Nigeria as a nation has constantly finds itself grappling with a persistent and debilitating issue – the trifecta of lacklustre leadership, a legal framework in disarray, and an ethical deficit that permeates its governance structure.
The recent revelations of more corrupt leaders further accentuate the unending woes that have plagued Nigeria’s governance system. As each revelation comes to light, it serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive culture of corruption that has permeated the corridors of power, undermined the trust of the citizenry and obstructed the path to progress.
The recent Betta Edu scandal for instance is vivid evidence of lacklustre leadership, legal vacuum, and ethical deficiency that has shaped the Nigeria’s conundrum. A woman who, at first glance, seemed like an Amazon determined to usher in positive change but was hewed down the lofty ladder of leadership owing to ethical and moral deficiency, which could have been her guiding principles in her quest for impact.
For the skeptical mind, the present system of governance due to lack of basic tenets of leadership culture, did not unearth Edu’s lacklustre leadership resulting from the same debilitating leadership problem but disgruntled insiders who felt shortchanged in the stealing franchise threw the banana peel that triggered her fall.
This has been typical of the APC’s administration since inception in 2015, as Nigerians have witnessed interesting episodes of executive recklessness, where the ruling party’s promises of change and progress often clash with the grim reality of corruption.
The APC administration has always paraded leaders who typify the struggle between genuine public service and the murky depths of unethical conduct.
An effective leader must grapple with the intricate interplay between leadership, law, and morality. This is the moral obligation and responsibility of leaders to make decisions, act, and conduct themselves in an ethical and principled manner. This is so because law is the most important component of life.
These three pillars form the foundation upon which ethical leadership is built, guiding leaders on their path towards personal development and growth. The distinguishing mark of the leader is character because it is character that makes people to trust the leader. No one can buy or demand trust; it is given by other people in response to character.
A leader must be fixed, predictable and stable and this results when leaders understand the relationship between leadership, law and ethics.
At the core of ethical leadership lies the recognition that leaders bear a profound responsibility towards their followers, organizations, and society as a whole. This ethical imperative entails making decisions that uphold moral principles, respect human dignity, and promote the greater good. Leaders must navigate the complexities of leadership by constantly evaluating the ethical implications of their actions.
As a leader, it is essential to align personal values with ethical standards. This alignment creates a moral compass that guides decision-making, even in the face of difficult choices. Leaders must have the understanding that ethical leadership not only improves organizational outcomes but also contributes to a just and compassionate world.
A leader must at all times display a high sense of integrity and honesty. While integrity is the unwavering adherence to moral and ethical principles, demonstrating a strong sense of honesty, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of life, honesty in the other hand is simply the quality of being truthful, sincere, and straightforward in one’s communication and actions.
When leaders exhibit a high sense of fairness and equity which refers to the impartiality and consistency in decision-making, it will ensure that everyone has access to the same opportunities and resources, regardless of their background or circumstances. Ethical leaders treat all individuals with fairness, respect, and equity. They avoid favoritism and ensure that decisions are made based on objective criteria, not personal biases.
Nigerian leaders and most of their African counterparts lack the ability to assess the impact of their choices on stakeholders, the community, and the environment, and choose the option that aligns with ethical principles. This is what breeds corruption in the long run.
Leaders who desire to make impact in the 21st Century must embrace ethical culture which is the collective values, beliefs, behaviors, and norms that shape the moral character and conduct of an organization.
As much as possible, leaders must avoid ethical dilemmas which are complex situations or moral conundrums where individuals or groups face conflicting moral principles or values, and any decision or action taken may result in ethical consequences.
When ethical dilemmas are encouraged by leaders, there is often no clear-cut right or wrong choices, making the decision-making process challenging and requiring thoughtful consideration of the moral implications. Ethical leaders confront ethical dilemmas head-on and address them with courage and moral clarity. They are not afraid to make difficult decisions when ethics are at stake.
Leaders must also be guided by regulatory compliance which enable them adhere to the laws, regulations, policies, and standards that govern an industry, organization, or specific activities. When this becomes the case, individuals, businesses, and institutions meet the legal requirements and fulfill their obligations as set forth by relevant authorities and governing bodies.
Regulatory compliance is essential to maintaining ethical practices, promoting transparency, and mitigating legal and financial risks. Ethical leaders ensure that the institutions under their care comply with all applicable laws and regulations. They operate with a commitment to ethical business practices and corporate governance.
Leaders should also be able to navigate the ethics and legal boundaries and this involves skillfully maneuvering between the requirements of the law and the principles of morality in decision-making and conduct. It requires individuals and organizations to strike a balance between legal compliance and ethical responsibility, ensuring that actions align with both the letter of the law and the spirit of ethical conduct.
Successfully navigating legal and moral boundaries requires a deep understanding of the legal framework and a strong commitment to upholding moral values and ethical principles.
While laws establish a framework for acceptable behavior, morality delves into the realm of conscience and principles. Ethical leaders must be cognizant of these distinctions and adept at navigating the fine line between legality and morality.
While some actions may be legally permissible, they might not align with ethical principles. In such instances, effective leaders must choose the morally correct path, even if it means going beyond the letter of the law. Conversely, adherence to the law should never justify actions that compromise morality or ethical integrity.
Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, where the challenges of lackluster leadership, legal shortcomings, and ethical deficiencies threaten the very fabric of its society. It is only through a concerted effort to address these issues head-on that Nigeria can unlock its true potential and embark on a path of sustainable development.
The time for action is now, as the consequences of inaction are too dire to ignore. Only by cultivating visionary leadership, reforming the legal system, and instilling a strong ethical foundation can Nigeria hope to overcome the obstacles that have hindered its progress for far too long.
Okoronkwo, a leadership and good governance advocate, writes from Lagos.
