By Oladotun F. Roy
In any democratic setting, it is a commonplace to hear people whine and apportion blames on the leadership particularly whenever things don’t pan out the way they had thought, after all the elections’ razzmatazz, be it at the local, state and federal levels.
And to some extent, aside from the global economic meltdown, the myriad of economic challenges in the country today can be said to have stemmed largely due to decisions of the current administration as well as the style of leadership adopted by its handlers.
Leadership is one thing. The style of leadership is another. These are two independent variables that must be given a proper assessment before we can truly get the best out of whoever is said to be leading or representing the people’s interests in governance.
Generically, the meaning of leadership is inherent in the word itself. And as we all know, the definitions of leadership varies, as it can be viewed through various lenses as well as from different contexts.
However, I wouldn’t want to dwell much on the various definitions of Leadership in this article, since it is not my main focus.
My main focus for this article is the style/kind of leadership that the Nigerians truly need. The type that would help alleviate the past pains of the electorates, disappointments and agonizing years of repressive yet patronizing political leadership, that have become recurring experiences within political space in Nigeria.
When we talk about the style of leadership within political space, we are referring to a leadership that truly grasps the essence of leadership in governance. The types that hearken to the hues and cries of the people.
There is no gainsaying that there has been exceptional political leadership in Nigeria since the commencement of the fourth Republic in 1999.
There are few political figures that I, as a development journalist of well over a decade have consistently followed their political trajectories in Nigeria. Those I can categorically mention that they are qualified by all standards, having exhibited an exceptional style of leadership in governance.
On my list and in no particular order, I would mention the likes of Professor Zulum in the North East, Emeka Ihedioha in the South East, Donald Duke in the South South and Seyi Makinde in the South West.
Professor Babagana Umaru Zulum is the current executive Governor of Borno State, who has taken up the battle of salvaging what is left of his State after several devastating years of insurgency. Zulum exemplifies a true of leadership with an uncommon style of leadership backed with courage to save his people by providing with the right leadership they truly deserve.
Another style of leadership that I truly covet and worthy of emulation is, that of Chukwuemeka Ihedioha, Former Deputy Speaker of House of Representative and Former Governor of Imo State. Ihedioha is one political force that Imo State as a whole should be grateful to have in the state.
Within his 100 days as the Executive Governor of Imo State, prior to his voluntary exit, Ihedioha demonstrated exemplary leadership that no politician in Nigeria’s history has in their records till date. This, he did in spite of the threats and constant attacks from the Rulling/ Opposition party. Obviously, this article won’t permit me to reel out some of his brilliant initiatives.
For me, his few months in the office had only proven one thing to the good people of imo state, that there is hope for the state whenever they are truly ready for a change.
Seyi Makinde is another force in Oyo State. He is the current governor of Oyo State and he is a beacon of hope that a greenhorn politician can still deliver and make a remarkable difference within a short period of time in the office. His style of leadership is remarkable and worthy of emulation.
Based on my personal scorecard and assessment, these above-mentioned political figures have exemplified the excellent style of leadership that Nigerians truly deserve by all standards, while upholding the true democratic tenets as well as utmost regard for the rule of law. That is the kind of leadership Nigerians deserve.