Compassionate leadership

Over the last 50 years Nigeria has had leadership from men who have travelled the world. They have seen how good roads have been maintained and kept up to standard. They have seen how electricity can be supplied for 24 hours without any interruption, the same goes for water supply. They have also seen how a good education system can enable the poorest in the society have a chance of improving their quality of life.

I met with a friend last night who said what our leadership has lacked over the years is a sense of compassion. They have become insular to the society at large that they live in, and have enjoyed the adulation and respect heaped on them on a daily basis. However, this insular society continues to become prevalent because the children of these leaders study in best schools and live overseas.

I heard that bulletproof cars are the latest craze in Nigeria, the height of paranoia has seized many with wealth and power. The simple solution is provide for the basic needs of the common man on the street, give him water, electricity, good roads and a good education for his children. It is only when these fundamental basic needs are met that crime will be reduced and reliance on bulletproof cars will no longer be required.

When will Nigeria will have a compassionate leader who would consider the plight of the common man? Is our current leadership a compassionate one? Only time will tell.