7th September, 2007
By Seun Omotayo
Since 2006, when the word ‘Tupocracy’ was first coined out by Dr. Godwin Akpan Amaowoh, it has received commendation from top notch intellectuals and respected business and civil society leaders nationwide.
Tupocracy is a system of government where leadership by example is the order of the day. It ensures equality before the law whereby those in governance will show example in obedience to the laws of the land. So far, although leadership by example has been a household word, its impact has not been felt like Democracy and other systems of government.
Amaowoh states that with his invention, Tupocracy will become the vehicle to popularize the maxim. Thus, Tupocratic institutions will be built alongside Democratic institutions whereby there would be crystal clear patterns of leadership by example.
Amaowoh further stresses that the fight against corruption in any nation can never be won unless their leaders lead by example in all matters, namely: financial matters, award of contracts, electoral matters, patriotism and the Rule of Law. Based on transparency, Tupocracy will checkmate greed, nepotism, personal aggrandizement, ethnic chauvinism, embezzlement of public funds and injustice in the process of governance.
In his book, Tupocracy: Leadership by example for the Church and Civil society pubpished in June 2007, Dr. Amaowoh emphasizes that the bane of any society is the preponderance of unscrupulous and unconscionable leaders who have thrown moral values to the winds in their leadership styles.
He further describes Tupocracy as a wake-up call as well as a moral guide for all leaders, whether in Religion or civil society, who need the respect, loyalty, welfare and co-operation of their followers.
Prof. E. N. Chinwoku from UNN, Nsukka, said that Tupocracy will revolutionise how emerging leaders will lead. He commended the author of the book and as well declared that he will keenly look into the concept and contribute to the ongoing discussion of the subject matter.
As we approach the second decade of the 21st Century, we can only hope that Tupocracy will find its ground amongst intellectual, social? Religious and Civil Society leaders.
As a new political discovery, it can be acclaimed as becoming a success already with its wide acceptance by scholars, leaders of thought, business leaders and even civil workers.
The concept has been published into a book which is now being adopted and recommended as a requirement for certain courses in higher institutions.
Scholars have mentioned it to be a new invention while noting it to be a very welcome development that they are certain would be practicable.