Governor Udom Emmanuel’s leadership quality is presented here by Richard Peters
OpenLife Nigeria reports that Governor Udom Emmanuel’s commitment to quality governance to the people of Akwa Ibom forms the kernel of this piece published unedited
“Leadership everywhere comes with criticism, irrespective of how much or little one does (which is not new to the lowest or highest rung of politics). Leadership and criticism go hand in hand.
Howbeit, the footprints of good leadership are inherent in every passion-driven leader, including Governor Udom Emmanuel.
Good leadership involves the ability to take charge and firm control at all times. We have a Governor whose capacity to control and handle situations is not in doubt. During the COVID-19 outbreak, for instance, Governor Emmanuel demonstrated a clear understanding of the situation on ground by putting in place one of the best mechanisms – a team of knowledgeable health workers – in managing the situation. He went as far as holding daily meetings with them throughout the ravaging period and gave constant directives and updates to the people. All of these are live occurrences which we all saw.
Good leaders strive for continuity against all odds. Despite the dwindling economy, the Governor has not abandoned any project. The halts experienced at some project sites are as a result of the lockdown and delayed funding, but all are on course, steadily moving to completion. The Governor who has shown more interest in governance than flimsy things has remained undistracted against all odds; his body language and intelligence have proven this.
Another essence of leadership is responsiveness: listening to the voice of the people. Often, the Governor takes into cognizance the concern of the people. This is exemplified in the setting up of a committee to look into the demands of the Labour Union in the State.
It is equally the function of good governance to engage the youths effectively. This government has created ways of engaging the youths in the past and present, through the Ministry of Trade and Investment. The Ibom 3000 youths project is one of those projects, and the employment of over 1000 teachers are visible evidences.
Even more, opportunities have been created for investments to thrive. A look at the Direct Foreign Investment indicates that the number of people who have applied to the State Government to give them the opportunity of coming to invest and are being screened is enormous, while many other applications are still pouring in.
Moreso, some of the concerns of teachers are being attended to.
All of these are to better the lives of the people, and this is the true definition of government; the government of the people, by the people and for the people.
In the ongoing writing spree which has showcased some as mediocres and others, pro; it is pertinent to note that there’s no smoke without fire.
A lecturer of Political Science from the University of Uyo has argued that what is playing out on the media space is a political strategy on image destruction. He furthered that political gladiators are looking for a space in people’s minds, hence, the option of employing blackmail and libelous contents in the media.
Admitting that this ploy is not new in the political terrain, he called for proper management of past and present information on people, places and events even before they become popular.
The race for 2023 is no doubt the engineer of these needless uncoveries; the secret campaigns, tripartite tactics and hate speeches we know, are purposed at instigating the people’s hatred on the government of the day.
But, this too shall pass away and time will tell. Nothing goes round without coming round.
One thing is sure, Governor Emmanuel will finish strong and better. God never leaves his anointed halfway!
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