19/11/2024
The Sixth Sense Reflections from the Nigerian Political Science Association Conference in Lokoja
As I looked around the assembly of distinguished scholars and thought leaders gathered at the 5th National Conference of the Nigerian Political Science Association, hosted in Lokoja. I felt a stirring sense of hope amidst Nigeria’s daunting challenges. It was not the despair of our present reality that dominated the atmosphere, but a shared optimism that meaningful change is possible. Here were men and women, I described as the crème de la crème of political science—individuals who see politics not as an end but as a tool, and the Nigerian state as a laboratory for transformational ideas.
The conference provided a platform for dialogue on Nigeria’s urgent need for democracy and good governance. Speaker after speaker delved into the complexities of our national predicament, highlighting the critical issues of leadership, followership, and the pervasive apathy that has allowed a few to exploit the collective docility of the populace. Yet, beneath these sobering analyses lay a glimmer of optimism. A belief that these intellectual exchanges and gatherings could one day coalesce into a powerful movement capable of driving real, systemic change.
Amid the myriad challenges tied to leadership and governance, followership, and political involvement, there was a consensus that change must begin from the grassroots. And that anchors my firm belief that Nigeria has two major challenges - any and every other problem of this nation stems from these two; Leadership and followership. The actions we must take therefore, include the cultivation of an informed and engaged citizenry, nurturing a student union free from political manipulation, and fostering a civil society committed to the ideals of national progress and prosperity. It is not enough to lament our plight; we must build a foundation of accountability, patriotism, and collective resolve.
The call to action resonated deeply: a future in Nigeria must be built on the pillars of true democracy, where free, fair, and credible elections are a norm, justice is accessible to all, and equity prevails. It requires leaders who respect the rule of law and institutions that operate independently, particularly an impartial judiciary capable of providing checks and balances on all arms of government and a people committed to national unity and progress, in words and action.
As a thought leader, I believe that there is no shortcut to achieving these goals. It will take time, effort, and unwavering commitment. Yet, the consensus among participants at that conference was clear—Nigeria can and will rise above its current state of transactional politics and despondency. But to achieve this, we must first agree as a collective that the nation needs rescue. This consensus is the starting point for the deconstruction of dysfunctional systems and the reconstruction of a functional and thriving Nigeria.
It is not enough to hope for change; we must actively participate in creating it. This requires a shift from passive observation to active engagement. It demands that citizens hold leaders accountable, demand transparency, and insist on a system that reflects democratic values.
Let us believe in the power of the people to bring about the transformation we need. But as we work toward this vision, we must also respect and preserve what we have, even as we strive for something greater. The journey ahead may be long and challenging, but the possibility of a better Nigeria is worth the effort. Together, through collective resolve and action, we can construct a nation that reflects our highest ideals and aspirations.
My name is Daniel, here is my reflection.
