Nigeria in need of credible, transparent leadership – Prof Nwoke

Ben Dunno, Warri

As the May 29, 2023 swearing in of President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, approaches, a renowned Professor of Public Health, Parisitology and Entomology, Imo State University, Owerri, Prof. B.E.B Nwoke, has asserted that the country cannot settle less for leaders with proven track record of integrity and transparency at this critical period.

Making this assertion yesterday, while delivering a lecture titled: “Transformational Leadership, The Panacea For The Change We Need In A Deprived Society”, as part of the activities marking the 15th Convocation Ceremonies of Delta state University, Abraka, Prof Nwoke, noted that present challenges confronting the nation requires only visionary leadership to tackle.

While stating that the nation cannot afford another set of experimental leadership, he warned of the negative consequences of having a new set of leaders that would be incapable of proffering workable solutions to urgent critical issues, especially insecurity and obvious division along ethnic and religious lines currently tearing the country apart.

According to him; some of the basic qualities needed in the new leadership that would move the nation forward are; credibility, transparency, accountability and intellectual capabilities, especially in the area of policy formulations and implementations capable of driving National Development Plan (NDP) and improving the livelihood of the deprived society, inorder to build confidence again in the citizenry”.

“Transformational Leaders always strive to be consistent in policies and actions. Such leaders do not play favouritism or make exceptions to the rules, particularly if those exceptions only benefit them or people related to them.”

Prof Nwoke further explained ways to be a more transparent leader to include; “setting clear expectations, be honest about challenges the nation or institution is facing, honour commitment and be consistent.”

He stated that Integrity and good character are the solid foundation of great Leadership. Failure of leadership today to reduce or eradicate deprivation among citizens is not the absence of qualification, competence or skills, but simply sustaining credibility and integrity with citizens.”

“The main principles of achieving leadership integrity are; to nurture a good reputation, be an outstanding role model, keep high moral standards, take responsibility for your actions, honour your commitment, tell the truth, point to hope and consistency is vital”, he stated.