By Matthew Okache
In the words of famous America Author and Enterpreneur, Jim Rohn a good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better.
This concept of leadership as envisioned by Rohn can be in any sectors of the society be it political , economic or even social. For the purpose of this write-up, the political leadership style and the altitude of politicians especially in Nigeria catches my attention, most especially in Cross River State.
Since aspirations for political leaders is a free will, only very few live up to these leadership ideals. In fact, many political leaders seem to lack some of the most required leadership qualities, such as integrity, transparency and accountability.
As a result of this lack of required credentials for leadership, It is no coincidence that many people upon hearing the word “politician” means negative connotations!
However, history has donated these required qualities of leadership to One Man in Northern part of Cross River State, South South part of Nigeria.
Himself a barrister and son of a justice of the Federal High Court who married to a captain in the airways. Legor Idagbo is not a new name in the political firmament of Cross River State.
Currently representing the good people of Obudu, Obanliku, Bekwara Federal Constituency in the Federal house of representative. A Lawyer par excellence, Legor was a two term local government Chairman of Bekwara Local Government with attractive achievements.
That No flood disaster in Calabar today was part of the handiwork of Legit Legor who supervised the channel two drainage projects buried completely along the Muritala Muhammed Highway to WAPI through the Navy Dockyard jetty and empty into Calabar River as Commissioner for works in Cross River State. Not to talk of numerous Communities connect roads across the Eighteen Local Government Areas.
Legor Leadership In Cross River State Political Network:
As a Political leader he knows the importance of everyone around him through the authority of government, they assess the distribution of power and resources, build relationships with other stakeholders and make decisions that can have great impact on the well-being of a nation and its people.
Leadership in the political framework requires a focus on the long-term good of a country, above and ahead of any personal short-term gains. Good political leadership requires a combination of charisma and integrity, as well as the ability to assess a situation and make a decision based on what would be best for the greatest number of people. Most of all, leadership in a political framework requires ‘statesmanship’ as opposed to just being a ‘politician’ this means having the integrity and willingness to stand up for what is right against all odds, these are all the ideal Legor stands for.
What Makes A Good Political Leader?
Ironically, those who make good political leaders are often those who least want the position in the first place! These are individuals who do not seek power but who have authority conferred upon them by others who value their judgement.
So what makes a good political leader? A good political leader is:
someone who serves as an example of integrity and loyalty to the people they represent, both to the public and to other political leaders.
someone with good communication and inter-personal skills, who can work with a range of other people, regardless of political party or opinion, to achieve the greatest good for the general population.
someone who can resist the various temptations and lures of the political arena
someone of strong character, with both conscience and charisma
someone willing to listen to the needs of the common people and to represent them faithfully
someone with the courage to stand up and say what needs to be said rather than just tell the general public what it wants to hear
someone who is willing to make difficult (and possibly unpopular) decisions for the greater good.
An effective political leader will have a leadership style that focuses on coalition and building, While negotiation and even coercion are sometimes necessary, a good political leader will always try to use persuasion first.
Taking Responsibility
One of the key leadership qualities many political leaders lack is ability to take responsibility. A lot of political leaders are used to pointing the finger at everyone else and few seem not to accept responsibility for their mistakes, admit their political failures and acknowledge their own contribution to a problem.
Accountability is crucial to effective political leadership, In Cross River Today, Hon Legor Idagbo stand tall among his peers to not only regularly visit his constituents but also accountable to them on what they sent him to do as without this, there will be no respect from the followers.
A good political leader is someone who will be honest and responsible for their own actions and decisions and who is willing to admit when they have made a mistake. They will focus their energies and time on representing the people rather than spending all the time “covering their backs” and criticising others.
Hon Legor Idagbo is a living examples with testimonies and revelations everywhere he find himself to these ideals of a true leader per excellence.
Matthew Okache, is a Journalist, the publisher of Naijavoice.
Email: okache2@gmail.com
Phone: 07036649362
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