In the world of politics, the relationship between mentors and mentees can have a profound impact on the development of future leaders. Unfortunately, this relationship can also perpetuate harmful behaviors and attitudes, as the old adage 'the apple doesn't fall far from the tree' suggests. When corrupt or unaccountable leaders mentor others, they often pass on their own flawed approaches to leadership, creating a cycle of poor governance. In this opinion piece, I will explore how party hierarchy shapes leadership behavior, examining how flawed leadership styles are perpetuated and how this ultimately affects the wider political landscape.
The old adage "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree" holds true for mentors and mentees. They often share similar behaviors and interests. Unfortunately, this means that corrupt mentors tend to breed like-minded mentees. I've had the privilege of attending high-stakes meetings with party leaders, and I've witnessed how poor leadership skills trickle down.
Similarly, followers often share the same mindset as their leaders, making it easy for them to align themselves without reservations. However, it's challenging for someone with a different mindset to align with a leader who doesn't share similar values. To put it bluntly, party hierarchy is responsible for the poor behavior of some LGA and ward chairmen, as they are simply emulating the skills and values of their leaders.
One leader asserted that he was unaccountable to anyone, and his subordinates lacked the power to demand accountability. This sentiment trickled down to an LGA chairman who told his subordinates he wasn't answerable to them. Ironically, these same individuals criticize the government for lacking transparency and accountability. It's clear that leaders who feel unaccountable to their subordinates won't change their tune when given more responsibility.
In another meeting, the same leader demanded blind obedience to directives, even if flawed, and only allowed for feedback after implementation. This leadership style is fundamentally flawed. Political parties shouldn't operate like military formations where orders are blindly followed. Instead, leaders should embrace openness to correction and encourage stakeholders to contribute ideas.
The internet's development and sharing by the United Army serves as a prime example of collective success. Party hierarchy significantly influences the behavior of LGA and ward chairmen, as they often emulate their leaders' values. To effect meaningful change, it's crucial to recognize and address these patterns.
The relationship between mentors and mentees in politics perpetuates harmful behaviors and attitudes. Party hierarchy's influence on leadership behavior perpetuates a cycle of poor governance. To break this cycle, we must prioritize transparency, accountability, and diverse perspectives in political leadership. By fostering a culture of openness and collaboration, we can create a brighter future for all. It's time to rethink the apple tree and grow a new generation of leaders who prioritize the public interest above all else.
Dr. Eghaghe writes from Benin-City.