By Rayyanu Bala

A few days ago, I found myself in a lengthy discussion with friends about the worsening economic situation in Nigeria. Like many Nigerians, we lamented the hardship that followed the removal of petroleum subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We also spoke about the persistent insecurity in the North, where insurgency, banditry, and other criminal activities continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.
The conversation was filled with frustration. The cost of living keeps rising, businesses are struggling, and many families find it increasingly difficult to meet their basic needs. Naturally, the blame was directed at the government and the country’s political leadership.
However, as the discussion progressed, I drew my friends’ attention to an important perspective rooted in Islamic teachings.
Islamic scholars have often reminded us that Allah appoints leaders over people according to their collective behaviour and character. The idea is simple but profound: a society cannot continuously embrace corruption, injustice, dishonesty, and selfishness while expecting to be blessed with righteous and just leaders.
When we look around Nigeria today, corruption and injustice have unfortunately become widespread. From public offices to private dealings, many people seek personal gain at the expense of others. Bribery, dishonesty, abuse of trust, and unfair treatment have become so common that they are often considered normal. Yet we expect our leaders to be different from us.
The reality is that leadership is a reflection of society. If the majority of citizens tolerate corruption, celebrate ill-gotten wealth, and overlook injustice, it becomes difficult to produce leaders who genuinely embody integrity and accountability.
Our recent political history offers an interesting lesson. During the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, many Nigerians criticized his leadership and wished for change. When Muhammadu Buhari came to power, some people later began to say that Jonathan’s era was better. Then, after Buhari left office and Bola Ahmed Tinubu became president, many started saying that Buhari was better.
This cycle has continued for years. The pattern is that we become dissatisfied with the current leaders and become nostalgic about the previous ones. Again the pattern suggests that the problem may go deeper than any individual president. This however, points to a larger issue within our national character and collective values.
Indeed, this is not to absolve leaders of responsibility. Those entrusted with leadership must be accountable for their actions and decisions. Governments have a duty to protect citizens, manage resources wisely, and provide opportunities for growth and development. However, citizens also have responsibilities. A nation cannot thrive when its people abandon moral values and then expect miracles from those in authority.
If we truly desire a better Nigeria, the change must begin with us. We must reject corruption in all its forms, uphold justice in our dealings, speak the truth, and hold ourselves to the same standards we demand from our leaders. Parents must teach integrity to their children. Religious leaders must continue to emphasize moral values. Communities must celebrate honesty rather than wealth acquired through questionable means.
Only when we change ourselves can we reasonably expect to see meaningful change in our leadership and governance. As the saying goes, a people get the leaders they deserve. If we become a society built on justice, honesty, and accountability, we stand a far better chance of producing leaders who reflect those same virtues.
Nigeria’s challenges are real and serious, but lasting solutions will require more than a change of government. They will require a change of heart, a change of values, and a commitment by all of us to become better citizens. Until then, we may continue moving from one administration to another, always hoping for improvement while ignoring the deeper reforms needed within ourselves.
Perhaps the journey to a better Nigeria begins not in Aso Rock, but in our homes, our communities, and within our own hearts.