Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, has sparked a heated debate by describing President Bola Tinubu and his predecessors as products of an “accidental leadership cycle.” According to Kukah, many Nigerian leaders have assumed power without adequate preparation, particularly in a rapidly changing world. He emphasized that this lack of preparation has resulted in a recurring pattern of unpreparedness among the country’s leaders.
Kukah’s remarks were met with a swift response from the Presidency, which countered that President Tinubu should not be classified among accidental leaders. The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, argued that Tinubu was prepared for the job and is doing his best to ensure a turnaround in the country. Onanuga emphasized that Tinubu’s preparation and reform efforts set him apart from accidental leaders ¹.The exchange highlights the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s leadership and the need for effective governance. As Kukah noted, Nigeria’s democratic process has repeatedly failed to deliver competent leadership. To address this, there is a growing emphasis on the need for leadership development and education, as well as accountability and reform.
