A Commentary on Leadership in Times of Crisis

By Lod Onyeji

The recent violent protests in the United Kingdom and Nigeria have highlighted the vastly different approaches of their leaders. While UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer took a hardline stance, condemning the protests as "organized violent thuggery," Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu adopted a more empathetic tone, acknowledging the "pain and frustration" that drove the protests.

In a recent address, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attempted to quell the growing unrest in Nigeria, but his speech fell short in several key areas. Despite demonstrating empathy towards protesters' frustrations and outlining a clear vision for the country's future, his message was marred by repetition, a lack of concrete solutions, and a defensive tone.

The way leaders respond to crisis can have far-reaching consequences for their citizens and their nations. While a hardline approach may maintain order in the short term, it risks alienating already frustrated citizens. A more conciliatory approach, on the other hand, may help to diffuse tensions and create space for constructive dialogue.

To truly address the concerns of all Nigerians, the President must:

- Edit and condense his message, providing specific action plans and timelines

- Balance economic growth with social and political reforms

- Use more inclusive language to address the concerns of all Nigerians

By adopting a more balanced approach, leaders can build trust and foster meaningful change. As the world watches, it remains to be seen which approach will ultimately prove more effective in addressing the underlying issues driving these protests.