Professor Emmanuel Dandaura, Director of the Institute of Strategic and Development Communication at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, has emphasized that Nigeria cannot achieve greatness without inclusive leadership and integrity in governance. In a recent interview, the academic expert provided critical insights into the nation's political challenges and pathways to reform.
Nigeria's Leadership Recruitment Reflects Cultural Norms
Professor Dandaura compared Nigeria's political system to a river reflecting the sky, noting that the country's leadership recruitment process directly mirrors its societal values. He identified several cultural elements influencing political selection, including loyalty to patrons, ethnic balancing considerations, religious identity, and respect for seniority.
While acknowledging these norms as culturally rooted, Dandaura argued they often work against meritocracy and transparency in leadership selection. Leadership is often treated here as an inheritance, rather than a responsibility, he observed, emphasizing that the current system prioritizes loyalty choreography over genuine competition of ideas.
The communication expert stressed that Nigeria's challenge isn't necessarily a lack of capable leaders but rather cultural filters that continuously recycle the same type of political actors. He called for re-engineering the political culture to reward integrity and performance above mere allegiance to power structures.
Entertainment Politics and Sycophancy Culture
Addressing the increasing trend of entertainment-focused political campaigns, Professor Dandaura explained this phenomenon as a cultural adaptation rather than a deliberate diversion strategy. He traced its roots to traditional praise poetry forms like oriki, ewi, and ikirende, though noting these have been politicized and bastardized in contemporary practice.
Sycophancy has become the new currency of political access, Dandaura lamented, pointing out that musicians and artists who should serve as society's conscience now compete to praise politicians instead of echoing citizens' needs. This transformation has turned governance into what he described as a carnival of deceit.
The academic warned that when politics becomes pure theater, citizens become mere spectators rather than active stakeholders. Voters who dance to campaign music often wake up to silent governance, he noted, emphasizing that entertainment-centered politics numbs public debate and lowers leadership expectations.
Pathways to National Rebirth and Ethical Reformation
Professor Dandaura proposed concrete solutions for achieving citizen enlightenment and inclusive governance. He emphasized that democracy without civic education is like giving someone a car without driving lessons. Enlightenment efforts must begin at grassroots levels as everyday learning rather than election-day sermons alone.
The Nasarawa State University don highlighted the crucial roles of political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in this process. He advocated for media literacy mainstreaming to help citizens distinguish between entertainment and substantive information, and between deep fakes and reality.
Regarding youth engagement, Dandaura acknowledged music and entertainment as effective tools but cautioned they shouldn't become the foundation. Entertainment can open the door, but only education can keep it open, he stated, emphasizing that youth should be partners in national rebirth rather than props for campaign jingles.
On ethical reorientation, the professor argued Nigeria doesn't need new values but rather must start living the values already preached. Leadership must model the conduct it demands, he insisted, noting that integrity represents Africa's most valuable resource that must be properly mined for prosperity to follow.
Dandaura commended initiatives by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), particularly the Nigeria Reputation Management Group and Rebirth Nigeria under Dr Ike Neliaku's leadership. He also highlighted NIPR's effort to establish the world's first University of Public Relations and Leadership as pragmatic steps toward addressing Africa's leadership and integrity deficit.
In his closing reflections, Professor Dandaura asserted that Nigeria's democracy suffers from surplus political theatrics rather than deficit of ideas. He urged citizens to stop applauding bad political actors and emphasized that every generation must choose between living by excuses or ethics, a decision that will ultimately determine the nation's destiny.
