GOOD GOVERNANCE REQUIRES RIGHTUOUS LEADERSHIP

The reflection on good governance is greatly needed and the Church ought not to be quiet  on it. As our contribution to this under the devotional heading, we have the followings: what is governance? Understanding the meaning of governance often poses serious challenges as many view it differently. However if we are to go by the World Bank and UNDP definitions, we can see that governance is the “use of power in the management of a country’s economic and social resources for development” [The World Bank [1992:1]. It can be defined as “the exercise of political, economic and administrative authority to manage a nation’s affairs” [UNDP, 1997b: 9]. Lack of good governance is a spiritual problem. What so we think is the real reason for the problems we have in the government? Many in response to this question think the problem is corruption, for some it is lack of proper understanding of leadership and yet others think it is the political system itself. We can think of many things but do we ever think that the problem of lack of good governance is spiritual in nature? Bad or good governance is often linked to the character of the leader in question.

Linking righteousness to conforming to God’s principles: What we need is righteous leaders capable of leading our countries righteously for good governance. However if there will be anything like righteous leadership, it must be anchored on God’s principle. The implication of this statement is that the person to be chosen to be in public office should be who conforms to God’s standard. Proverbs 29:2 says, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan”. The Bible is talking about the works of many bad and good leaders (book of kings). A clear example of good governance in the Scripture is that of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41).

Understanding stewardship: another key thing is having leaders with a clear understanding and the fear of God. When leaders understand that they are only steward (people put in charge of other’s property to manage it in order to bring about good) they will learn to use the resources to bring about better quality of life to their fellow country people. But where leaders think that their being in power is just an opportunity for them to enrich themselves, they cannot but work only to satisfy their greed and their own interests.

Wisdom in choosing leaders: As Marvein Aonuevo says, “Choosing a leader must not be based on money but on his personality. Political problems in the country such as graft and corruption, inability of governance to deliver basic services, widespread decline in moral values of public officials and continue patronage on money politics, are the results of man’s unrighteousness.” [Marvein G. Anonuevo, 2003]. Having the right vision and carry people along: Not only do we need a righteous character in a leader but also a leader with the right vision and righteous influence. If leadership is about rightly influencing others in noble cause, it is paramount for a leader to carry the people along so that they can see, understand and contribute toward the vision, which bring about the desired goal. A leader’s purpose of leadership should be to want to serve people and be accountable to them and to God. Indeed, our communities and nations are looking forward for leaders that will display good governance for people to rejoice. We ought to pray for and acts where we can. Have question, you may call: 08055059656 or write: akpogena@yahoo.com. Stay blessed.

*** Dr. Lewis Akpogena, a Christian devotional Writer/Minister, Educationist and Consultant writes from Port Harcourt, Rivers State.