In a previous piece, we focused on the problems of discontinuity which tend to characterize governance in this part of the world. This was partly attributed to the nature of military rule which as earlier pointed out slanders the past and glorifies the future. Moreover, it was also deposed that a zero-sum game hallmarks what passes for governance. In the process, development continues to elude social formations in this part of the world.
To be sure, what is being said here is not the only reason why Nigeria and by extension Africa remain the way they are. There is, of course, also the problem of corruption. But even then, as amply seen in revelations as regards FIFA’s activities, corruption is not an exclusive preserve of Nigeria or Africa. The terrible game is also being played by other nationals. Perhaps the only difference is that if you are uncovered in other contexts, you will swing for it.
But even then, the element of discontinuity can also be seen in civilian regimes. Thus, in democratically elected governments, very much the same element of discontinuity can be seen. In this particular context, what is partly responsible is that the various civilian regimes have always been punctuated by years of military rule. But that is not all. When power passes from one civilian regime to the other, elements of discontinuity can also be seen. Witness for instance the shadowy war between the current governor of Rivers State and his predecessor
All things considered, however, it is possible to say that to some extent, especially in recent times, this country has been lucky. The luck stems from the fact that from 1999 till date, we have had some sixteen years of unbroken civilian rule. It is only to be hoped that we will continue to build on this unbroken run. The expectation here is that at the end of the day, our leadership will achieve the necessary continuity which is a prerequisite for development.
And talking of development, it is important to state here that most of the developed nations which we see today and probably seek to emulate have imbibed in various and respective ways the interrelated values of continuity, despite leadership changes.
Take Italy for instance. The country has one of the most unstable political systems in Europe. But inherent in this seeming instability is the phenomenon of continuity. In other words, the leaders may change, yet there is continuity as far as policies are concerned.
Very much the same thing can be said for the United States. Indeed, as regards the USA, what obtains is a revolving door in which two social forces change places on a regular basis. The forces are those who are currently in government and those who work in the various think-tanks in Washington DC.
Let me cite one empirical instance here which may be familiar to this audience. Consider for a moment the career profile of a man like Ambassador Walter Carrington. Whenever the Democrats are in the White House, he is sure to hold down an ambassadorial position. By contrast, when the Republicans are in power, you can always find him in one of the think-tanks around Washington. Please note that I am not saying that this revolving door phenomenon is a perfect arrangement. Indeed, it has been heavily criticized by the dissident American intellectual Noam Chomsky. The point to note here is that it ensures the workability of the American political system.
Another less well-known phenomenon which ensures continuity despite leadership changes in the USA is the famous Trilateral Commission. This is a relatively obscure and powerful group which meets at critical conjunctures to determine what is best for the United States of America. It has even been asserted that the consensus reached at the Trilateral Commission usually ensures the emergence of a particular American president. So, as you watch the current face-off between and among variables like Hilary Clinton, Jeb Bush, Donald Trump, Ben Carson and Bernie Sanders, it is evident that the next president of the United States is already well-known to members of the Trilateral Commission.
Incidentally, in Britain too, the elements of leadership, change and continuity are also taken very seriously. When a new British Prime Minister is elected, on a mandatory basis he has to undergo briefing sessions by policy scholars and experts at the University of Sussex. And in this way, continuity is ensured.
This is why I want to again thank and congratulate the Minerva Philosophical Association for showing great concern for issues of leadership and continuity. However, the MPA is not the only organization that is concerned with the issues of leadership and continuity. Very much the same thing can be said for the Interparty Advisory Council (IPAC). This is a body in the presidency which seeks to harmonize the positions of the various parties on critical national issues. IPAC happens to be most effective during the time of elections. On such an occasion, the party works tirelessly to keep the gladiators in check by stressing the virtues of non-violence and ‘playing the game’.
Here is hoping that through these platforms, our country Nigeria has started on the wholesome path of harnessing in a positive way the variables of leadership, change and continuity.
Kayode Soremekun
