Since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999, the country has witnessed varying approaches to governance, leadership, and nation-building. However, two administrations—those of former President Muhammadu Buhari and current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—stand out as being particularly detrimental to national progress, marked by policies and actions that prioritize narrow interests over the collective good of the nation.
The National Vision Betrayed
The administrations of Buhari and Tinubu have left Nigeria grappling with economic collapse, heightened ethnic divisions, and weakened democratic institutions. Their leadership reflects the dangers of entrusting national governance to individuals whose visions are neither inclusive nor broad enough to accommodate Nigeria’s complex diversity.
Buhari’s Legacy of Nepotism and Division
Buhari’s presidency was characterized by an alarming level of nepotism, which prioritized ethnic affiliations over national competence. Sensitive offices were disproportionately filled by individuals from his region, disregarding the broader pool of talent across the country. This approach not only alienated other regions but also stifled the meritocracy needed for effective governance.
The Buhari administration’s economic policies deepened poverty and unemployment, while its handling of insecurity further exposed the absence of a coherent national vision. The pervasive hunger and desperation across the nation highlighted the administration’s failure to meet the basic needs of its citizens.
Tinubu’s Inheritance of Failure
Tinubu’s leadership appears to be an unfortunate continuation of Buhari’s missteps, with no discernible shift in focus toward national unity or economic revival. Instead of addressing the challenges facing Nigerians, his government has been accused of pandering to narrow interests, exacerbating the country’s social and economic woes. The lack of a clear and inclusive roadmap for development further entrenches the perception that Tinubu’s leadership prioritizes personal and regional agendas over national progress.
The Yar’Adua Contrast: A Missed Opportunity
In stark contrast to these two administrations, the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, despite the controversies surrounding his election, demonstrated a commitment to national recovery. Acknowledging the flaws in his electoral process, Yar’Adua worked to rebuild trust in democratic institutions and laid the foundation for economic reforms.
Importantly, Yar’Adua recognized the dangers of nepotism and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging among all ethnic groups. His approach highlighted the value of leaders with broad-minded perspectives who can balance Nigeria’s complex heterogeneity with a vision for collective prosperity.
Obasanjo’s Attempt at National Unity
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, while marked by accusations of high-handedness and electoral malpractices, demonstrated a deliberate attempt to bridge ethnic and regional divides. He sought out competent individuals from across the nation, irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds, to build a government that reflected Nigeria’s diversity.
Obasanjo’s focus on fostering national cohesion and meritocracy, albeit imperfect, contrasts sharply with the divisive and nepotistic tendencies of Buhari and Tinubu. His willingness to embrace talents from the North, South, East, and West underscored a broader understanding of leadership in a heterogeneous nation.
The Way Forward: Leadership Beyond Narrow Interests
Nigeria’s socio-political and economic challenges stem largely from the failure of its leaders to adopt a nationalistic approach to governance. When leaders prioritize ethnic or personal interests over the collective good, they undermine the nation’s potential for unity, stability, and growth.
The country’s diversity should be its strength, not its weakness. To move forward, Nigeria needs leaders with:
A National Vision: Leaders must prioritize policies that promote unity, inclusivity, and economic growth across all regions.
Meritocracy: Appointments to key positions should be based on competence and dedication rather than ethnic or regional affiliations.
Accountability: Leaders must demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that public resources are used for the benefit of all citizens.
Economic Revival: Policies should focus on boosting productivity, creating jobs, and addressing poverty.
Conclusion
The misadventures of the Buhari and Tinubu administrations serve as cautionary tales of the dangers of narrow-minded leadership in a diverse and complex nation like Nigeria. To reclaim its path to progress, Nigeria must demand leaders who embody the values of inclusivity, vision, and competence. Only then can the nation rise above its current challenges and realize its true potential as Africa’s giant.