AMERICA’S PRESIDENTIAL SEAL IS FOR EVERYBODY

At both the Capitol One Arena and Capitol Hill, I saw it. I observed it too. Tesla boss and the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, along with the officiating minister and a lady who introduced Donald Trump as the United States’ 45th and 47th President, used them.

I am talking about the lecterns emblazoned with the U.S. presidential seal. And yes, Musk, the officiating minister at Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, and the lady who invited President Trump for his oath-taking as America’s new President on January 20, 2025, all stood before the lecterns (at Capitol One Arena and Capitol Hill) and delivered their brief speeches.

Such an “aberration” can never happen in Nigeria. Our presidential seal is the exclusive property of the President. No one dares use it for public speeches. You cannot even come close to it. Stern-looking operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) would never allow you to attempt such proximity.

But in America, it seems the presidential seal is neither treated as a priceless gold artifact nor as a cherished diamond. Americans and their president appear to attach little significant value to it, hence they care less about who uses it. Their president can use it, just as any American citizen can.

One cannot help but admire the friendly and laid-back approach of American politicians and public officials, even at grand events like a presidential inauguration. At such gatherings, there is an air of openness and accessibility.

This stands in stark contrast to the rigid and oftentimes intimidating demeanor of many Nigerian leaders, their protocol officers, and overzealous security details. Public events in Nigeria are often marred by a sense of exclusivity, with power-drunk leaders exuding an aura of untouchability.

A telling example of this contrast was seen during President Trump’s inaugural address. As he stood confidently behind the lectern, there was no Aide-de-Camp (ADC) lurking like a sculptured idol behind him. He spoke directly to the American people, unencumbered by the presence of a uniformed officer standing guard.

This simple yet profound act highlights a leadership style that prioritizes accessibility over grandeur. In Nigeria, the image is vastly different. Our presidents and governors are frequently flanked by ADCs, projecting an image of power and control rather than humility and service.

The lessons for Nigeria’s political class are clear: leadership should be about service, not spectacle. The obsession with elaborate protocols, excessive security measures, and ostentatious displays of power creates a disconnect between leaders and the people they are meant to serve.

American politicians have shown that humility and relatability are not weaknesses; they are strengths that endear leaders to their citizens. Moreover, the approachability of American public figures at events reflects a culture of trust and mutual respect. In Nigeria, the excessive focus on security and protocol often makes public officials seem aloof and unapproachable.

This is a stark reminder that governance should be about building bridges, not walls, between leaders and the populace. Another point of reflection is the symbolism of the U.S. presidential seal. Its accessibility to other speakers during public events signifies a leadership philosophy that embraces inclusivity rather than exclusivity.

This practice could inspire Nigerian leaders to de-emphasize the symbols of power and focus more on meaningful governance and citizen engagement. Ultimately, America’s relaxed and inclusive approach to leadership protocols serves as a blueprint for a more people-centered governance model.

It is high time Nigerian leaders realized that true power lies in the trust and admiration of the people, not in the intimidating presence of security personnel or the exclusivity of presidential symbols. America’s presidential seal is truly for everybody—an emblem of accessibility, humility, and democracy.

Nigerian leaders would do well to embrace these ideals, shedding the layers of pomp and circumstance that alienate them from the people. A government truly of the people, by the people, and for the people must make itself approachable, relatable, and inclusive. The sooner we learn this lesson, the better.

 Abdulsalam Mahmud,

 Deputy Editor, PRNigeria

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