JUST BEFORE THE TURN 2

JUST BEFORE THE TURN (2)
As earlier stressed, the millions of inhabitants of the African continent thirst for a change. A change in their lives, in environment, in their fortunes, in their economy and above all in their polity. It is an incontrovertible fact that the most effective of changes would be to have committed, dynamic, intelligent and trustworthy leaders take up the saddle in the African nations. This is not to deny the fact that the individual contributions of the righteous professionals about to come forth when summed up will make an appreciable impact but it is also pertinent to note that worthy, righteous and efficient leaders at the helm of affairs will help speed up the expected turnaround.
Now, just before we change gears and round the bend, it will be important to recognise a few problems that have ensured that we remained at the same stage we were after independence if not receding beyond the point they left us. Without identifying these problems, it might be impossible to move safely into our eldorado.
First among these problems is that of the quality of the leadership we have been forced to cope with in Africa. Africa has not been blessed with leaders who have a flawless and impressive understanding of their economies of their countries. Even when they are helped to know the myriad of problems besetting their nations, they have no requisite ability to think of appropriate solutions to the problems. At best, what they know is how to understate the problems or to brazenly deny their existence. But listen to leaders of countries in other climes and naturally you perceive their intelligence, exposure and maturity. Even when our leaders are given good pieces of advice, their ego and inane desire to show the world that they are in charge will not allow them take such advice and use them. They would even rather surround themselves with some ‘blockhead yes-men’ who would comply with their every whims and caprices than have intelligible people around who will constitute challenges to their authority and expose their intellectual poverty.
Another problem we have is that of corruption. Everyone is involved in this but the most culpable are the leaders who daily exploit our suffering economy to enrich themselves and their cronies. I believe Barack Obama’s admonition that no nation will grow if the leaders keep exploiting the economy to enrich themselves, was specifically meant for our leaders.
The third problem is that of wrong appointments. Most times we find strategic and important posts being held by people incapable of handling such posts either by qualification, experience or track records. That’s why you get to hear of laughable appointments like doctors of geography being appointed as ministers of finance; veterinary doctors appointed health ministers; lawyers appointed as power ministers among many other ridiculous examples. It is indubitable of course that such appointments sailed through because the people involved are cronies of those in power and have questionably found their way around parliamentary screening, often ‘taking a bow.’
Yet another major problem we face is the lack-lustre attitude of civil servants coupled with their kleptomaniac predilections. So many of government’s property like furniture, television sets, cutlery among others have found their way to the houses of some civil servants who seem to be relying on government property to equip their houses. Apart from these tangible things, they have also helped government money to be fleeced, colluding with corrupt public officials, of course, after good bargains to secure their share. They do not devote equal passion to their job believing that whether they do well or not, they will get their pay at the end of the month. This attitude must change. We must begin to see government property as our collective property, not meant to be taken away by anyone. We must also be devoted to our jobs for that is the way we can contribute our own quota in ensuring that things change for the better.
It is my belief that the three problems pointed out above have been the causes of the other problems we have in this nation. If we tackle these problems head-on, then we can begin to expect things to change. Tackling the problems would require physical, mental and spiritual efforts on the part of everyone who is desirous of a change for this country. We can tackle the problem of leadership by making sure that the only people who get our mandate are those who have the intellectual abilities to lead us while at the same time resisting anyone who does not have the necessary qualities but is trying to force himself on us. In addition to that, we must specially make efforts at identifying capable people wherever they may be, encourage them to contest and support them massively. The same applies for ministerial appointments and other similar appointments. We need only leaders who are well-trained in whatever field they are coming to lead, have super-thinking faculties that can provide solutions to the myriad of problems on ground and can at the same time respond effectively to any problems that may arise. Such leaders must also be charismatic, convincing in their speech and actions, morally upright, mentally dogged, visionary and above all, tested and trusted in the true sense of the words.
"…He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear God." -2Sam 23:3b
Nationally, we need leaders who have taken time to prepare themselves for the task of leadership and as such reflect intelligence in their speech and analysis. That was a major strength of Barack Obama during his campaign. We want to see presidential candidates who can intelligently explain the current economic situation, analyse and specify the way forward, not people who would promise us light and water. That’s very easy to say, even for a 2 year old kid. If you are promising us power, let us know how you intend to achieve this and within what time period. We need leaders who do not need to read speeches prepared for them before they can respond to urgent national issues. We need leaders who can stand before the people to deliver intelligent and motivational speeches that will fire up the zeal in people as they go about their daily businesses. We need leaders who are sensitive to the needs of the people and will not go around throwing birthday bashes with millions when lecturers have not been paid. We need leaders who will make us proud when being interviewed by both the local and international media not people who would fret before white journalists, break off in sentences as they attempt to perfect their lies and then ultimately refuse to answer the actual questions posed to them. The kind of leaders we need are those would daily be thinking of our to truly diversify and grow the economy and let that reflect in their policies. We need selfless leaders not those who consume half of the budget to pay themselves salaries and allowances. We need people who will tackle issues and not personalities. We need committed leaders who will lead by example. If we get them, then this nation and this continent will progress. It is only when we have found them and ready to do all within our power to get them to power that we can really claim to be ready for a new turn.

"As the partridge sitteth on eggs and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool." Jer.17:11 (KJV)