IMO WEST SENATOR IZUNASO WARNS AGAINST RISING TREND OF ILL-PREPARED LEADERS IN NIGERIA.

By Prince Uwalaka Chimaroke
17- DEC- 2025

The Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Markets, Senator Osita Izunaso, has expressed deep concern over what he described as the increasing occupation of political offices by individuals lacking the training, discipline, and values required for effective leadership.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the public presentation of Leadership 365: Daily Reflection for Effective Leadership, authored by Dr. Linus Okorie, President of the GOTNI Leadership Centre, the lawmaker noted that leadership in Nigeria is often misunderstood as merely holding public office rather than demonstrating character, competence, and vision.

Senator Izunaso stressed that authority does not automatically confer leadership, lamenting the absence of intentional leadership development structures in the country. According to him, many political actors assume leadership positions without adequate preparation, resulting in poor conduct, weak decision-making, and a disconnect from the people they serve.

He explained that true leadership reflects in attitude, speech, and behaviour, noting that leaders are constantly under public scrutiny and must therefore conduct themselves with responsibility and restraint. He added that leadership is not exclusive to political office holders, pointing out that leaders often emerge naturally in everyday settings based on influence and character rather than titles.

The lawmaker commended Dr. Okorie for contributing to leadership discourse through his book, describing it as a thoughtful work that highlights leadership as a daily responsibility applicable to all spheres of life. He emphasized that leadership is often revealed through action and integrity, not position, and can be identified even among children through observation of behaviour and influence.

Addressing young Nigerians, Senator Izunaso cautioned against the growing obsession with quick wealth, urging them instead to embrace mentorship and positive role models whose lives reflect sound values. He advised that money should not be the primary measure for choosing role models, stressing the importance of character and long-term impact.

The senator further observed that while technology and artificial intelligence are shaping the modern world, they can never replace the power of the human spirit. He noted that when properly guided, human capacity can drive meaningful change capable of transforming institutions, economies, and nations.

In his remarks, Dr. Okorie underscored the importance of deliberate leadership grooming, stating that nations that have achieved sustainable development did so by investing consciously in leadership capital. He explained that the book was written to encourage consistent self-reflection and inspire individuals committed to making a positive difference in society.

Observers note that concerns about leadership quality have remained a recurring issue in Nigeria’s governance discourse, with critics often pointing to weak institutions, policy inconsistency, and a political culture that prioritizes patronage over competence as major challenges to national development.