Obasanjo, Anyaoku lament impunity, characterless leadership

• Say Nigeria needs transformational leaders

Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, yesterday, expressed concerns on the lack of character, impunity and ‘no consequence for misconduct’, which, he said, had become the reality in leadership in the country.

He spoke at the maiden memorial lecture organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in honour of the doyen of accountancy profession in Nigeria and its former president, the late Mr Akintola Williams in Lagos.

Obasanjo, who was the special guest of honour, called for moral re-alignment, embracing of character, virtues and ethics as the way forward.

Speaking on the theme: “ Leadership dynamics: Current realities and the way forward”, the former President raised concerns that over the years nothing had changed for good in the country with regards to leadership but rather gone worse.

“Current reality in leadership include: no character, impunity, insensitivity of the greatest order, indifferent and inconsiderate. We need to begin again. God will surely show us the way,” he said.

Obasanjo described the late Akintola Williams as a true son, who deserved every honour that could be conferred on him, posthumously, going by what he did in the country politically, economically and socially.

He added Akintola had a good pedigree, noble heritage and legacy, which helped him throughout lifetime.

Former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, argued that the Nigerian project was not working at the moment, noting that it was faced with immense challenges, including insecurity of lives and property, underperforming economy, deficient in infrastructure and growing divisiveness, which undermined sense of national unity.

The Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte West Africa, Fatal Folarin, who was the lead paper presenter, harped on consistency in policies and decisions by leaders to avert doubt in political, social and economic systems, which may hinder progress and prosperity.

Folarin emphasised that innovation was the life blood of leadership, stressing that leaders must embrace digital transformation, focus on resilience, agility and adaptability, consider diversity equity and inclusion,as well as prioritise continuous learning and development through education.

He highlighted leadership attributes of Akintola Williams to include exemplary, integrity, innovative, impactful, resilience, selfless and man of standard, among others, noting that the qualities are worthy of emulation by leaders at all levels.

He said: “Leaders should reward and give opportunities to people based on performance. This will ensure people are purpose-driven. A purposeful leader can make clear decisions, give insights and provide a sense of direction, the leader is accountable, honest and courageous.

Former Minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesilli, said Nigerians sufferred because they were led by people who should not be there, noting that there was need to focus on looking out for the best of people and prepare them for leadership of the country.

On his part, former Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, said: “Our emphasis on Nigeria should be how to get only transformational and dynamic leaders into public sphere. The political parties, who are behind recruitment into public office must find a way of not getting people to power by crooked means. We need to review leadership recruitment process, we have abandoned leadership to people who are interested in how to get power and use it. That is the name of leadership crisis in the country.”

Former Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, also pointed out that the problem of Nigeria was centred on leadership, saying leaders need to lead right by constantly engaging with youths to avert violence.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner for Finance, Abayomi Oluyomi, said the contribution of Akintola Williams to accountancy profession and other sphere of life reminded him of the profound influence strong, ethical posture could have on the nation, adding that leaders must embrace a global outlook, harness technology, inspire innovation while still mindful of integrity and exemplary leadership.

President of lCAN, Davidson Alaribe, said Akintola Williams was a man who led the institute with exceptional vision, leaving behind legacies.

Earlier, the institute unveiled a bust at its secretariat in Victoria lsland, Lagos in honour of the late Williams.