Another area where our contemporary leaders need to improve on is that of transparency and accountability. In fact, they should be transparent about their decisions, budgets, and allocations. The reason for the foregoing view cannot be farfetched because when the people understand how resources are utilized, trust grows. This is as accountability ensures that promises are fulfilled.
There is no denying the fact that since May 29, 2023, when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu became Nigeria’s most paramount leader that across Nigeria’s bustling cities and serene villages that the masses have unprecedentedly been grappling with economic hardships, rising food prices, and a sense of abandonment. As the nation’s leaders, it is imperative that all leaders holding sway in the legislative, judiciary and executive arms of government, and in the three-tiers of government, should recognize the urgency of these challenges and respond with empathy, compassion, and decisive action, particularly as they have already spent a year each in government without the positive impact of their leadership efforts; whether collectively or individually, been felt.
Against the foregoing backdrop, permit this writer to explore the significance of empathy in leadership and implore contemporary Nigerian politicians, particularly those presently holding sway in the ongoing administration been led by President Tinubu to govern with genuine concern for the well-being of their fellow citizens. This plea cannot be ignored in this context as it is not an exaggeration to say that for any nation to effectively develop, it requires the cooperation of the masses. Therefore, contemporary Nigerian leaders holding various positions must acknowledge that they “see” the people, their struggles, frustrations, and aspirations. After all, when they were campaigning in 2023, they individually and collectively made promises which they are today not fulfilling, rather, they are subjecting the people to unparalleled hardships, so much so that Garri, which used to be a Giffen food product has now become a luxury to not a few Nigerians.
For the sake of clarity, “A Giffen good is a low-income, non-luxury product for which demand increases as the price increases and vice versa. A Giffen good has an upward-sloping demand curve which is contrary to the fundamental laws of demand which are based on a downward sloping demand curve”.
Without a doubt, empathy bridges the gap between rulers and the ruled, fostering a sense of shared purpose and collective progress. Unfortunately, this vital link seems to be missing in the current political landscape.
Barrister Onyebueke Fidelis, a legal luminary and human rights lawyer, recently expressed his concern about Nigeria’s leadership. In an interview, he lamented that our leaders live extravagant lives while the masses endure pain and deprivation. This stark contrast highlights the urgent need for empathy-driven governance.
Given the foregoing backdrop, there is an urgent need to call contemporary Nigeria leaders, particularly those under the ongoing administration been led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to action.
The reason for making the foregoing view cannot be farfetched as it expedient they recognize the struggle which majority of Nigerians who voted for them face by each passing day, and step out of their comfort zones and truly understand the daily struggles faced by the people. Whether it is the market woman selling tomatoes or the Okada rider navigating traffic, their experiences matter.
In fact, our contemporary leaders should lead towards alleviating the economic hardships been faced by the people, particularly as rising food prices, unemployment, and inadequate healthcare services burden the masses. As it is at the moment, there is no denying the fact that Nigerians need empathetic leaders who are compassionate enough to prioritize policies that address these pressing issues. Without a doubt, it is time to put the welfare of the people at the forefront.
As it is now, against the backdrop of the prevailing biting economy, Nigerians need leaders who have empathetic and engaging dispositions, and have the abilities to actively listen to their collective plight. In fact, Nigerian contemporary leaders should begin to engage with the people as assessments of their one year in various offices show they are distant from the people, and paranoid so much that not a few of them perceive the people to be their enemies, particularly whenever they are called to account or criticized.
Aptly put, they should begin to pay heed to stories that revolve around the sufferings of the masses, and with alacrity, respond with compassion. They should be people-oriented, and strive to imbibe the approach of at all times reaching out to them and engaging them through platforms that cut across town hall meetings, community dialogues, and open-door policies as they can foster mutual connection between them and the people, who invariably voted them to power, or vicariously made them popular enough to be spotted by the government for political appointments. After all, it is said that “A leader is nobody without people to lead.”
Another area where our contemporary leaders need to improve on is that of transparency and accountability. In fact, they should be transparent about their decisions, budgets, and allocations. The reason for the foregoing view cannot be farfetched because when the people understand how resources are utilized, trust grows. This is as accountability ensures that promises are fulfilled.
In a similar vein, Nigerian contemporary leaders in President Tinubu-led government should always strive to lead by example. The reason for the foregoing can also not be farfetched as empathetic leaders lead by example. They sacrifice personal comfort for the greater good. Whether it is reducing unnecessary expenses or channeling resources to critical sectors, actions speak louder than words.
At this juncture it is expedient to urge Nigerian contemporary leaders, particularly those presently serving the nation under Tinubu-led government to incorporate their religious backgrounds into governance by leading with empathy. After all not a few of them profess to be either Christians or Muslims.
It is germane to clarify that the reason for urging them to harness religious influence for good governance is that Nigeria, being a nation known for its vibrant religious landscape, can leverage the influence of religious leaders to foster good governance. Whether Christian or Muslim, these leaders hold sway over their followers and play a critical role in shaping public opinion.
To harness this influence effectively, Nigerian leaders must collaborate with religious figures to address pressing issues. By emphasizing empathy, compassion, and ethical leadership, they can create policies that resonate with the people’s faith and values.
Again, it is not a misnomer to urge contemporary leaders to strive to lead with empathy. In fact, it is not out of place to urge them, whether in politics, business, or civil society, to recognize the power of empathy in governance.
Drawing from their religious backgrounds, they can prioritize the welfare of citizens, especially the most vulnerable. In fact, when leaders embody these principles, they create a more inclusive and compassionate society. Without a doubt, it is expedient for them to heed the call to lead with empathy, guided by the wisdom of our religious traditions, for the betterment of Nigeria and all Nigerians.
Given the foregoing, it is germane to remind all contemporary Nigerian leaders to remember that empathy transcends religious boundaries, and when they embrace it, they can bridge divides and work toward a more equitable and harmonious Nigeria.