Besesayo Kezo, IPS
Retd DGP
Introduction: Nagas' obsession with leadership and titles is, let's face it, a spectacle. The way these status symbols are plastered across vehicles and homes – is it pride or a desperate cry for validation? This penchant for display evokes a storm of reactions, a potent mix of admiration and disgust. Sure, it speaks to ambition, that burning desire to rise above the masses. But here's the uncomfortable truth: when this ambition spirals out of control, fuelled by ego and unchecked by morality, it becomes a destructive force, dragging individuals and the community down a path of self-destruction. The real kicker? The stubborn clinging to outdated, traditional leadership models. In today's rapidly evolving world, this isn't just impractical; it's a death wish. The Nagas stand at a crossroads: adapt or become irrelevant, a forgotten tribe in the grand narrative of modernity.
Means: The Rotten Core of Power
Let's dissect the ugly truth: leadership in Naga society is too often a prize bought with money and seized through brute force. Moral authority and genuine competence? Sadly, they're distant afterthoughts. The result is a parade of immoral, incompetent, and downright corrupt individuals worming their way into positions of power, tainting social and political organizations with their toxic presence. And here's the vicious cycle: those who manage to get elected or appointed – whether in social bodies or government – simply perpetuate this rotten system, consolidating their power through the same dirty tactics. The electorate, the very people who should be the ultimate check on power, are rendered voiceless, trapped in a system they unwittingly legitimized. This breeds a fertile ground for corruption to not just survive but flourish, choking the state from the inside out. We see the rise of the two-faced citizen, the individual who seamlessly switches between a private, "real" self and a public, performative self, devoid of any genuine moral compass.
Reformation: A Spark of Hope or a Pipe Dream?
Humans naturally crave leadership; it's woven into our social fabric. Suppose we genuinely desire progress and prosperity for our communities. In that case, we need to radically rethink leadership development, starting from the ground up, at the village level where people actually know each other. Imagine a system where leaders are chosen or elected based on their integrity, their proven commitment to the community. Village-level integrity could be the bedrock upon which we elect honest State Assembly representatives. And that could pave the way for a Chief Minister and Ministers who actually possess a moral backbone. Such a leadership team would be equipped to finally purge the system of corrupt bureaucrats and shady government contractors. Let's be real: In a place like Nagaland, this might require looking beyond our borders for trustworthy partners. But this isn't just a political or economic battle; it demands a full-blown social revolution, especially within the church. The church, that supposed bastion of morality, is itself riddled with scandals. Shockingly, many church organizations seem to lack any robust process for selecting or electing leaders, allowing individuals with questionable motives to infiltrate and corrupt these sacred institutions. This has to stop.
The church must cleanse itself to regain its moral authority and fulfill its true mission.
Conclusion: Beyond Titles, Towards True Greatness
Here's a radical idea: Every child deserves the chance to discover their leadership potential. But let's kill this myth that everyone has to be a leader. If everyone is a chief, who's left to build the village? We are all born with unique gifts, talents that can bring us personal fulfillment and contribute to the greater good. Promoting incompetent individuals to positions of power is not just a disservice to those individuals; it's a slap in the face to the entire community. Unlike ants, who seem to function in perfect harmony without a hierarchy, we humans crave structure and guidance. From our homes to our social gatherings, leadership is a fundamental need. Therefore, regardless of our position, our duty is to perform to the best of our ability. Ultimately, it's not the fancy titles or the sheer volume of work that defines us; it's the integrity, the sincerity, and the quality of our contributions that truly elevate society and pave the way for greatness. Let's embrace social ethics and morality guided by logic and reason in all our interactions. This is the path to true social, economic, and political justice, where every Naga feels a genuine sense of belonging.
