The Search For A New Nigeria (14): Effort In Identifying Selfless And Visionary leadership -By Richard Odusanya

My honest estimation of a leader is anyone with foresight whose vision is far greater than that of the nation put together. To the extent, a leader is someone capable of thinking out of the box while everyone around him is scared out of their pants. Such leadership is like a soothing balm for present excruciating pain.

A selfless and visionary leader is almost always great, simplifies who can cut through argument with a lot of people and very persuasive in speech and action. This types of leadership are not self-centered, greedy or nepotistic. They engage and collaborate with the citizens in different ways.

‘May 29’ 2021 marked the midterm of the second tenure of the present government, a day previously used by the country’s “rulers”, political gladiators, as our Democracy day celebration. Until very recently, precisely, two years ago, when we successfully engaged the 8th National Assembly (NASS), through our platform AFRICA COVENANT RESCUE INITIATIVE (ACRI), to legislate in favour of June 12, as our authentic Democracy day celebration.

The scorecard, as far as we are concerned, does not reflect the expectations and desires of the vast majority of our compatriots across board. We don’t have that type of leadership yet in Nigeria. Politics as usual will never get us anywhere. The road to a prosperous nation, a Nigeria that is great and free from the jackboot mentality is to be tedious and demanding.

It reminds me of the famous human rights advocate and the man who popularized the senior advocate of the masses (SAN), Chief Gani Fawehinmi of the blessed memory, he said: “the leader that will lead Nigeria to the dawn of that new day of economy growth, technological advancement, and political stability, will not come from the Mars, but from within the people who so wish to pay the full price for good leadership.

Also, according to the former first lady and later part secretary of state of the United States of America, Hillary Clinton, while on official duty tour of Africa, precisely at the town hall meeting, in Nigeria, sometimes ago in the year, 2010. In her admonition, she said: “it’s up to the good people of Nigeria who desires visionary and purposeful leadership to choose between vibrancy and complacency.” This is certainly a word for the wise, and it was a defining moment for me as a participant at that meeting.

Furthermore, it was the words of the duly elected president that never not sworn in and the symbol of unity as represented by what is known today as ‘June 12’, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the blessed memory, he said: “There cannot be the making of an omelette without the breaking of an egg.” and also the words of Bishop David Oyedepo “For everything there is a price to pay” this is a clear validation of the entire message on the price to pay.

As we inch towards our authentic Democracy day celebration ‘June 12,’ we sure have a date with history…as salute all our heroes past and Frontline Patriots.

THIS IS NOT THE NIGERIA THAT OUR HEROES ENVISIONED.

Richard Odusanya is a Social Reform Crusader and the convener of AFRICA COVENANT RESCUE INITIATIVE ACRI