During the military era, "rulers" is often used to refer to the government of the day. In the democratic era,"leaders" is being used. But what amazed me was the description of Jonathan as a ruler by an international media. Is there really a difference between the two?

a ruler owns his subjects. Meaning they are accountable to him but he isn't accountable to them. the same relationship a person has with property.

a leader is someone that carries a collective from one point to another. you can lead someone to prosperity the same way you can lead someone into poverty, both are leaders because they are the prime navigators.


a ruler is thus an owner and a leader is a driver. a leader is only an authority because a collective has chosen to follow their path but a ruler moves the collective where they see fit as his property.

This is why i cringe when i hear governors and presidential hopefuls talk about 'ruling' nigeria or their respective states. It shows a weak understanding of the english language and democracy.


This is why americans don't call their presidents 'rulers' like nigerians do, they don't call their tenures 'rules' the same way we say "when obasanjo was ruling" or "when yar adua was ruling" or "we want the south to rule" so on and so forth.

Root Words
[size=14pt]Rule: To command
Lead: To guide[/size]

Ikengawo:

a ruler owns his subjects. Meaning they are accountable to him but he isn't accountable to them. the same relationship a person has with property.

a leader is someone that carries a collective from one point to another. you can lead someone to prosperity the same way you can lead someone into poverty, both are leaders because they are the prime navigators.


a ruler is thus an owner and a leader is a driver. a leader is only an authority because a collective has chosen to follow their path but a ruler moves the collective where they see fit as his property.

This is why i cringe when i hear governors and presidential hopefuls talk about 'ruling' nigeria or their respective states. It shows a weak understanding of the english language and democracy.


This is why americans don't call their presidents 'rulers' like nigerians do, they don't call their tenures 'rules' the same way we say "when obasanjo was ruling" or "when yar adua was ruling" or "we want the south to rule" so on and so forth.

Root Words
[size=14pt]Rule: To command
Lead: To guide[/size]

Thanks. From the above,I have a better understanding. We as a nation deserves leadership and not "rulership".

exactly, but due to our leaders poor understanding of english, they constantly use the word "ruler" as does our populace. I was raised in America so when i hear this i cringe a little.


it's like goodluck jonathan announcing that he's running for dictator of nigeria.

It is not just word that is confusing,in practice nigerian politicians are despotic and unaccountable rulers who imposes themselves on gullible and placid nigerians. .