It is practically in the ability of anyone to say ‘yes’ but the ultimate measure of a good leader is the ability to say ‘no’ when he should and not feel guilty. This underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s famous declaration at the opening of a three-day retreat for top government functionaries at the presidential villa last week.
“If you are performing, nothing to fear; if you miss the objective we review, if you don’t perform, you leave us… Don’t be a clog in the wheel of Nigeria’s progress,” Tinubu categorically stated. Analysts have used various terms to describe this forewarning. But I prefer to call it a Riot Act never before heard from a Nigerian president to his appointees.
Similarly, President Tinubu also said, “You don’t look at the skies or sideways, face your front and focus on your lane.”
The Nigerian President is not alone in this league. Throughout history, leaders who ever achieved anything remarkable are never laissez-faire leaders. They take charge of things. If their appointees perform well, they receive accolades but if they derail, they get the boot. For instance, President Harry S. Truman once said, “I’m not going to be afraid to say no to my ministers. They’re here to serve me, not the other way around. I’m the president of the United States, and I’m going to do what I think is right, even if it means firing a few people.”
Also, former British prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, said, “I believe in accountability. I believe that those who hold power should be accountable to the people. I believe that those who make decisions should be accountable for the consequences of those decisions.”
Former South African president, the Late Nelson Mandela, said, “If you want to be a leader, you must be prepared to say no to the people you love. You must be prepared to make decisions that are not always popular. But you must do what you believe is right, even if it means losing the support of your friends and family.”
Former United State president, Barack Obama, once said, “I’m not going to be afraid to hold my appointees accountable. If they don’t perform, they’re out. I expect my appointees to be honest, ethical, and competent. And if they don’t meet those standards, I will not hesitate to fire them.”
These statements show that these leaders are serious about accountability. They understand that it is essential for good governance, and that they have a responsibility to the people to ensure that their government is functioning effectively.
These leaders had all demonstrated a willingness to make tough decisions, even when it means firing their own appointees. They understood that accountability was essential for good governance, and that they had a responsibility to the people to ensure that their government was functioning effectively.
Leaders who stand by and allow their appointees to ruin their chances of making history are rare. President Tinubu, with his proven track records, is certainly one of them. He is committed to using political power to cause societal change and impact, not for its own sake.
This is evident in the unprecedented move on October 3, 2023, when the United States House of Representatives voted to remove its speaker, Kevin McCarthy, through a motion to vacate filed by Representative Matt Gaetz, a fellow member of McCarthy’s Republican Party. This was the first time in American history that a speaker of the House would be removed through a motion to vacate by their own party.
In the same vein, another former British prime minister, Liz Truss, set out a vision for a low-tax, high-growth economy that would take advantage of the freedom of Brexit. However, after six weeks in office, it became clear that she could not salvage the situation, and she was forced to resign. This made her the shortest-serving prime minister in British history.
Prior to Truss, Boris Johnson was also ousted from 10 Downing Street for recklessness, specifically for partying during COVID-19, which was seen as insensitive by the British establishment.
Tinubu’s “perform or be sacked” ultimatum to his ministers is a breath of fresh air in Nigerian politics. It is a radical departure from the norm where government appointments are often seen as fixed deposits, and ministers are rarely held accountable for their performance.
Tinubu’s ultimatum is a welcome change for several reasons. First, it sends a clear message that he is serious about tackling Nigeria’s many challenges. Secondly, it puts the onus on ministers to perform and deliver results for the Nigerian people. Third, it creates a culture of accountability and transparency in government.
There are several potential benefits to Tinubu’s ultimatum. First, it could lead to improved performance on key economic indicators, such as GDP growth and unemployment rates. Ministers who know that their jobs are on the line will be more motivated to implement policies that promote economic growth and create jobs.
Secondly, the ultimatum could lead to more efficient and effective delivery of public services. Ministers will be less likely to engage in corruption or waste of resources if they know that they will be held accountable for their performance.
Third, the ultimatum could reduce corruption and waste in government. Ministers who are afraid of being sacked will be less likely to engage in corrupt activities.
Finally, the ultimatum could improve the overall quality of governance in Nigeria. By holding ministers accountable for their performance, Tinubu is creating a system where the government is more responsive to the needs of the people.
Of course, some may argue that there are potential challenges associated with Tinubu’s ultimatum. One challenge is that it could lead to increased pressure on ministers, which could lead to poor decision-making. Another challenge is that it could create a culture of fear and anxiety among government officials.
However, Tinubu has taken steps to mitigate these challenges. For example, he has established a Result Delivery Unit to monitor the performance of ministers and provide support as needed. He has also made it clear that he is willing to give ministers the time and resources they need to succeed.
Overall, Tinubu’s “perform or be sacked” ultimatum is a positive step. It is a sign that he is serious about tackling Nigeria’s many challenges and improving the lives of Nigerians. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to follow through on his threat, but if he does, it could have a significant positive impact on the country.
A highlight of few ways Tinubu’s ultimatum to his ministers could have a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians would suffice. A minister of education who is under pressure to perform is more likely to focus on improving the quality of education in Nigeria. This could lead to better outcomes for students and a more educated workforce. A minister of Health who is under pressure to perform is more likely to focus on improving access to healthcare and reducing the incidence of preventable diseases. This could lead to healthier Nigerians and a more productive workforce.
A minister of Works who is under pressure to perform is more likely to focus on building and maintaining roads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure. This could lead to improved economic growth and job creation.
Overall, Tinubu’s ultimatum to his ministers is a breath of fresh air that could have a significant positive impact on the lives of Nigerians. The marching orders could wriggle Nigeria out of its current economic morass it is enmeshed in. The country could reach the highest level of economic growth and poverty alleviation if its citizens and the anti-corruption agencies demonstrate unalloyed perfect support to the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
– Ibrahim is director, Communications and Strategic Planning, of the Presidential Support Committee (PSC).
