Nigeria’s once upon a time leaders
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams
In the United States, there are three ways a president can leave office mid-term: death, resignation or impeachment. In Nigeria, there have been several impeachments especially legislative heads, and a few conspired impeachments of governors, only a handful can be recalled to honestly resign and that is rare, really it is forced resignation in our own climes.
In the saner climes, most presidents fulfill one or two terms and are either defeated in re-election or retire. So what’s life like for a person who’s been the leader of the free world? Generally, it’s good.
Some presidents retire to a life outside of the public eye. Many have published their memoirs. Others use the prominence afforded by the presidency to continue or even improve their work. Jimmy Carter, after leading an unpopular single-term administration, went on to create what many agree is the most successful post-presidency. The former president established the Carter Center, a human rights organization, and became heavily involved with Habitat for Humanity, which builds homes for the poor.
So, in recent times, a Barack and Michelle Obama opened a “centre for citizenship” on the south side of Chicago, after taking a break.
Outgoing presidents get to open a presidential library in their home states.
So, while we have started another four-year race, we have seen governors that are going to the senate, or possibly retirement home cum protective custody called the National Assembly. A few others will become Ministers and others certainly will be board chairmen.
