WHAT MANNER OF PRESIDENT???????????

As we draw near to another round of General elections, history beckons on us as a people. We have never had a successful democratic government handing over to another democratic government. This is much different to what we had in 2003 because there has to be “a change of guards” at the Presidency. We really have to make history this time.

But then, looking at the array of individuals who are jostling for the top spot, I keep asking myself this question “which of these men is our best option”? I ask this question ceteris paribus, if all eligible voters are registered, if election is free and fair in all sense of the word, if the playing field is level, if voters are not intimidated or arm-twisted, if…, if…, you know what I mean?

Not minding all the power play that has been showing in the last few weeks, not minding who is the “anointed” candidate of the ruling party, not minding who won the recent opinion polls, not minding the great records of achievements in academics, governance, business and so on being wielded by the different contenders, who is the best person for the job?

From my own perspective, it is of prime importance that whosoever will become the President of the most populous black Nation be able to define for the “at least” 140 million Nigerians what the Nigerian dream is all about, if ever there is one. If there is none, he should be able to envision a new pathway that we all would be proud about and be eager to work towards. In simple terms, he must be a visionary. Enough of leadership without direction and foresight. Even the good book says “if the blind lead the blind they both will fall into a ditch”. If we must entrust the next 4 years of our National life to a man, then he must be a man who knows the way.

Recently, I got thinking of what the true meaning and essence of Leadership is. I think it summarily means to show the way. The way to true national integration, where there won’t be a need for hostage taking in the Niger Delta to agitate the needs of the people. The way to true patriotism, where a Nigerian would think of the image of the country when he’s transacting any business across the borders of this nation. The way to true accountability and transparency, where public office holders would be accountable to the people.

We need Leadership at this time, when the youths of our Nation take pride in internet fraud, when the political class seem to take joy in politics without ideology and philosophy, when our professionals would rather practice their professions abroad, when qualitative education is not within the reach of the better part of the citizens of this Nation living below the poverty line.

I find it very insulting that at this age and time, politicians are promising free education, potable water, good roads and other things that are not supposed to be added advantages of voting a party or a candidate. We should know better, not being shortchanged. We should start to look forward to more value adding incentives if we have to vote for anyone, not for basic amenities. We should vote, not out of sentiments but rather from an objective and realistic mind. We should not vote based on which geo-political zone or ethnic nationality a candidate comes from but rather based on merit of past records and his ability to envision and lead us into a greater Nigeria of our dreams.

I look forward to reading your comments on what manner of President we need at this time.

GOD BLESS NIGERIA!