The long-awaited day has come and gone

SIR: Yesterday begun another epoch in the life of Nigeria and Nigerians. Government at all levels have changed hands across the country.

As you read this, the process of handing over is completed as the case may be. In colourful and elaborate ceremonies, oaths are sworn to, beautiful speeches are made and hopes are revived.

Nigerians across the country would gathered around their newly elected leaders with hopes of a new day, a new beginning and a new believe.

But they have been through this route before. Many times before.

After so much ceremonies, after so much fanfare and a renewal of hope, everything or near everything comes crashing.

No sooner did the crowd disperse than we all returned to our old ways. Grand speeches discarded, promises forgotten and leaders acting out their selfish scripts. Almost always, this has been the case. It has become almost like a curse. Hardly anyone of the new leaders manage to get it right or do things differently or with honour.

For four years, our people in authority; especially our governors virtually run amok. They forget all the fine roadmaps they have drawn; they throw out the beautiful plans, projections and strategies put together by their elaborate Transition Committees; they become emperors and act god-like. They are omniscient and omnipotent.

But governance  is complex; by the same token, it is simple. Indeed, it has been simplified over the years. Here is an outline: First, a leader must be able to gather the very best team. Second he draws a plan/budget; he delegates, he monitors closely and effectively and he reviews each accomplishment.

But of utmost importance is the honesty of purpose of the leader and his level of accountability. he also must understand the precepts of the rule of law and make it his work tool.

It is as simple as that; it works like magic if you get it right. In fact it is magic.

As we turned a new chapter yesterday, it is our prayer that our leaders would turn a new leave. It is expected that at least some of them would get it right this time and set examples for others to follow. Who would be the model governor going into 2023? Who would shift the paradigm, who shall we send?

• Mike Mbargwu, Awka, Anambra State.