OCHICHI NCHIGBU AND SIT-TIGHTISM IN CONTEMPORARY LEADERSHIP IN AFRICA: A PHILOSOPHICAL INVESTIGATION

Résumé

Leadership in post-colonial Africa has been saddled with lots of predicaments ranging from dictatorships, resentments, bad governance, banditry, kidnapping, extraordinary rendition, arrogance, bribery, apathetic corruption, abuse of office and fundamental human rights etc. African democracy in comparison with the West has experienced an unimaginable stay in power by her leaders. This is deeply worrisome. The frequency at which they hold grip to power has been a critical point of debate among scholars in Philosophy, comparative politics, diplomacy, and other fields of Humanities. Many scholars have wrestled, while many are still wrestling on ‘how and why’ many Africa dictators have continued to hold grip to power unceremoniously, against the wishes and aspirations of the people. There have been honest yearnings of people for leaders who can rise to the challenges of the time, leaders who can swim against the current, leaders of repute, leaders who can create the lasting change on Africa soil. To put this paper in proper perspective, this researcher examined the concept of Ochichi Nchigbu (dictatorship), and Sit-tightism as it affects contemporary leadership experience in Africa. Really, a sad fact for Africa and Africans!