Fair And People-oriented Leaders Would Result In Effective Leadership For Nigeria -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

Whatever one thinks of the previous administration let us build on President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption and anti-poverty initiatives; simply appointing new security chiefs and other public officials will not solve Nigeria’s challenges. —Wahala

President Bola Tinubu recently replaced the heads of all Nigeria’s security services, including the police, which is not uncommon in any polity, especially in Nigeria, where cultural, regional, ethnic, and religious factors are considered in leadership appointments.

After eight years of President Muhammadu Buhari’s military-style democratic environment, which he apparently required, especially when he claimed to be surrounded by a number of personally corrupt Nigerian leaders, whom he labeled “wicked people,” and with a bible or Koran in their hands. I’ve often wondered if he believed that folks from non-northern or southern Nigeria were more corrupt. Was this the reason, regrettably, for his nepotistic approach to leadership appointments? In any case, let me return to the points raised in this article in relation to the newly appointed security and political officials.

The latest security and law enforcement leaders, as well as many in this new administration, come from the same cultural institutional context, but I trust that among them are those who will display integrity, promote changes, and fight for Nigeria’s progress. While former President Buhari may describe many Nigerian leaders as having come from what call ‘dirty backgrounds’ or being inherently corrupt and constantly enriching themselves, let us hope that many of today’s security and public service chiefs will be guided by the spirit of transparency, accountability, and good governance in order to foster positive change in the country.

Buhari appears to have displayed full-fledged nepotism and tribalism during his reign, although his reputation for discipline was part of his personal psychology. The current presidency is led by President Bola Tinubu, who, according to Babafemi Badejo, a Professor of Political Science and International Relations, is not renowned as a fighter of anti-corruption policies due to his history but the professor remains confident that this could change.

Personal experiences, political affiliations, ethnic diminuendos, religious undercurrents, and societal dynamics all have always had an impact on Nigerian leadership. And this new administration and leadership could be influenced by all of these profound aspects, even if some of them, like Tinubu, are capable of changing their conduct and adopting a spirit of good governance and service to assist in the upliftment of the poor. I hope that personal growth, societal pressure, or a real desire for change can lead to them reforming their behaviors and prioritizing the well-being of the people they serve. Let’s hope that there is a new mindset particularly those who may have engaged in chronic, wide, and stylistic corrupt practices in the past.

Only a few days ago, Nigerians witnessed as President Tinubu returned from abroad in a convoy of more than 100 cars in Lagos. The videos were widely disseminated on national and international social media platforms. The convoy was making its way from Ikeja airport to his private mansion in Ikoyi in Lagos.

In terms of leadership and caring for an economically hurting society, especially now, this type of behavior and conduct is manifested in the form of faulty ideas that put personal interests or political objectives over the welfare of society. These ideas can lead to resource misallocation and power abuse, and they amount to what I call ideological corruption, which means promoting ways or ideas that are inherently harmful to society, such as inequitable practices, disturbing peace, polluting the environment, and undermining democratic institutions.

Nigeria, like many African countries, is plagued by insecurity, and no number of guns and other weapons demanded by the new security chiefs and police can address the underlying issues of poverty, inequality, governmental volatility, ethnic tensions, and a lack of access to basic services.

Getting leaders in Nigeria who will personally promote greater accountability and transparency with people other than families and friends in mind, on the other hand, will promote good governance practices, which will have a positive correlation with security, economic development, and reduced crime rates in Nigeria. Where there is trust in the government, particularly the justice system, efficient use of public resources, which leads to economic growth and development, effective delivery of public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, and basic needs are met, all of this contributes to greater social stability and reduces the incentives for criminal activity. So, I say to the current leadership, led by Tinubu, who is still fighting Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, that while weapons and military operations can help solve security challenges, long-term and effective solutions cannot rely solely on force.

The success of leadership in tackling Nigeria’s endemic problems is determined by the individual’s dedication to good governance, accountability, and transparency, as well as their capacity to implement long-term policies that promote the nation’s overall development and welfare. That is why, as part of my fantasy, I would like to see psychological testing used for any potential future leaders in Nigeria. Let me emphasize that the tests are to be performed by psychologists, not psychiatrists. Unlike psychiatrists, who are medical specialists educated in diagnosing and treating mental diseases, psychologists are professionals who also specialize in the study of human behavior and the mind. They are trained in numerous psychological assessment procedures. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Nigerian-type leaders require psychological testing to check their mental and emotional fitness as they seek leadership positions.

It can reveal and uncover a person’s hidden identity as well as facts about their decision-making capacity, level of judgment, outer behaviors, street manners, caring character, level of shamefulness, empathy, problem-solving abilities, and other relevant traits.

As part of my favoritism, the Nigeria psychological association has some clinicians at Nasarawa State University’s forensic and clinical psychology programs, as well as others in well-functioning higher institutions and professional practices that could implement psychological testing as part of the selection process for leaders.
Nigerians are tired of changing leaders every four to eight years, yet little has changed, therefore I believe psychological testing can assist in identifying persons who possess the requisite leadership characteristics and competences to effectively solve the country’s difficulties. It can reveal their ability to deal with stress, exposing individuals who are prone to lying, excessive personal satisfaction, corruption-driven preoccupation, and those who can make sound decisions and manage difficult situations. It will aid in the identification of any potential mental health disorders, including psychoneurological issues, that may impair a leader’s capacity to carry out their responsibilities effectively. However, it is critical to guarantee that psychological testing is implemented in a fair, transparent, and professional manner, rather than by individuals who can be persuaded to say, ‘Sir/madam, you pass, you are OK.’

Economic stability leads to a robust and stable economy, which lessens the incentives for criminal activity motivated by desperation. Yes, we welcome another set of new security and law enforcement chiefs; yes, good weapons and security forces can effectively combat crime, terrorism, and other security challenges, ensuring citizens’ safety and well-being; but without good characters and good handlers to institute good governance that forms critical foundations for addressing security concerns, we are all pretending and yeye (institutional stupidity over and over) continues.

I will once again introduce psychological testing for future leaders in Nigeria in order to examine their mental and emotional fitness for leadership roles. Psychological testing can provide insights into decision-making ability, problem-solving skills, empathy level, and other key attributes, and its administration should be fair, transparent, and carried out by skilled fair-minded specialists.

I wholeheartedly believe that economic stability and good governance are critical pillars for tackling Nigeria’s security challenges. While new security and law enforcement officials and good weapons are vital, Nigeria’s issues will remain without good personalities and leaders who emphasize good governance.

John Egbeazien Oshodi

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist. A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA; and a former interim associate dean and assistant professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings. A former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. In 2011, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. He has taught at various universities and colleges including Florida memorial University, Florida International University, Broward college, Lynn University, and currently an online faculty member at the Weldios university in Benin Republic, Nexus International University, Uganda, Nova Southeastern University and Walden University in USA.

Founder of the proposed Transatlantic Egbeazien Open University (TEU) of Values and Ethics, a digital project of truth, ethics, and openness. Over forty academic publications and creations, at least 300 public opinion pieces on African issues, and various books have been written by him. He specializes in psycho-prescriptive writings regarding African institutional and governance issues. His most recent textbook publication is Concise Psychology: An Integrated Forensic Approach to Psychology for Global African Settings. Jos5930458@aol.com