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Democracy: When will Nigerian leaders get it right?
Monday, 17 September 2012
I waited till 3:a.m. local time on September 6, 2012 to listen to Bill Clinton, the former American President’s address to the Democratic Party convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. And once again, I was swept off balance by the quality of the American Democracy. For 48 long minutes, Clinton with perfect fluency picked on the state of the American union and one step after the other, addressed his party and nation on why Barack Obama, the current president should have his tenure renewed for another four years under a very difficult economic climate.
He bullied no one, he had a thorough understanding of all the issues raised and with historical data backed with an unusual grasp of the contemporary economic and social polity analyses of the American situation, made good sense. From leadership, economy, health care, the war in Afghanistan, job creation, among others, Clinton showed deep understanding of the discourse. His pitches, stresses and use of language were fantastic and he, indeed, worked the fine line that leaders must understand to carry the followership along and to ensure a total buy-in for the general good.
This is the attribute that our leaders must emulate locally. They must show a good grasp of issues and must be prepared to debate it. The way to lead is to show that you know the way. The late sage Obafemi Awolowo had that gift and to a good extent, the Owelle of Onitsha, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. These days there are a few leaders ready to take on a debate and explain their point of view succinctly for the followers to criticise or buy-in, which is an essential aspect of leadership. Wole Soyinka, Aare Afe Babalola, Bola Tinubu, Balarabe Musa, Rotimi Amaechi are some names that come to mind. I would recommend that interested people should take time to listen to that great speech delivered by Clinton and learn one or two things in leadership, public speaking and depth of analysis of issues.
It was one of the greatest speeches of his chequered career and it was not even delivered for his political ambition but on behalf of Barack Obama. Great job Bill Clinton!
Ayo Abina,
Lagos.
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