A PAPER PRESENTED BY PROF. ABIODUN AMUDA-KANNIKE SAN, DEAN, FACULTY OF LAW, KWARA STATE UNIVERSITY, MALETE, VIA ILORIN, KWARA STATE OF NIGERIA AT THE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT ORGANISED BY THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF KWARA STATE STUDENT (NAKSS) KWARA STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) LAFIAGI, KWARA STATE ON WEDNESDAY, 14TH OF SEPTEMBER, 2022 AT THE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM
Presenter’s Phone No: 08033256756 Presenter’s Email Address: amudakannikeabiodun@gmail.com
INTRODUCTION
The topic on its own is a unique one as it is a current affair preparing the nation, Nigeria towards the 2023 general election. It is more unique because, it reminds us as citizens, our civic responsibility[1] that we must not fold our hands and at the same time, expect the nation to have a good election which will enable us to achieve transformational leadership.
In order to appreciate this presentation, it is important to define in a nut shell, the following terms;
Maximizing Opportunity iii. Election
Achieving Transformational Leadership MAXIMIZING
This connotes making the best use of a situation or circumstances. It also means to make something as great in amount, value, and importance as much as possible.[2]
Also, the word maximizing has been described as[3] to increase something such as profit or income as much as possible, or to use something in such a way as to give the greatest practical value or the best results.
OPPORTUNITY
Opportunity means, a favourable juncture of circumstances. It also connote a good chance for advancement or progress.[4] The phrases containing the word “Opportunity” are;
at someone’s earliest opportunity. at every opportunity iii. equal opportunity
golden opportunity window of opportunity when opportunity knocks seize the opportunity The word has been further defined as a situation in which it is possible for you to do something that you want to do. It also means a favourable, appropriate or advantageous combination of circumstances. It is also called “a chance” or “prospect”. Without stopping at only these alone, opportunity also means; a combination of circumstances favourable for the purpose; fit time or a good chance or occasion as to advance oneself.[5]
ACHIEVING
Achieving means, to successfully bring about or reach a desired objective or result, through efforts, skills, or courage.[6] It means to carry out a task successfully, to get or attain a result or to becoming successful in completing a task.[7]
TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Transformational means being able to produce a big change or improvement in a situation such transformational reforms, steps, and strategies, transformational ideas or experiences.[8]
Now in the context of this work, a transformational leadership is defined as a leadership approach that causes change in individuals and social systems. In its ideal for, there is the creation of valuable and positive change in the followers with the end goal of developing followers into leaders.
Transformational leadership is a type of leadership where a leader works with teams or followers beyond their immediate self-interest to identify needed change, creating a vision to guide the change.[9]
ELECTION
Election connote the choice which several persons collectively make of a person to fill an office or place. In another way of saying it properly, it means the choice which is made by a person having the right, of selecting one of two alternative contracts or rights.[10]
There are many types of election but the one which is important to us is the “public election” and they are generally made by ballots with the cardinal principle that whoever receives the majority of the lawful votes stand elected and assume the position of leadership in the area he or she is elected.[11]
Election has been further described as a situation where a formal group of persons chooses an individual or group of individuals to hold public office. Furthermore, it is the act of choosing or selecting one or more from a greater number of persons, things, courses or rights.[12]
MAXIMIZING THE OPPORTUNITY OF ELECTION TOWARDS ACHIEVING TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
This presentation here will be divided into five (5) different areas in order to appreciate this topic having dealt with the introduction and definition of terms.[13] These areas are as follows;
Duties of the Electorates and Government The likely results if this above duties are performed or not performed iii. Summary
Recommendations Conclusion. DUTIES OF THE ELECTORATES AND GOVERNMENT
Duty to have a PVC It is the responsibility of the electorates who are in quest for transformational leaders to have the instruments to work with during the election and the most important of these instruments is the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) without which one cannot vote nor be in the voting arenas. It was stated that towards the 2023 general election, about 20million PVCs have not been collected. This is an astromical figure, yet we are asking for transformational leadership.[14]
Being involved in the choice of leadership As an individual, it is important to know who to elect as leaders. Therefore, we cannot fold our hands to say that Politics is a dirty game, we should allow them to play it and that we are not interested. This care-free attitude is not the best if we require transformational leadership as our participation can be in various ways;
we can join any of the political parties from the Ward level. we can have genuine sympathy for any of the political parties iii. we can campaign for any of the political parties[15]
Being involved in mobilization of voters to vote It is the duty of the voting public to make sure that the citizens are mobilized to vote during election. It is unfortunate that at different period of election, a lot of people registered to vote but only insignificant number of people eventually voted. This cannot be said to be citizens who craved for transformational leadership. In the last Osun governorship election, only 42.16 percent of the registered voters actually voted[16] out of 1.95 million registered voters. In 2018, it was 45.74 percent.
Being involved to make sure that Votes Counts The members of the public especially the voters must make sure that there exist no malpractices during election especially when votes are being counted after the election at the polling unit since the new Electoral Act has now recognized electronic transmission of results. The Voters collectively regardless of political affiliations should make sure the proper results are announced, recorded and electronically transmitted to INEC. The Civil Society groups should be ready to assist in this regard.[17]
Being involved to stop Fake News The election has not started, campaigns have not began, yet there are now many fake news in the social media, newspapers and other means of communication in Nigeria. This is capable of undermining the 2023 general election. The office of the DSS, came out to state categorically that social media, fake news are the biggest threats to 2023 election.[18]
Prevention of Insecurity In this regard, both the citizens and the government should as a matter of urgent necessity prevent insecurity before, during and after the 2023 general election in Nigeria.[19]
It is now more than before, that the government should ensure the safety of the lives of Nigerians by taking decisive actions which will end the activities of the bandits and terrorists.[20]
THE LIKELY RESULT OF THE ABOVE DUTIES WHICH MAY BE POSITIVES OR NEGATIVES
Enthronement of democratic structures We have earlier highlighted and discussed the duties of both the members of the public especially the voters. It is our candid believe that once this duties are properly carried out, there is the likelihood of enthronement of democratic structures.
Everyone says that they preferred democracy to military rule but if we undermine, our democracy, are we not inviting the military to come back to power? The rest question is for us to answer.[21]
Good laws through Good Leadership at the states and National Assemblies The whole essence of democracy is to enjoy the benefits of democratic dividends and among these dividends is “good laws”. If the legislatures are truly the representatives of the citizens and not the other way round, the laws that will be made will truly represent the wishes and aspirations of the people. If however, the legislatures are not representing the citizens and their wishes, most of the laws which the people will be forced to obey will be bad laws and this may eventually lead to chaos and upheavals. The constitution recognized the law making power of the State Assemblies[22] and National Assembly[23] comprising of the Senate[24] and House of Representatives.[25]
Where it concerns appropriation bill or supplementary appropriation bill, including issues dealing with consolidated Revenue Fund, the two houses are to work jointly in order to make good laws.[26]
Good Educational facilities, opportunities and knowledge There will be good educational facilities, educational opportunities and knowledge once there is in place a transformational leader. An average Youth/students in this country are interested in good educational facilities and opportunities. However the opportunity of being able to achieve this is to use the platform of election to choose purposeful leaders.[27]
Provision of jobs for Students, Youths and Graduates The fact remains that as at today, there are few jobs but lots of job seekers. The Electorates therefore believe that any leader who can provide jobs for the youths to be employed is the right choice. This is true but we believe that transformational leaders once chosen can provide entrepreneurship, access to funds and proper empowerment would have been seen to have done.[28] The Youth Initiatives for Advocacy, Growth and Advancement (YIAGA) stated that Nigeria is in a stage where the 2023 elections will be decided by young people.
There will be better human right protection A good leadership structure is usually the catalyst for human right protection which are guaranteed under the constitution as follows;
Right to Life[29] Right to dignity of human person[30] Right to personal liberty[31] Right to fair hearing[32] Right to private and family[33] Right to freedom of thought, conscience and Religion[34] Right to freedom of expression and the press[35] Right to Peaceful Assembly and Association[36] Right to freedom of movement[37] Right to freedom from discrimination[38] Right to acquire and own immovable property anywhere in Nigeria[39] SUMMARY
We have been able to look at the key words and their meanings in this presentation and which keywords are (i) maximizing (ii) Opportunity (iii) election (iv) achieving (v) transformational leadership.
Thereafter, we divided this work into five (5) segments which are (i) duties of the electorates and government (ii) the likely results if this above duties are performed or not performed (iii) summary (iv) recommendations and (v) conclusion.
RECOMMENDATIONS
In maximizing the opportunity of election towards achieving transformational leadership, the followings are recommended for utilization by both the citizens and government;
those who have not collected their PVCs should immediately proceed to make sure that they are collected before the 2023 election. every citizen regardless of your tribes, religion or ethnic nationality should take interest in who governs us in order to produce good leaders. We however also urge the National Assembly to make laws for “independent candidacy” in the constitution. both the citizens and the government should intensify more on voters education. The NGO’s should assist more in this regard. every citizen regardless of party affiliations should participate in making sure that votes counts and are properly transmitted to INEC portal. This portal should be allowed to be transparent enough for members of the public to believe in it. the citizens should report fake news to the appropriate authority. Fake news can destroy the nation. It should not be allowed. the government should intensify and provide enough security. Where there is need for foreign assistance, same should be applied for. the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be more independent in action than orally or in writing. the judiciary should help determine matters timeously and with sound judgments which can stand the test of time. the Political parties should focus on issue in their campaigns rather than over-heating the polity.
CONCLUSION
From our discussion, it can be seen that there is the need for the citizens to maximize the opportunity of election towards achieving transformational leadership. However, there are lots of duties which are necessary to perform in order to achieve these lofty dreams.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
STATUTES Section 100 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended Section 47 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended Section 59 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended Section 43 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended
INTERNET MATERIALS Maximizing; Cambridge University Press; see https://dictionary.cambridge.org; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/ 2022 at 1am Maximizing: Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English; See https://www.idoceonline.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 1:10am Opportunity; Meeriam Webster Dictionary; See https://www.merriam-webster.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 1:30am Opportunity; Collins Dictionary; See https://www.collinsdictionary.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 1:30am Achieving; Collins Dictionary: https://www.collinsdictionary.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 3am Achieving’ Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English: See https://www.idoceonline.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 3:15am Transformational; Cambridge University Press; see https://dictionary.cambridge.org; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 5am Transformational Leadership: see https://managementstudyguide.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 7am Election; The Free Dictionary: see https://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 1:53am Election: Blacks Law Dictionary: See https://thelawdictionary.org; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 2am Channels Television; see https://www.channelstv.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 1pm INEC Nigeria; Rights and Responsibilities of the Voters: see www.inecnigeria.org; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 3:10pm Osun Decides; Dataphyte: see https://www.dataphyte.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 3:20pm Ibrahim Faruk; Making votes count in the 2023 general elections; see TheCable: www.thecable.ng; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 3:25pm The Guardian Nigeria: see https://guardian.ng; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 3:30pm Insecurity: 2023 general election… Vanguard News: see https://www.vanguardngr.com; Accessed through the internet Vanguard News; see www.vanguardngr.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 6:07pm [1] Some persons do not know that it is their duty to participate in the election in order to assist in producing good leaders at the various level of leadership.
[2] Maximizing; Cambridge University Press; see https://dictionary.cambridge.org; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/ 2022 at 1am
[3] Maximizing: Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English; See https://www.idoceonline.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 1:10am
[4] Opportunity; Meeriam Webster Dictionary; See https://www.merriam-webster.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 1:30am
[5] Opportunity; Collins Dictionary; See https://www.collinsdictionary.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 1:30am
[6] Achieving; Collins Dictionary: https://www.collinsdictionary.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 3am
[7] Achieving’ Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English: See https://www.idoceonline.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 3:15am
[8] Transformational; Cambridge University Press; see https://dictionary.cambridge.org; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 5am
[9] Transformational Leadership: see https://managementstudyguide.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 7am
[10] Election; The Free Dictionary: see https://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 1:53am
[11] Ibid
[12] Election: Blacks Law Dictionary: See https://thelawdictionary.org; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 2am
[13] The division of this main work into five different areas becomes necessary especially there is the need for electorates and members of the public both in Nigeria and abroad to work towards the success of the fort-coming Nigeria general election 2023. There is the need for everyone to have interest in all the electoral activities which will culminate into the election and eventual swearing in of the winners without destruction to lives and properties nor communal uphieval. Like it is usually said; “Knowledge is power”.
[14] Channels Television; see https://www.channelstv.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 1pm
[15] INEC Nigeria; Rights and Responsibilities of the Voters: see www.inecnigeria.org; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 3:10pm
[16] Osun Decides; Dataphyte: see https://www.dataphyte.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 3:20pm
[17] Ibrahim Faruk; Making votes count in the 2023 general elections; see TheCable: www.thecable.ng; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 3:25pm
[18] The Guardian Nigeria: see https://guardian.ng; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 3:30pm
[19] Insecurity: 2023 general election… Vanguard News: see https://www.vanguardngr.com; Accessed through the internet
[20] Ibid
[21] Emmanuel O. Ojo; The Military and the Challenge of Democratic consolidation in Nigeria: positive skepticism and negative optimism: Journal of Military and Strategic studies centre of military and strategic studies 2014 ISSN-1488-559X
[22] Section 100 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended
[23] Section 47 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended
[24] Section 58 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended
[25] Ibid
[26] Section 59 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended
[27] Just as it is usually an adage sayings; Your duty once properly performed will give you your rights
[28] Vanguard News; see www.vanguardngr.com; Accessed through the internet on 9/9/2022 at 6:07pm
[29] Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended
[30] Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended
[31] Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended
[32] Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended
[33] Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended
[34] Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended
[35] Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended
[36] Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended
[37] Section 41 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended
[38] Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended
[39] Section 43 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended