The Catholic Bishop of the Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, says that nearly all Nigerian presidents were unprepared before they took office.
Kukah made this statement in Abuja on Sunday while giving the keynote address at the fourth Amaka Ndoma-Egba memorial lecture titled, ‘Leaders of tomorrow: Creating lasting change in a complex world’.
The Catholic Bishop pointed out that despite President Bola Tinubu’s promise to hit the ground running, he continues to face challenges in governing the nation. He added that current and former Nigerian leaders lack the knowledge and preparation required for effective leadership.
“When examining Nigeria’s leadership history, it becomes evident that nearly every leader who came to power did so by chance,” Kukah explained.
“President Tinubu, while claiming to be ready for the position, is evidently having difficulties. We are still trying to find our way.”
“He succeeded Buhari, who had already stepped back from active governance. Buhari followed Jonathan, a man who never anticipated becoming president but was unexpectedly placed in that role due to various circumstances.
“Jonathan took over from Yar’Adua, who intended to return to academia after his governorship.
“Yar’Adua succeeded Obasanjo, who was unexpectedly released from imprisonment to assume the presidency.
“Before that, Obasanjo replaced Abacha, who was set to rule indefinitely until fate intervened.
“Abacha came after Shonekan, a business leader who was suddenly called upon to lead the nation.
The pattern is clear, and adequate knowledge and preparation are missing throughout this history.”
However, Bayo Onanuga, the president’s special adviser on information and strategy, stated that Tinubu is not an unintentional or unprepared leader, stressing that he is trying to facilitate a transformation in Nigeria.
