PROTEST LEADERSHIP ANALYSIS
I want to review the protest in Nigeria. Someone once said that if you claim to be a leader and nobody is following you, you are merely taking a walk in the park. This emphasizes that followership is extremely important. Abraham Lincoln was asked how he managed to lead Americans during a time of difficulty. He demonstrated by placing a string on a table, pushing it from behind, causing it to fold. When he pulled the string from the front, it straightened out and followed his hand’s motion.
In Nigeria, several so-called leaders declared that they were dissociating themselves from the protests. These included the National Association of Nigerian Students in Lagos, leaders of indigenous communities, and some peculiar figures from the Delta, who warned against protesting. Ironically, religious leaders in the North, who have historically used religion to incite young people to attack other ethnic groups, were also involved. However, the universality of hunger has opened Nigerians’ eyes to these so-called leaders who practice elite capture. They align with the government, praise it, and receive material benefits and money, like the president-general of a community who hoarded bags of beans and salt, only for them to be discovered after his sudden death.
Many leaders, including religious figures, become silent after receiving benefits from those in power. Despite this, the northern youths protested. I will further analyse what happened during these protests. In the Niger Delta, people did not listen to these charlatans posing as leaders. However, there were states like Akwa Ibom where protesters did not come out because their governor interacts with them and they see the benefits of his leadership. In a few other states, people responded to the reasoning their leaders presented.
Most people in Nigeria who think they are leaders are just taking a walk in the park with no followers. Ironically, from the presidency down, many of those singing praises for the leaders are parasites and leeches. They are motivated by personal gain, and the president must be wise to this. Many of those who pushed him to contest the elections were not sincere, including some family members. Often, when things get tough, the same people who praised you will criticize you. What we need today is true leadership in this country, and to a large extent, it has slipped away from the hands of those who parade in the streets. Those who have ears, let them hear.
I remain Dr. Charles Apoki. God bless you.
