By Senator J Iroegbu
The biblical account of Rehoboam, the son of King Solomon (1 king 12: 1-16), offers valuable lessons for contemporary political leaders in Nigeria who are facing significant challenges. By examining Rehoboam’s response to the demands of his people, we can derive insights on how Nigerian leaders can avoid the pitfalls of arrogance, short-sightedness, and a failure to address the needs of the populace. With issues such as fuel scarcity, fuel subsidy removal, high inflation, insecurity, and economic hardship plaguing Nigeria, it is crucial for leaders to adopt a more inclusive and empathetic approach. This analysis will provide guidance on avoiding the mistakes of Rehoboam and fostering better governance.
- Seek counsel from experienced advisors:
Rehoboam’s first wise move was to consult the elders who had served his father Solomon. These experienced advisors offered him counsel rooted in their knowledge and understanding of the people’s needs. Nigerian leaders should emulate this approach by surrounding themselves with a diverse group of seasoned experts who possess a deep understanding of the challenges facing the country. By heeding their advice, leaders can gain valuable insights and make informed decisions that benefit the nation as a whole. - Serve the people with humility:
The elders advised Rehoboam to be a servant leader, emphasizing the importance of responding to the people’s demands with compassion and understanding. Nigerian leaders should recognize that their position of power comes with the responsibility to serve the citizens rather than exploit them. By adopting a humble approach, leaders can demonstrate their commitment to addressing the concerns and aspirations of the people they represent. - Prioritize dialogue and compromise:
Rehoboam’s failure stemmed from his rejection of the elders’ advice and his reliance on the counsel of his young and inexperienced peers. Nigerian leaders should prioritize open dialogue and be willing to engage in constructive discussions with various stakeholders, including citizens, experts, and opposition leaders. By seeking consensus and finding common ground, leaders can avoid alienating the population and promote unity and stability. - Understand the consequences of actions:
Rehoboam’s rash response, influenced by his young advisors, exacerbated the people’s discontent, leading to the division of the kingdom. Nigerian leaders must recognize that their decisions and actions have real and lasting consequences. They should carefully consider the impact of policies related to fuel scarcity, subsidy removal, inflation, insecurity, and the economy on the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Leaders must approach decision-making with a long-term perspective, considering the well-being of the nation and its citizens as their utmost priority. - Embrace accountability and transparency:
Rehoboam’s refusal to listen to the people and his harsh response created an atmosphere of distrust and resentment. Nigerian leaders should embrace transparency and be accountable to the citizens they serve. By fostering open and honest communication, leaders can build trust and ensure that their actions are aligned with the interests of the people. This can be achieved through regular updates, inclusive governance, and robust mechanisms for oversight and accountability.
Conclusion:
The story of Rehoboam provides valuable insights for Nigerian political leaders grappling with the challenges of fuel scarcity, subsidy removal, high inflation, insecurity, and economic hardship. By learning from Rehoboam’s mistakes, leaders can adopt a more inclusive, empathetic, and responsible approach to governance. Seeking wise counsel, serving with humility, prioritizing dialogue and compromise, understanding the consequences of actions, and embracing accountability and transparency are essential steps toward avoiding the pitfalls of Rehoboam and ensuring the well-being and progress of Nigeria.
Biblical Reference 1 King 12: 1-16
12 Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king. 2 When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard this (he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon), he returned from[a] Egypt. 3 So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel went to Rehoboam and said to him: 4 “Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.”
5 Rehoboam answered, “Go away for three days and then come back to me.” So the people went away.
6 Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How would you advise me to answer these people?” he asked.
7 They replied, “If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.”
8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. 9 He asked them, “What is your advice? How should we answer these people who say to me, ‘Lighten the yoke your father put on us’?”
10 The young men who had grown up with him replied, “These people have said to you, ‘Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.’ Now tell them, ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist. 11 My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.’”
12 Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, as the king had said, “Come back to me in three days.” 13 The king answered the people harshly. Rejecting the advice given him by the elders, 14 he followed the advice of the young men and said, “My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.” 15 So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from the Lord, to fulfill the word the Lord had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite.
16 When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king:
“What share do we have in David,
what part in Jesse’s son?
To your tents, Israel!
Look after your own house, David!”
So the Israelites went home.
