THE POVERTY OF LEADERSHIP AND SCIENCE OF PRODIGALISM IN NIGERIA: A PHILOSOPHICAL INQUEST

Abstract

Post independent Nigeria has experienced and still experiencing series of transformation be it in the negative or positive. As the most populous black nation in Africa, it occupies a significant and formidable position in the continent as its fondly called “giant of Africa” cannot be for a joke. It is a country that has experienced all forms of political leadership ranging from colonial, military, civil and interim leadership all in an attempt to fashion out a safe leadership engineering and structuring for the good of its citizenry. It is equally blessed with abundant human and material resources. The natural deposits are so enormous to adequately ensure a robust economy for the benefit of the members of the society. This phenomenon is altered by the leaders’ psychology of self esteem and interest and Philosophy of “it is my turn syndrome”. This paper centers its logic on a philosophical trite that the ruler- ruled contract has evidently collapsed consequent upon the inability of the ruler to see his leadership position as that of a trust. It further argues that the bond enshrined in the country’s national pledge particularly the expressed wordings “to be faithful loyal and honest… to defend her unity and uphold her honour and glory” were mere fury words and of no evidential or pragmatic consequence going by the leadership policies and attitudes of the leaders. The paper arguably posits that the leaders’ inept practices and act of prodigalism were due to lack of vision, projection of self interest and clear absence of leadership credentials. It is the logic and projection of this paper that adequate leadership credentials, application of mental creativity in leadership and use of appropriate leadership tools will eliminate wasteful spending and prodigalism and also assist in aligning to the symbolic expression of the National pledge.