The ease with which Nigerian leaders are vilified and reduced to mere "demons" in the minds of the masses is striking. This phenomenon transcends mere frustration; it is rooted in the systemic failure of leadership—a failure characterized by broken promises, mismanagement of resources, and a widening disconnect between leaders and the electorate.
In Nigeria, the relationship between the people and their leaders is fraught with tension. The notion that "leaders are the demons we create" reflects an uncomfortable truth: Nigerian leaders, for all their perceived flaws, are not born into power. Rather, they are products of a system that allows them to ascend. This system is sustained by voter apathy, electoral malpractice, and a deeply ingrained culture of corruption.
The electorate plays a pivotal role in this dynamic. Nigerian leaders often rise to power through a mix of patronage, promises of change, and the manipulation of public sentiment. Yet, once in office, many fail to meet the expectations of those they were elected to serve. Instead of inspiring hope, they reinforce the people’s sense of betrayal.
Importantly, these leaders are not alien entities imposed on the nation. They emerge from within the same communities they later fail. When corruption flourishes, when promises are broken, and when national resources are looted, it is not solely the fault of the leaders. It is a reflection of a society that often tolerates or even facilitates such behavior. Leaders are the byproduct of a collective system in which citizens, whether through passivity or active complicity, contribute to the cycle of dysfunction.
One of the most significant issues in Nigerian politics is the chronic disconnection between leaders and the people. Over the years, the political class has become increasingly self-serving, prioritizing personal gain over national interest. This has fostered the rise of a leadership class more interested in accumulating wealth and power than in fulfilling their responsibilities to the public.
However, the electorate is not blameless. In a society where immediate gratification often overshadows long-term vision, voters are swayed by short-term promises—bags of rice, token sums of money, or plates of food. This transactional relationship between leaders and citizens has become entrenched in the political culture, perpetuating a vicious cycle of electoral manipulation and unaccountable governance.
The result is a leadership class perceived as “demons” by the people. They are seen as individuals who consume resources meant for the masses, craft self-serving policies, and remain disconnected from the everyday struggles of ordinary Nigerians. But the responsibility for Nigeria's woes does not rest solely on the shoulders of these leaders. It lies equally with citizens who must demand better leadership, hold politicians accountable, and advocate for systemic reforms to address the root causes of bad governance.
The path forward for Nigeria requires collective action. Breaking free from the cycles of patronage and transactional politics demands a cultural shift toward accountability and transparency. The country needs leaders who are not mere figureheads but true servants of the people, willing to sacrifice personal gain for the greater good.
Ultimately, the transformation of Nigeria depends on the willingness of both leaders and citizens to redefine their roles in governance. For meaningful change to occur, both must rise above the failures of the past and commit to building a future rooted in trust, responsibility, and shared vision. Only then can Nigeria break free from the demons of its own creation.
Reference: Prince Charles Dickson Ph.D.
Prince Charles Dickson Ph.D.
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