratic leadership lies a trio of virtues: courage, integrity, and devotion to democratic principles.
Courage, as they say, is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. For Nigeria to overcome its present economic challenges, both elected and appointed officials at all levels of government must embody these value-laden qualities.
Courage enables leaders to stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult, and not be swayed by personal or primordial interests. Integrity ensures that their actions are guided by honesty, transparency, and accountability. Devotion to democratic principles underscores their commitment to upholding the rule of law, equality, and justice.
As Nigerians, we must protect our hard-won democracy. We must demand more from those we entrusted with leadership. We must hold them accountable for their actions and ensure that they lead with integrity, courage, and a commitment to democratic principles.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Let us draw inspiration from the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, who fought tirelessly for democracy and freedom.
“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandela
As citizens, we all have a critical role to play in upholding democracy. We honor the memory of countless patriots who lost their lives in the fight for a democratic government. Their sacrifices will not be forgotten.
From the struggles against colonial rule to the battles against military dictatorship, Nigeria’s democracy has been forged in the fire of sacrifice and perseverance. We owe it to these heroes to continue their work, strengthen our democratic institutions, and build a better future for all Nigerians.
By promoting democratic principles, inclusiveness, and courageous leadership, we can create a Nigeria where the voices of all citizens are heard and valued. Let us draw inspiration from the bravery and selflessness of Nigeria’s patriots and work together to build a brighter future for our dearly beloved country.
We must engage with our leaders, hold them accountable, and work together to build a better future for Nigeria. This requires embracing our diversity and promoting inclusiveness in all aspects of our national life.
We must recognize that our strength lies in our unity and that our diversity is a beauty that should be celebrated. By promoting inclusiveness, we can address the unnecessary agitation for separatism and build a more united and prosperous Nigeria.
As the African proverb goes, “When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.” Let us unite in our diversity and work towards a common goal. The unity we strive for is one that celebrates our unique cultures, religions, and languages, and creates a sense of belonging and identity for every Nigerian.
Let us heed the admonishment of Helen Keller, who said that “alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The time for courageous leadership is now. The time for integrity and devotion to democratic principles is now. Let us join forces to build a more united and prosperous Nigeria, guided by democratic principles and courage.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Together, we can create a Nigeria where leaders are celebrated and held in high esteem because of the values they espouse. We can have a Nigeria where leadership is a beacon of hope, integrity, and courage. A Nigeria where democracy thrives and the voices of the people are heard and heeded.
•Dr Ngene, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, writes from Enugu