ZUMA’S FORCED RESIGNATION: IMPLICATIONS FOR AFRICAN LEADERS

After several years at the helm of the government of South Africa, President Zuma finally agreed to resign. While we applaud Zuma for getting out of the picture so that his nation would move forward, we am appalled, horror-struck that it took  this much  argument and prodding for the president to see the light and agree to step aside.

What was Zuma thinking about all along? Did he think South Africans are fools to let him run the nation aground like a pirate’s boat? Was he thinking he was accountable to no man but himself?  Was he aware  that South Africa is a democratic republic  rather than an autocratic regime? Did he know that thousands of South Africans  had struggled and bled to death for the nation to materialize?

 Has Zuma heard of Steve Biko?  Did he think he was above the laws governing  his nation and did he expect his citizens to obey the laws while he chose to flaunt them? Has he read Achebe’s Things Fall Apart or CryThe Beloved Country written by Alan Paton? We wonder.

First of all, Zuma is not South Africa, and South Africa does not belong to Zuma. So long as Zuma recognizes that Zuma and South Africa are two entirely separate entities, the better for all around . I find it unacceptable to imagine that an African president or governor of any country should feel that the nation he is elected or appointed to lead belongs to him and his family, or  that the country cannot exist without the president or governor.

 A nation outlives its citizens. A citizen or a leader may belong to a nation, but the nation cannot belong to a citizen or leader. The needs of a nation must supersede those of a leader, and not the other way around. Isn’t this the thinking of law-abiding citizenry?

The notion that a leader owns the nation is as wrong as wrongness becomes.  It is incorrect, mistaken, and erroneous,  A leader who feels he owns the nation is at a disadvantage in that he does not see the mistakes that are being made, he doesn’t have the opportunity or make serious efforts to correct his mistakes, and he does not have honest and loyal advisers to steer him right.

 All such a leader has is a bevy of ass kissers, ignoble sycophants, bribe takers who want to be in his graces for wrong reasons. African leaders ought to learn from  the mistakes made by Mugabe of Zimbabwe and South Africa’s Zuma.  

IMPLICATIONS FOR FUTURE  AFRICAN  LEADERS:

As a leader, you ought to realize that Africa is changing from a jungle ruled by lions to enlightened community of  thinking men and women. As such, you the leader  are nobody but a public servant; you have oga (master) over you, and your oga  are the people whose government you are leading. They all, including you, are citizens and stakeholders, not just those you voted for you, or just members of your political party. A leader leads all of his or her people.

The oga allows you to head the government, you did not come there by force or by any special talent you may think you have, and there are many citizens who have similar as you have  or better skills than you.

Conduct yourself humbly and circumspectly, meaning cautiously, vigilantly, warily, and suspiciously, knowing that one day you may be called upon to give an account.

Publish your doings carefully so others may notice and judge for themselves;  be open and transparent, and invite others to verify and correct. Avoid doing things in secrecy. Include private citizens in your administration and committees to provide transparency.

Develop a thick skin to listen to criticisms to gauge your progress ; however, do not allow reactions to criticisms, censures, disapprovals and reprimands from the press or individual citizen to cloud your head or to lead you to seek revenge and strike  out in anger. Encourage criticisms of your work, and invite criticizers to submit alternative plans.

Discourage others who wish to hero worship you. Remind yourself and others that you are but a public servant who does what everyone else can do for the nation.  Treat all and sundry with equal measure of love and care. Your motto shall be: “Ask not what Nigeria can do for you, but ask what you can do for Nigeria.”

Resist efforts by outsiders, agents of former colonial masters included, who might want to thwart gains made or to sell your nation’s soul or your country out on a platter of questionable and elusive promises. Be true to yourself.

Be careful how you handle public monies. State money does not belong to you. To dip hands into public bag is theft, pure and simple. It could lead to impeachment and earn you a vote of no confidence in you.

Do not be forced to resign. Call it quits when you’ve done all you can and conditions continue to deteriorate and you’ve held several consultative councils.  Explain the nation is bigger than an individual. Resign gracefully, and remain an elderly statesman helping younger leaders. 

Hand over all books and records at the end of your tenure. Be ready to be called upon to explain discrepancies. Be candid.

Your life and work should be a testimony after you,  a testament, evidence, witness, proof, demonstration, verification, authentication, or proof that modern Africa is advancing to take its place in the community of civilized nations. Good luck!

Written Saturday and posted  2/17/18

Dr. James C. Agazie; jamesagazie@gmail.com; jamesagazies.blodpot.com

ABOUT THE WRITER: Writer is a Nigerian residing in the USA, a retired college professor. He is not a politician, does not support any political party, and does not aspire for any advantage other than to serve as unpaid volunteer to advise and speak the truth. May be reached by text at 678-886-1613.