A Nigerian Scholar, Dr. Godwin Akpan Amaowoh has put Nigeria on the global map by propounding a new political theory; Tupocracy. The intellectual concept was the brainchild of his doctoral dissertation at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Faculty of Social Sciences.
The Dissertation Topic was ‘An understanding of Tupos in Pauline Letters on the Pastoral Ministry of the Church and its implication for Contemporary society’.
He defined Tupocracy as a system of government involving people who lead by positive example based on transparency, integrity, altruism, patriotism and godly character which is worthy of emulation by their colleagues and followers. Tupocracy is one word for leadership by example, coined from two Greek words, tupos (example, pattern, model which is worthy of emulation) and Krateia (government, leadership, rulership or administration), in the family of Democracy, Autocracy, Aristocracy, etc.
Tupocracy as a political doctrine: One of the major challenges which the world is facing today is the absence of good leadership.
This has precipitated poverty, insecurity, instability, war, ethnic tensions, criminality, corruption in the land and dissatisfaction and despair among the citizenry in many nations. People are looking for role models in politics, religion, civil service, academia, business, the Private sector and even in the family but they are grossly in short supply. The answer to this dilemma is found in Tupocracy which is rightly predicated on the age-old axiom that “example is better than precept.” Based on this, the Tupocract says, “Emulate me in all things”; “Do as I do” and not “Do as I say.”
He does not contradict himself or what he says as a leader by negative example in conduct, ip so facto, he is a role model. The beauty of Democracy, as a world acclaimed political doctrine, lies in Tupocracy.
Dr. Amaowoh has therefore recommended Tupocracy to be adopted as the handmaid of Democracy, without which Democracy becomes “Dem all crazy”, meaning, “Governance by insane people.”
In his dissertation, he argued that Tupocracy is the most needed element in a democracy. He stated that leaders who live exemplary lives should be the ones that steer the affairs of the country.
He received a commendation for his intellectual discovery as the Board of Examiners (including external Examiners) awarded him a Distinction for his commendable masterpiece.
The board of Examiners chaired by an External Examiner Prof. Vincent Nyoyoko from the University of Port Harcourt adopted the dissertation and as well recommended that it should be globally accepted as a Political Doctrine that may be adopted by countries or further studied.
Speaking after excellently satisfying all requirements for the award of his PhD, Godwin Akpan Amaowoh, promised to take the concept to the next level by publishing a comprehensive book on the subject matter.
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