Many theories have been advanced regarding the nature of politics and power. Some of these theories are contradictory and not truly in sync with the essence of these concepts. Where politics revolves around the capacity of people to make choices over leadership, the main tool for leadership, which is power, attracts a divisive and acrimonious energy that tend to rubbish the neutral and benign concept of politics…
The attraction to power becomes toxic and competitive where genuine leadership is not the target. Otherwise, why would anybody be fighting to carry a burden? Leadership is a burden and it’s really intriguing to see people rushing to be crowned with a burden. The attraction to leadership, for many people who have no business in it, is simply because of the power attached to it. Power intoxicates more than strong drinks and can trigger far- reaching consequences that liquor intoxication cannot achieve…
Selah.
It’s believed, however, that wherme aspiration for genuine leadership is concerned, the contestants will barnish acrimony and desperation to the background. If the state or nation is the ultimate beneficiary of good and genuine leadership, why should desperate moves be a part of the game? But the reasons are so obvious. Many of the people who want to lead are only interested in how to acquire political power and use it selfishly to oppress their perceived enemies…
Selah.
This situation in leadership has been on for a while now in our experience as a people. The man who is desperate to rule is clearly telling the whole world that he is not for the people. And where the people truly want him to emerge as their leader, it won’t take them anything to make him one, where there is a level playing ground. Our brand of politics ought to change by now since we are beginning to understand that we, the masses, can cause an upset where we are properly coordinated and organized.
In saner climes, where leadership has been properly understood, electing political leaders have always been with little or no drama, with desperate measures considered unpopular and even primitive. Africa appears to be far from this model or brand of politics and the reason is obvious. Many who seek to lead don’t appreciate what leadership is all about. What we have in Africa, Nigeria and states, in most cases, is leadership aping. True leadership abhors divisive and destructive strategies…
Selah.
Those who mean well for the people don’t fight to lead them. I once saw a picture of gubernatorial aspirants from Kunav and from what I gathered, they had all agreed to support anyone among them that emerges victorious at the polls. I appreciated that rare camaraderie among the contestants and wished that it would continue. Dr. Jeffrey Kuraun has always stood for a peaceful relationship with his brothers contesting for the same position and has indicated his readiness to assist where he is not the one favoured with a win.
This approach has greatly defined his kind of politics and he is not ready to give it up in a hurry. The man who genuinely seeks to lead his people shouldn’t make it a do-or -die affair. The stakeholders and the people should decide if they want a man who won’t give them any reason to regret giving him their support or the one that is desperately seeking to acquire power for selfish reasons. It’s left for them to decide next year…
Dr. Kuraun is coming!
Emeka Ozo Umeh is the Principal Consultant, Centre for Leadership, Legislation And Allied Strategic Studies-CLLASS and Principal Attorney, Chariots Chambers.
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