It is assumed and rightly so that government exists for the good and welfare of the people. Those who are elected to leadership positions therefore hold power in trust for the people who elected them and are ultimately accountable to them. In advanced democracy, democratic principles as enshrined in the constitution describes democracy as the “the government of the people, by the people and for the people”. While growing up, this definition of democracy has absolutely become a cliche that assumed a life of its own. Looking at how democracy has been practiced and still being done in our clime, one is bound to think twice when faced with the same question… What is democracy? before attempting it. I’m certain that not quite a few would opt for same time tested or academic infested definition. The reason is simple.
Save for the founding fathers of many nations in the developing worlds who were truly altruistic in governing their nation and people, contemporary leaders have only but paid lip service to the democratic norms.
It is in the light of this, that one is safe to examine the leadership ethos as exemplified in the person of Rt. Honourable Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Mr. Fulfilment and Gburu-Gburu of Enugu state.
There is a time tested adage that where there is love , there shall we find peace also. In effect, Love and peace are sine qua non to the development of any society. Ugwuanyi has never left anyone in doubt that he is a peaceful man and will do nothing short of pursuing his passion for love and peace. During his stint at the legislature, his calm disposition in the face of crises is refreshingly infectious. His general outlook to seek and maintain peace has generally endeared him to many of his political friends and foes alike. This assertion could be evidenced in his signature spotless white caftan. Little wonder then, he was roundly chosen in the build up to the primary and general elections when it was time to change baton of leadership of Enugu state in 2015.
His innate quality as a man of peace came to the fore when scores of citizens of the state lost their lives as a result of the crisis involving the herdsmen and farmers at Nimbo, an agrarian community in Uzo Uwani local council. Rt. Honourable Ugwuanyi promptly visited the community to have a first hand knowledge of the situation. He was visibly shaken as a result of the ugly situation then and wept publicly. Many undiscerning mind then understood this public display of emotion as a show of weakness and inaction on the part of the government he heads. Perhaps, what those who do not understand the dynamics of a progressive society is that one does not need to ignite a burning furnace to douse same but water is always needed to quench fire. As they say, the rest is history… Peace and normalcy has returned to the community ever since and there has not been reported pronounced incidences of such crises in other communities of the state owing to his strategic template to entrench peace and harmony for the ultimate development of Enugu state.
It is equally important to stress that Gburu-Gburu’s policy on one community, one project which might be considered grossly inadequate to cater for the greater needs and welfare of the good people of Enugu, but suffice it to admit that it is a marked strategic template to ensure even distribution of scarce resources, while at the same time ensuring peace, harmony and stability in the state as no community would feel profoundly cheated in the execution of government programs.
I would like to recall my earlier assertion on peace and love being sine qua non in the development of any progressive society. In many states of the nation, there are pronounced ego and personality clashes between governors and federal political appointees on one hand and other routine political opponents and opposition elements on the other. But not so in Enugu state. What could be responsible for this?
The answer can be found in these few lines penned by a profound motivational writer, Roland Onamusi… ” LEADERSHIP IS ACTION AND NOT TITLES! Being a servant is a phase of great leadership ahead! The Boss has the title, while the people follow the leader! Leaders instill in their people a hope for success and a belief in themselves. Positive leaders empower people to accomplish their goals. Leaders have a vision that keeps them going through difficult times.
Rt. Honourable Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi – Gburu-Gburu, Mr. Fulfilment, the Executive Governor of Enugu state remains a study in humility, candour and humanity. He truly exemplies love and peace – necessary ingredients for stability and progress in every society. Herein lies his imprints as lessons from ideal leadership.
Enugu state is truly in the hands of God.
Austin Okechukwu Chijioke –
Member, Enugu di n’aka Chukwu movement.
A PR practitioner writes in from Abuja
