A Confused Leadership Is A Nightmare For A Country

Dr. Sunny Oby Maduka (DSM) Ph.D

Across the globe, numerous dis­cerning leaders dedicate their efforts to securing investments and negotiating bilateral agree­ments that will benefit their citizens and nations. They understand the crucial role of attracting foreign capital to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and im­prove the overall quality of life for their people. These leaders engage in meticu­lous planning, research, and strategic ne­gotiations to ensure favorable terms and maximize the positive impact of these agreements on their countries. They prioritize long-term sustainable devel­opment and work tirelessly to forge part­nerships that foster mutual prosperity.

In stark contrast, Nigerian leadership, at all levels, appears to prioritize interna­tional travel, often under the guise of in­vestment or bilateral discussions. These trips, however, frequently resemble tour­ism, lacking the substantive engagement and tangible outcomes expected of genu­ine diplomatic endeavors. This misallo­cation of resources and misplaced focus deprives Nigeria of the crucial opportu­nities for economic advancement and development that other nations actively pursue. The resources expended on these unproductive trips could be better utilized to address pressing domestic needs and invest in initiatives that would genuinely benefit the Nigerian people.

The confusion in Nigeria is for our leaders to believe that Nigeria is an Is­land, and hence, it’s very unfortunate that, our president will just wake up and ban all foreign goods through an unserious policy without seeing the global bilateral trade value as embarked by UK and India, recently.

Meanwhile, the president and other leaders that brought about this policy are entangled with foreign vehicles, yacht, planes and even solar panels and instal­lations. You are enacting a national policy without showing a good example of what you want the citizens to be subjected to.

What a discriminatory impunity

Amidst the fanfare surrounding inter­national tourism initiatives, particularly given the president’s well-documented af­finity for France, the economic realities for many Nigerians remain bleak. A growing number of citizens face esca­lating hardship and financial insecurity, while the nation’s resources appear to be steadily diminishing under the guise of official procedures.

A recent trade agreement, officially signed and sealed just days prior, has been reported between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Min­ister Keir Starmer. This landmark deal signifies a strengthening of economic ties between the two nations, promising mutually beneficial outcomes. The agree­ment encompasses a wide range of sec­tors, aiming to boost bilateral trade and investment. Details emerging from the agreement suggest a focus on reducing trade barriers, streamlining regulatory processes, and fostering greater coop­eration in areas such as technology, re­newable energy, and pharmaceuticals. Both leaders expressed optimism about the positive impact this deal will have on their respective economies, emphasizing the potential for job creation and econom­ic growth. The agreement also includes provisions for enhanced collaboration on issues like intellectual property rights and sustainable development, reflecting a shared commitment to responsible and inclusive growth.

Analysts predict this agreement will not only strengthen existing economic ties but also pave the way for deeper dip­lomatic and cultural exchange between India and the United Kingdom.

Currently, India is in the process of negotiating a free trade agreement with the European Union. This parallel ne­gotiation underscores India’s proactive approach to expanding its global trade network and diversifying its economic partnerships. The outcome of these ne­gotiations with the EU could have signif­icant implications for global trade flows and potentially influence the dynamics of the UK-India trade relationship.

In a significant move last month, Apple Incorporated unveiled its ambitious plan to shift the entire assembly of iPhones destined for the U.S. mar­ket to India. This strategic decision aims to establish a robust produc­tion capacity exceeding 60 million units annually by the close of 2026, represent­ing a substan­tial $40 billion investment in the Indian economy. This investment is poised to significantly impact India’s manufactur­ing sector, fostering growth and creating numerous job opportunities across the supply chain. The move is expected to bolster India’s position in the global elec­tronics market, attracting further foreign investment and stimulating innovation within the country.

Nigeria, for instance, shares several parallels with India, including a large and youthful population, a growing consumer market, and a desire to attract foreign in­vestment. However, a critical distinction lies in the leadership landscape. While India has cultivated a political environ­ment that prioritizes strategic thinking, long-term planning, and technological advancement, Nigeria, unfortunately, grapples with challenges related to gov­ernance and leadership. The presence of incompetent and self-serving individuals in positions of power hinders Nigeria’s ability to fully capitalize on its potential and attract similar large-scale invest­ments. These individuals, often driven by personal gain and short-sighted agendas, prioritize their own comfort and engage in corrupt practices, thereby undermin­ing the nation’s economic progress.

The absence of visionary and compe­tent leadership in Nigeria creates a sig­nificant obstacle to attracting the kind of transformative investments that Apple is making in India. This situation un­derscores the urgent need for Nigeria to prioritize good governance, transparency, and accountability in order to unlock its vast economic potential and create a more prosperous future for its citizens.

Let’s compare the international en­gagements of the current Nigerian ad­ministration since its inauguration on May 29, 2023, with those of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, during the same period. Specifically, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria has em­barked on 38 international journeys since assuming office. These trips have drawn criticism, with some characterizing them as “jamboree tourism experiences,” sug­gesting a lack of substantial outcomes or a focus on leisure rather than official busi­ness. This perception raises questions about the effective utilization of public resources and the strategic direction of these presidential trips.

In contrast, Prime Minister Modi of India has undertaken 14 international trips during the same timeframe. This significantly lower number of trips suggests a more deliberate and focused approach to international engagement.

A closer examination of Prime Minis­ter Modi’s travels reveals a clear emphasis on strengthening India’s economic stand­ing, bolstering its defense capabilities, and fostering crucial foreign partnerships.

This stands in stark contrast to the per­ceived lack of concrete outcomes from President Tinubu’s more frequent travels. The comparison raises concerns about the Nigerian government’s prioritization of international engagements and wheth­er these trips are effectively contributing to the nation’s economic growth, security, and overall development.

The recent trip of the FCT Minister to China exemplifies this troubling trend. His journey, ostensibly to discuss crucial water resource infrastructure projects, was marred by a glaring omission: the absence of key stakeholders whose ex­pertise is essential for such discussions. Rather than including vital personnel such as engineers, hydrologists, and rele­vant authorities from the water resources sector, the minister opted to include his son in the entourage. This decision raises questions about the true purpose of the trip and whether it was genuinely intend­ed to advance the interests of the FCT in terms of water resource management.

Yet, Nigerians remained strangely silent, exhibiting a disconcerting apathy in the face of escalating societal decay. We saw the blatant corruption, the erosion of democratic principles, the widening gap between the rich and the poor, yet we remained passive observers. Like birds confined to a cage, we felt trapped, our voices stifled by fear and a sense of powerlessness. This silence, this inaction, stemmed from a tacit acceptance of our subjugated status. We had, consciously or unconsciously, assented to being treated as second-class citizens in our own land, allowing a select few to exploit our re­sources and manipulate our destinies. We had become slaves in our own country, bound not by physical chains, but by the shackles of fear, apathy, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness.

And before you dismiss this as mere rhetoric, allow me to remind us of a fun­damental truth: injustice and corruption will persist in Nigeria unless we awak­en to the power of our collective voice. These societal ills will continue to fester and spread like a malignant disease until we recognize our inherent right to free­dom and self-determination. We must understand that we, the citizens of Nige­ria, possess the power to dismantle the corrupt systems that hold us captive. We have the power to chase out the vampires in leadership who feed on our nation’s re­sources and leave us impoverished and disempowered. This power, however, lies dormant until we actively choose to wield it.

The key to unlocking this transforma­tive power lies in the conscious preserva­tion of our citizenship rights, particularly our right to vote. We must not only exer­cise this right diligently, but we must also exercise it wisely. We must choose cred­ible leaders, individuals with integrity and a genuine commitment to serving the people. We must scrutinize their track records, evaluate their promises, and hold them accountable for their actions. But our responsibility does not end with casting our votes. We must also actively defend our choices. We cannot afford to be docile or complacent. We must stand together, united in our resolve to protect the integrity of our electoral process and ensure that the will of the people prevails.

Yes, we can overcome these challeng­es. We can build a Nigeria where justice reigns, where corruption is eradicated, and where every citizen has the oppor­tunity to thrive.

When we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, our voices amplified by our unity, we become an unstoppable force for change. Let us activate this power, let us embrace our collective freedom, and let us create the Nigeria we deserve.

… Even though that I come in PEACE.

Dr. Sunny Oby Maduka (DSM), is an Author, Resource Personality, Management Consultant/Trainer, Chartered/Certified -Auditor/ Accountant, Financial Compliance Expert, Economic/Political Analyst Strategist, Marine Expert and Motivationist)