Urgent Call for Sensitivity: Akpabio Must Cease Jokes and Handle Financial Matters Responsibly Amidst Nigerian Hardships -By John Egbeazien Oshodi

In a country facing mounting challenges, Nigeria’s Senate President Godswill Akpabio finds himself at a critical juncture. A resounding plea emerges, urging Akpabio to exhibit sensitivity and prudence in his leadership. The call goes beyond just financial matters; it underscores the dire need for leaders to recognize the gravity of their actions and words amidst the hardships faced by the nation.

The recent incident where the Senate President trivialized the poignant phrase “Let the Poor Breathe” is emblematic of a troubling lack of empathy exhibited by some leaders. This phrase symbolizes the earnest plea for fairness and equity from marginalized communities, especially those grappling with poverty. Treating such a plea lightly only serves to undermine the struggles of those who are most vulnerable.

During a crucial period of economic instability and hardships experienced by the populace, Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that recess allowances were disbursed to senators. However, he later revised his statement, clarifying that prayers were sent to their email boxes instead. This announcement drew criticism from Nigerians who are grappling with financial difficulties.

Amid the backdrop of Nigeria’s struggles—poverty, insecurity, and economic challenges—there arises a unique opportunity for President Tinubu to offer valuable counsel. As a revered figure, President Tinubu’s role is pivotal. He has the capacity to advocate for a more empathetic brand of leadership that resonates with the shared pains of Nigerians. Amidst multifaceted challenges, President Tinubu’s voice could potentially serve as a bridge between the leadership and the citizens.

At the heart of the leadership insensitivity issue lies a profound psychological disconnect. Leaders, entrenched in their positions of power, often lose touch with the hardships faced by ordinary citizens. This empathy deficit perpetuates a cycle of despair, eroding public trust and creating a climate of hopelessness. To address this deficit, leaders must undergo a psychological transformation that fosters empathy and self-awareness. Orientation programs, psychological briefings, and experiential learning can bridge this gap and cultivate leadership that not only governs but also truly understands the needs of the populace.

The attempt to justify the Senate President’s flippant words with paid consultants only compounds the issue. Instead of acknowledging insensitivity, this approach widens the gap between leadership and citizens. Similarly, the explanation that the funds for senators were “prayers sent to emails” deflects responsibility and underestimates the significance of the matter. Such excuses undermine the severity of the challenges at hand and erode public trust in leadership’s ability to address them.

Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi’s critique of Senate President Akpabio’s televised announcement of holiday allowances exemplify the growing discontent. Senator Ningi, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), labeled the Senate President’s actions a “huge embarrassment.” He advocated for more transparency and clarity on the purpose and source of these allowances. His stance reflects the public sentiment that financial matters deserve thorough explanation.

Kassandra Ugochukwu’s tweet further echoes the criticism towards the Senate President, highlighting the shift from large-scale corruption to more discreet financial actions. This shift, as mentioned in the tweet, might be the reason for decreased aggression in the Senate. Such observations reveal the underlying concerns about the ethical conduct of leaders and the role of financial matters in governance.

Amidst this discourse, legal practitioner Maduabuchi O. Idam’s use of the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) highlights the need for transparency regarding senators’ “holiday enjoyment” allowances. By demanding detailed information about the amount and source of these funds, Idam emphasizes the significance of ethical conduct and responsible use of public funds. His actions underscore the growing demand for transparency and accountability within governance.

In light of these issues, the path forward necessitates a comprehensive psychological transformation. Leadership must be rooted in empathy, compassion, and ethical duty. The nation’s desperate pleas for sustenance and health demand a resolute departure from the current status quo.

As the challenges faced by Nigerians—skyrocketing exchange rates, widespread poverty, and rampant insecurity—grow increasingly severe, the significance of effective leadership cannot be underestimated. The actions and statements of leaders, including the Senate President, spotlight a concerning trend of apathy and insensitivity towards the struggles of ordinary citizens. While political leaders wield authority, their responsibilities encompass more than governance; they extend to empathizing with and addressing the needs of the people they serve.

This plea underscores those words spoken by leaders, especially those in positions of authority, hold immense power. It is disheartening to witness leaders trivialize issues that deeply affect citizens’ lives. Such actions create a disconnect between the governed and the governing, eroding the public’s trust in their leaders’ capacity to understand and address their concerns.

In a nation grappling with economic instability and security challenges, ethical leadership is paramount. Holding positions of authority is not enough; leaders must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the welfare of their citizens. Sensitivity to the struggles faced by the average Nigerian should form the bedrock of leadership attributes. Rather than perpetuating a divide, leaders must cultivate an understanding of the people’s pain and plight.

As a solution, comprehensive orientation programs for leaders, enriched with psychological briefings about national hardships, emerged as a promising strategy. Fostering a deep understanding of citizens’ realities, combined with awareness of their responsibilities, can encourage leaders to act with heightened sensitivity. Reinforcing accountability mechanisms is equally vital, ensuring leaders are held answerable for their words and actions.

In a nation standing at the crossroads of challenges and uncertainties, the role of leadership cannot be understated. Ethical leadership is not just a term; it’s a vital embodiment of responsibility, compassion, and empathy. As President Bola Tinubu ponders the future, this plea calls on him to consider his role in shaping it. By offering counsel and guidance, President Tinubu has the potential to be a beacon of change in a landscape desperate for transformation.

The urgency of this plea lies in its potential to reshape leadership’s trajectory. It’s an invitation to President Tinubu to steer leaders away from insensitivity and towards empathetic accountability. By leveraging his influence, President Tinubu can inspire leaders like Senate President Akpabio to prioritize the nation’s welfare, ushering in a new era of leadership that embraces the aspirations and needs of the Nigerian people.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic/clinical psychologist, and legal psychologist. He is the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health in Nigeria, and he provides forensic-clinical psychological services to several government organizations in the United States. He is currently a contributing faculty member at Nexus International University, Weldios University, Walden University, and Nova Southeastern University.  info@teuopen.university.