The Legacy of Leadership and the Struggle for Justice
October 20, a day marked by protests and unrest, has come and gone. Nnamdi Kanu remains in detention, and justice is still pending. However, history has already recorded that a man named Omoyele Sowore took on the role of a catalyst, challenging the status quo. He pushed for Nnamdi Kanu’s release for medical treatment, ensuring he receives a fair trial in accordance with the law. His bold words stirred the capital city into chaos, forcing the police to act aggressively with tear gas and batons. Is Sowore a human being, a spirit, or a curse upon corrupt leaders? Or is he a prophet sent to restore the state and its operatives from moral decay?
William Gumedes, in his introductory remarks on Mandela’s “No Easy Walk to Freedom,” provided an insightful analysis of leadership and its evolution. He highlighted how those who once stood for justice can become its adversaries. Gumedes emphasized that leadership is not merely about holding power but about the quality of one’s actions, behavior, and vision.
In his words:
“The failure of most African liberation movements-turned-governments lies in the moral corruption of their leaders and parties, even if they have a just cause and impeccable struggle credentials. Suddenly finding themselves in positions of power, many leaders have succumbed to the temptations of wealth and authority, leading to a loss of moral compass. Mandela was an exception, maintaining his integrity despite the trappings of power.”
Gumedes also discussed democratic morality, which transcends cultural and religious boundaries. It involves ethical behavior, a sense of duty, and governance that serves the broader population rather than personal interests.
President Tinubu: A Leader in Transition
President Bola Tinubu, the 16th president of Nigeria, is often seen as a champion of democracy. His early life in southwestern Nigeria and education in the United States laid the foundation for his political career. He returned to Nigeria in the 1980s, working as an accountant before entering politics. His involvement in the pro-democracy National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) marked a significant turning point in his journey.
Tinubu played a crucial role in advocating for the recognition of Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Abiola as the legitimate winner of the June 12, 1993 election, which was annulled by the military government of Ibrahim Babangida. On the Senate floor, Tinubu condemned the annulment, calling it a coup d’état and urging Nigerians to reject injustice.
After General Sani Abacha seized power in 1993, Tinubu faced arrest, detention, and threats to his life. He went into exile, continuing his activism abroad as part of NADECO. Upon returning in 1998 after Abacha’s death, Tinubu became a key figure in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
The Shift in Ideals
Tinubu once stood for everything his current government opposes: protests, injustice, and the suppression of activists. What changed? Is it the corrupting influence of power or the shifting tides of time?
If Tinubu recognized years ago that the annulment of a credible election could spark unrest, why can’t he see that hunger, ethnic profiling, and resource inequality can lead to similar outcomes today? As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is it fair that peaceful protesters are met with live bullets and tear gas?
It is instructive to note that Tinubu may now be facing the same challenges he once opposed. The part of him that once stood for justice is now affected by a "deadly disease" called "power and moral corruption," as described by Gumedes. This shift raises questions about the true nature of leadership and the responsibilities of those in power.
The Role of the People
Nigerians, too, seem to have fallen into this moral corruption. They have begun to support their oppressors, abandoning the fighters who once stood for justice. Despite Sowore’s efforts to liberate Nigeria, many focus more on his escape from tear gas than on his message. What does it take to be an activist? Is it the ability to endure live bullets and tear gas?
President Tinubu can reclaim his role as a leader of change. He has the potential to re-embrace the ideals he once championed, standing up against injustice and protecting the rights of all citizens.
Akingbondere, an author and law graduate, writes from Akure, Ondo State.