YOUR NATION WILL OUTLIVE YOU - Lauretta Onochie

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In October 1919, President Woodrow Wilson suffered a massive stroke that left him partially paralyzed and largely incapacitated for the remaining 17 months of his term. The cover-up, seclusion, impaired judgements and political consequences, haunted America for years.

When a person of means or authority is terminally ill, destructive behaviours are not inevitable, but the risk increases if the illness is hidden, poorly managed, or accompanied by fear, denial, or cognitive decline. In such cases, harm usually comes through the misuse of power, not personal actions. I will limit this piece to political leaders in general. Common patterns include:

1. Authoritarian overreach

Fear of losing control can drive a terminally ill leader into:

Crackdowns on dissent, protests, and opposition parties

Abuse of security agencies to intimidate critics

Suspension or manipulation of democratic processes

This is often rooted in paranoia, insecurity, or a desire to leave a “strongman” legacy.

 

2. Weaponisation of state institutions

A terminally ill leader may:

Use courts, anti-graft agencies, or regulators to persecute opponents

Shield allies from accountability

Undermine rule of law to protect personal or family interests

Institutions become tools of survival rather than service.

 

3. Reckless or legacy-driven decisions

Some leaders rush to:

Push through unpopular policies without consultation

Sign harmful contracts or concessions

Make impulsive national decisions to “mark history”

Urgency replaces prudence.

 

4. Escalation of conflict

To distract from weakness or illness, a leader may:

Stoke ethnic, religious, or regional divisions

Create external or internal enemies

Encourage violence or tolerate political thuggery 

Fear is redirected outward.

 

5. Neglect of governance

If illness severely limits capacity:

Day-to-day governance may collapse

Economic management may suffer

Critical decisions are delayed or abandoned

The country pays for absentee leadership. Dearly! 


6. Rule by proxies and cabals

When the president is incapacitated:

Unelected aides, family members, or inner circles may rule informally

Decisions reflect private interests, not public good

Power struggles within the elite intensify instability

Citizens are governed by shadows.

 

7. Information suppression and deceit

To conceal illness, governments may:

Lie to citizens

Restrict media freedom

Criminalise “rumours” or investigative journalism

Truth becomes a threat to power.


A crucial clarification

Illness does not make someone evil. The real danger lies in:

Lack of transparency

Weak constitutional safeguards

A culture that treats leaders as indispensable

Failure to transfer power when capacity is impaired

Strong democracies protect citizens by insisting that no individual is bigger than the state.

SAFEGUARDS THAT PROTECT CITIZENS Constitutional requirements for health status.

Clear procedures for temporary or permanent transfer of power

Independent legislature and judiciary

Free press and active civil society

Leaders who value institutions over personal rule

Honesty and respect for the citizens are paramount. 

Illnesses come to all at one time or another. To all leaders across the globe who are at this time, terminally ill and setting their nations ablaze, remember, your nation will outlive you. Definitely.

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