By Dr. Emma Amaefule.
A Public Affairs Analyst.
Indeed, today to be a leader or to be in leadership position appeared to be the yearning of everybody. True leaders are not hidden even from their early stages of life. True leaders have genuine passion and commitment to effectively contribute to the welfare of their fellow man or society. Often times their motivation for leadership or service to the people are born out of selflessness. Hence they are willing to sacrifice for the betterment of humanity.
Regrettably, the mad rush to leadership today by many people, who are not either among the called leaders or chosen leaders are as a result of selfish ambition which is not for the good interest of the people nor the society. No doubt, many people occupied different public offices in leadership without the evidence of the expected results. It is important to note that, in life you can only give out what you have in you, consciously or unconsciously. In fact, discipline, patience, honesty, accountability and good manners are not born in leadership; they are trained in the home. No wonder the Bible said,” When the righteous is on the throne the people rejoice”. The righteous individual has the fear of God and know that he or she is accountable to God and man. Hence, he or she goes into leadership position to make a positive significant difference . But when a selfish individual assumes office he or she will obviously manifest evil and multiply problems for humanity.
Interestingly, to be a leader is one thing but to display servant leadership is what separate the true leaders in leadership. Servant leadership is the mandate of a leader in public office or any given office. A true servant leader has good knowledge of their people, environment, and challenges hence he or she will be willing to make sacrifices and be dedicated to his or her duties as well as the welfare of the people. No doubt, a servant leader has confidence in God and in himself. Again, they are faithful to their master and the people. Servant leaders are not selfish or greedy in leadership but always satisfied with what they have per time. Examples of servant leaders includes Jesus, Joseph, Mandela, Dee Sam Mbakwe among others.
Indeed in Imo State, Dee Sam Mbakwe demonstrated the characteristics of a servant leader, he always stood for the interest, welfare and progress of his people. He was humble, smart, Godly, intelligent, focus and results oriented. His passion for effective good governance and to ensure the delivery of solutions to the challenges of his people often led him to weep. Hence, he was known as the “weeping governor”, who always placed the interest of his people before him. No doubt, even his master and his people were very well pleased with him and his leadership in governance, even after his tenure in office as the executive governor of Imo State as well as after his death.
Finally, the servant leaders are ordinary people with uniqueness and good character. The fact that many do misunderstood and hate servant leaders does not affect their disposition when they assumed office according to their destiny. In leadership, servant leaders deliver effective good governance and quality services, maintain rule of law, ensure effective representation, champion development and empowerment of his people, protect lives and property, maintained balance in leadership, defend the interest of his people, remain accountable and results oriented as well as ensure peaceful co- existence among the people. Indeed, Jesus demonstrated himself as a true servant leader through his passion and sacrifice to humanity. Hence he said, ” I became poor so that we can be rich”, ” By my stripes you are healed”. Evidently, servant leaders are always able to know the problems of their people, find accurate approach and solutions, established network for human relations, acknowledged God in his leadership position, manage resources, ensure human capital development among others.
