LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL CHANGE: NIGERIA AND THE STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL AKOWE JOHN-DUKE SELIME INTRODUCTION Nigeria

is a nation of many ethnic and religious groups; and for this, governing the society is an enormous job. Given the presence of politically assertive ethnic groups, the stability and survival of the present democratic politics depends on how the leader controls the potential ethnic disputes that would result. Nigerias short life has been packed with successions of social changes. There has been the shift from regions to states, from farms to cities, from agriculture to industries, and now power shift from the north to the south. These changes have not been for the benefit of the common man. Only those in the corridor of power have gained from those with multiplicity of riches, while the ordinary citizens have remained in wallowing penury. Nevertheless, change is ubiquitous and permeating in any society, particularly in that which strives to fulfil human needs. And it takes a committed leadership to accomplish a propitious change in a society. Even admits these social changes, it is still dark inside and Nigeria is still waiting for the dawn. How can the nations problems of acute state failure or political collapse be addressed? One option is self-critical leadership, good governance, and transparency in state activities. Let us spend some thought on leadership as it relates to social change or development. LEADERSHIP Before delving into the issue of leadership, it is necessary to make certain what a leader is. The definition of a leader is as diverse as the myriad of books and articles written on the construct. This is because each writer has defined leadership from a different perspective. No matter the angle from which the definition of leadership is viewed, a leader is one who exerts unusual influence and considerable power. SOCIAL CHANGE THE SRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL As psychology has noted, to redouble ones efforts is a healthy response to an obstacle. It follows therefore that for Nigeria to survive as a nation, we have to remain vigilant and intensify our efforts in areas of deficiency and dearth. And our value-violators should be punished. In addition, our negative frame of references, for instance the advance

fee fraud or what we call the 419ers that are anchored in our social environment should be dismantled and ripped to shreds. We should be realistic in our struggle for survival, because the world is watching. The present leadership administration should wage war on ethnicity and nepotism, which are inimical to the unity of this great nation. This does not mean that groups would not retain their identity and work for their progress. But this should not be carried out in a manner that would undermine the unity and stability of the nation. And in future politicians who are pandering to ethnic interests should be rejected at the polling booth. It is imperative that Nigeria is re-structured into a mobile society; a nation where one could live in any state of his choice, secure employment at the state and local levels without limitations, and participate meaningfully in the affairs of the community of his abode. The problem of secret cults or youth gangs in our tertiary institutions is a serious threat to the survival of Nigeria. Our universities have been turned into killing fields, instead of places of learning. Let us take for instance the incidence that came into appearance sometimes around June, 1999 in the Delta state University in Abraka where there was the killing of the principal assistant registrar at the institution. The congress should institute appropriate and enforceable laws against cult activities on university campuses. Nigeria has been doing poorly in these areas, despite her enormous oil wealth. For our economic revival efforts to be successful, the civilian administration should axe those corrupt and inefficient managers of our public utilities and facilities - PHCN, NNPC, NIPOST, NITEL, the Refineries, the Ports, and other establishments that are the hub of our economy. How does one justify the payment of monthly salaries to the executives of these corporations that are not performing? No serious society can afford to do that. The salaries of our executives should be tied to their productivity - that is, the effectiveness of their policies. It is imperatively imperative to understand that the underdevelopment of a country is the result of its deficient value system and economic structure. It is equally important to understand that the key social forces that have fostered democracy in the United States and other stable democratic nations are not yet in Nigeria. Our deficiencies are many; but we must have to give democracy a chance to survive in the society. For this, the present socioeconomic re-structuring in Nigeria should be pursued with speed and sincerity.

CONCLUSION Leadership commitment is essential to the survival and progress of Nigeria. The people have an important role to play too. But the peoples commitment would be difficult to secure if the leaders who are calling on them for sacrifice do not themselves make any sacrifices. To stamp out corruption in the country, Nigerians should always elect or appoint people of probity to manage the affairs of the nation. This group must analyze each situation in the society critically, in order to determine appropriate target of change, who should be involve in the effort, and what method will most likely lead to the desired outcome. The majority of Nigerians are pleased with the initial policy actions of the civilian administration. Nevertheless, we should keep an eagles eye on the legislature, because some of them are corrupt. Nigeria still lives in the history of the future. The way our history will be written depends upon the extent to which and the manner in which we - leaders and the people - strive to shape our future. There is a lot of unknown in the society. But since we cannot foresee what the remote future has in store for us, we can only hope for a better tomorrow. Nigeria, the world is still watching!