During a recent interview on Trust TV, Dr. Moses Paul, a candidate in the Federal Capital Territory Area Council (AMAC) elections, raised concerns about the quality of leadership at the grassroots level and its connection to electoral participation. Dr. Paul emphasized that while Nigerians have the intellectual capacity to make informed political decisions, the leadership that often emerges fails to reflect this potential.
Dr. Paul argued that a significant part of the problem lies in the narratives and practices that discourage ordinary citizens from engaging in the political process. According to him, when people are made to feel that their participation does not matter, the result is weak and ineffective governance, especially at the local council level.
In Paul’s words, “Nigerians must stand up against every brigandage by those who want to run the country down. Elections are not just about voting; they’re the heartbeat of the people,” he said. “When you begin to create a narrative that makes it difficult for people to participate, this is why we have bad leadership, especially at the local level. I mean, when you talk to Nigerians on average, they’re as intelligent as I am, but then you have leadership like the current local council AMAC chairman, who hasn’t even gone to school. This is the point we’re making: how long are we going to continue?”
The human rights advocate and political aspirant stressed that competent leadership begins with credible elections. He contended that poor leadership at the council level is often a reflection of broader flaws within the electoral environment, including low voter engagement, lack of transparency, and inadequate civic education. “Leadership is not about titles or positions; it’s about the capacity to make decisions that positively impact communities. If the process is flawed, then the outcome is flawed,” he said.
Dr. Paul also highlighted the crucial role of civic responsibility in shaping the political landscape. He encouraged citizens to participate actively in the electoral process, not only by voting but also by holding leaders accountable. “The people must insist on credible processes to ensure competent representation. When we allow weak leadership to thrive, our communities suffer the consequences, from poor infrastructure to inadequate public services,” he added.
According to Dr. Paul, leadership at the grassroots level is particularly important because it directly affects the daily lives of citizens. Local councils, he explained, are responsible for primary services such as sanitation, healthcare, education, and local security. “These are the things that touch ordinary people. So, the quality of those in office is not a minor concern it’s a critical issue,” he said.
Dr. Paul concluded by urging Nigerians to recognize their collective power. He asserted that intelligence and capability exist widely among citizens, but the right leadership must be elected to harness this potential. “We cannot continue to accept leaders who lack the knowledge, experience, or education to govern effectively. Change starts with participation, and participation starts with the people,” he said…. Discover More
Leave a Reply