Thomas Abi Jr|2 November 2015|5:00am
Many a time I have asked myself who truly a leader is. I have pondered but I have not seen the true virtues of a charismatic and honest leader in our Nigeria leaders.
I am a young man who believes in the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr., a man who saw life in a different plane. I have come to understand that life is not the way we see it. How honest are our leaders to our people? How truthful are our leaders to their supporters and followers? How kind are our leaders to their people? The truth is our leaders are only leading themselves and are not leading the general public.
In my analysis and view of leaders, I have discovered some leaders lead with passion while some struggle for leadership positions out of greed and sheer wickedness. They scheme to get to leadership positions to mar and steal, and destroy. I say this with out fear, leadership in the 21st century is characterized and manned by shenanigans who are just concerned about their stomach. People who are concerned about escapism, frivolity. People who are concerned about the short term and not the long term. People who do not have a policy direction. Men and women who treat their subjects and supporters as if they are doing them a favor. Men and women who turn into lions on assumption to leadership offices. Let me give our leaders one advice, you mustn't steal to prove that you are a big man or woman. The greatest sustainability of wealth is the empowerment of the younger generation. I have seen people who steal, loot ,and after a few years they are beggars.
True leaders are those who make very decisive decisions. They are those who understand that they must make decisions for the best interest of the general public. True leaders, are persons of character, men and women who stand for justice, people who speak without fear of favor. People of quality, driven by purpose and conviction.
Martin Luther King Jr., said, "Hit the road and garner support for your cause".
How many of our leaders have stood for a cause? How many believe in their constituents and the people they are leading? Let me tell you something today, your people are not asking for too much, all they are asking is for you to protect their interest. Empower them, show love and kindness, honesty and sincerity of purpose. How many of such leaders do we have today?
How many of our leaders have given themselves fully for service? Are we giving ourselves for our stomachs, pockets, families or friends, instead of the entire people that sent you? No my friend! That is not the way to quality service delivery.
Martin Luther King Jr., said, "Once you make your mind that you are giving yourself, you must be prepared to do anything that serves your cause. You must give your self fully".
My people, great leaders are people who are accountable to their people. They are people who show great zeal, they rise to the problems of their people, charismatic leaders are go getters. Leaders who lead with conscience, purpose and sincerity. It pains me that the Nigerian people have been jilted, used, robbed and abused by past leaders. The time is now to show your people that you love them. True leaders do not compel followers to follow them but people align with them naturally because of what they carry. Are you a leader that people align with naturally? If you are not work on your leadership style. Work on your life, principles and ideology.
True leaders are men who love their people. It is no news that workers are owed many months without salaries. Yet our leaders spend lavishly. Our leaders act without mercy and compassion. They act with contempt in their hearts. How callous it is to pay a man who works for you and you do not pay him. How nice are you to your driver who drives you, your cook, your domestic aide and even the poor man who opens your gate? If you can not show these persons love and empower them, it means even if Jesus comes down you can never do anything good for your people.
Great and good leaders are those who inspire their people. I was not born during the time of Martin Luther King Jr., but I love him because of his antecedents. What are you known for? Are you known to be a man who dupes and steals from government and the company coffers? My friend, that it the height of wickedness. How wicked it is to drive in a porsh car, live in a porsh house and drink choice wine and your supporters and closest of friends and the people you are leading are wallowing in abject poverty and penury. No my friend, that is wickedness.
My people, I have tears in my eyes today, I weep for my people. I weep for Nigeria, I cry for Africa. Show your people love and mercy please Nigeria leaders. It is a passionate appeal.
Our destiny is tied to Nigeria, our success story is tied to Nigeria and it is our responsibility to work for the greater good of our people.
Martin Luther King Jr., said, "We will reach the goal of freedom in Birmingham and all over the nation, because the goal of America is freedom. Abused and scorned though we may be, our destiny is tied up with America's destiny".
Our destiny is in our common heritage. Our destiny is in Nigeria. We must lead with the fear and wisdom of God.
God bless!
Prince Thomas Abi Jr.
Is a Public Affairs Analyst/Social Commentator
