Politics And Leadership: The Ukwuani Dilemma
Afimag.com –
The Ndokwa/Ukwuani people of Delta State occupy a very strategic position in the State in many respects. The area contributes significantly to the oil & gas resources of the State and Nigeria.
The Independent Power Plant at Okpai, which currently generates about 480 megawatts into the National Electricity grid with the potential to double it, is also located in the area. The Ukwuani people are reported to be the second largest ethnic group in Delta State, with notable sons and daughters of the ethnic group making waves in different fields of human endeavor within Nigeria and in the diaspora.
The region is also blessed with large expanse of fertile land on which varied agricultural crops are grown as well as rich aquatic resources.
However, a review of the political and leadership trajectory in Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, with particular emphasis on the fourth republic in Nigeria (from 1999 to date), gives a totally different, albeit appalling, scenario.
Ukwuani, every action or inaction appears to be purely based on
political considerations. As it is usually said, ‘Politics is about interest’. And
indeed, pure politics is about self-interest and nothing more.
Leadership on the other hand, transcends politics. It is about the common good; what is best for the larger society. It is about the highest benefit to the largest number of less privileged members of the society!
The Holy Bible, in Proverbs chapter 29, verse 2 (KJV) gives us what I call a measurement gauge of leadership and politics: ‘When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn’.
In other words, the result of a leader/politician is simply measured by how much rejoicing or mourning that pervades his or her area of influence. Little wonder the Bible used the word ‘in authority’ for the righteous and ‘beareth rule’ for the wicked.
The wicked simply ‘rules’. The result is self-interest of the ruler, master-servant
relationships, dog eat dog scenario, the end justifies the means attitude and at best, an ugly lack of development in the society.
The leader on the other hand, seeks to enthrone joy in the larger society. He/She
focuses on what is best for the majority, builds the team, teaches them how to catch fish rather than feeding them with fish!
Development of the society naturally flows from and within the environment so that ‘Together Everyone Achieves More’ (TEAM). The ultimate result is growth and progress of majority of the people and their communities.
In summary, while pure politics exploits the weak and makes them vulnerable, leadership protects and empowers them, and improves their standard of living.
The big question for the Ukwuani politician/leader is; Are our people rejoicing or mourning under your leadership/rulership, especially since 1999? Are there improvements in the infrastructural, economic, security and sociocultural situation in Ukwuani?
While it is better late than never, to turn a new leaf in the service of our people, it
is important for every politician or leader to look at the mirror and depending on your assessment of Ukwuani’s lot in the scheme of development, give the man/woman in the mirror a thumps-up, knock or even a punch, and say never again, will the ugly trend continue.
He/She should then pledge and consciously work to deliver the proverbial dividends of democracy to our people, with the expectation that in four years’ time when a similar review is repeated, it will only be thumps up for the man/woman in the mirror.
Chuks Onyemulu, a Financial & Management Consultant, writes from Utagba-Uno in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State. Email:
chuksmul@yahoo.com