Nigeria, like most countries of the world, has engaged in democracy as its means of governance and has since had its challenges and shortcoming. Despite all odds, democracy is gradually taking firm root in the country, and as the 2011 elections draw near, many individuals and groups have deemed it fit to advise the government on the way forward. The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Oyo State branch, is one of such groups. The body, as part of efforts in this regard, recently organised a Ramadan lecture entitled, The Concept of Leadership and Followership in Islam, with the aim of enlightening political leaders on their responsibilities, especially from the Islamic viewpoint. Sheikh Sulaiman Farook Onikijipa, from Lagos, delivered the lecture.

The lecturer explained that politics in Nigeria required the blessing of God and the fear of Allah was paramount for anyone who intended to partake in it

He said that, “as much as the leaders have their responsibilities, so are the followers  have responsibilities too.”

He stated that the leaders had nine major responsibilities, while the followers were saddled with six responsibilities which were all based on the principles of Islam and the Holy Qur’an.

Those of the leaders, he stated, included holding the trust imposed on them by Allah for the people accordingly, because any position of leaders was based on trust (Al Amanah), that is, to represent the people well and give them what they deserve, being close to the people, feeling their pains and their joy and being able to stand by the trust.

Onikijipa also said that leaders should emulate past leaders who did not use public resources to their own benefit, saying that the companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad were worthy examples of people to emulate.

He urged political leaders to make themselves accessible to their followers, overlook their shortcomings, tolerate them and not to be tough on them in order not to scare them away. He noted that a good leader must preach and practise virtuous deeds and should be concerned about the welfare of his subjects.