By Emmanuel Elebeke

A renowned scholar and diplomat, Professor Iyorwuese Hagher, has called  for leadership reforms to make governance more responsive to the the citizens of Nigeria.

Hagher made the advocacy at the launch of three books authored by him to mark his 75th birthday in Abuja.

Hagher  emphasised the need for a shift towards genuine democratic governance and selfless leadership to give effect to Nigeria’s democratic experience.

The books are: English Language and its Discontents, ‘Leadership: Leading Africa Out of Chaos and Beyond Ethnic Grievance: The Jukun and Tiv Crises.

Hagher’s first book delves into Nigeria’s complex relationship with the English language, questioning whether the nation should fully embrace it as its lingua franca or challenge its colonial roots.

The second book, “Leadership: Leading Africa Out of Chaos,” presents a comprehensive manual aimed at improving leadership across Africa, while Beyond Ethnic Grievance: The Jukun and Tiv Crises,” provides a groundbreaking analysis of ethnic conflicts in Nigeria.

Speaking further, Hagher questioned the essence of Nigeria’s current democratic system, describing it as a “dictatorship of the majority” and advocated for the transformation into a democratic republic.

He said Nigeria needed true and patriotic leaders such as the late Sarduana of Sokoto, Tafawa Balewa, Nelson Mandela, Julius Nyerere, and Obafemi  Awolowo, who he praised for their role in fighting colonialism and apartheid and promoting social justice.

The cholar said: “We need  leaders like those who fought colonialism like Sarduana of Sokoto, Tafawa Balewa, Nelson Mandela who fought and crushed apartheid system in South Africa, Julius Nyerere, Awolowo and others.

He also drew attention to the stark inequality in the country, highlighting the absurdity of luxury amidst widespread poverty and infrastructure decay.

“You cannot be riding exotic cars when you have no roads to ride them and if indeed one person is riding a car that cost N200m you know that can build two or three schools or community health centers, then you have no conscience. These are some of the leaders that we have,” he added.