He that would live in peace and at ease must not speak all he knows, nor
judge all he sees.
I think opinions should be judged of by their influences and effects; and
if a man holds none that tends to make him less virtuous or more vicious,
it may be concluded that he holds none that are dangerous, which I hope is
the case with me.
When in twenty twelve (2012), virile young men and women as if charmed
came all out to support the reelection of Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo
state and forsaking all, it was with the hope that he will live up to his
words, commitment, promises and covenant with the people.
“I will continue to work for you” was his matriarch but as he winds up his
second term in Office, it is glaring that he worked for us as a people in
his first term but failed us in the second. He claims to have done a lot
and I agree that he has but alas anyone can do any amount of work,
provided it isn’t the work he is supposed to be doing at that moment.
When Philosopher Ralph Siu was asked for a bit of wisdom, he offered a
story. “Observe the cormorant in the fishing fleet. Do you know how
cormorants are used for fishing? A man in a rowboat has about a half-dozen
cormorants, each with a ring about its neck. When the bird spots a fish,
it dives into the water and catches the fish in its beak. The ring
prevents the bird from swallowing the fish. The fisherman takes the fish
from the cormorant, which then dives for another fish.”
Just as fishermen take advantage of cormorants, leaders sometimes take
advantage of followers. The cormorant is a slave to the fisherman. A true
leader, however, does not enslave people, but serves them.
How much has Mimiko served us? With Salaries unpaid? (Don’t ever compare
Ondo state with Osun or Kogi, lest you betray Gods kindness to the people
of the Sunshine state) With Students bursary owed? With deceit of
employment that never was? With the enrichment of a few cronies at the
agony of the many? With no regard to democratic tenet hence a planned
imposition of a successor devoid of internal democracy and freewill within
the party the PDP?
Confused, twisted concepts of leadership have produced dysfunctional,
ineffective leaders and organizations. Governor Mimiko is chief in twisted
leadership. He has learned business-based attitudes and practices of
leadership. This infiltration of man’s attitudes and practices of
leadership has affected the state negatively. Godly, democratic attitudes
and practices not business practices adapted to the state governance, must
govern the state. The people is a living organism designed by the Master
Carpenter, justice.
Governor Mimiko has become Controlling leader, who depends on external
control, restrictions, and regulations exhibiting “I’m superior” attitude
and use relationships for selfish ends. –working like dictator who do not
accept input.
The Hebrew word for leader is nagiyd. The root meaning of the word is
“servanthood” which incorporates being an example to people. The Hebrew
word for king is malak or melech. The word, although quite neutral, can
include the idea of ruling or reigning with a strong hand.
A real leader faces the music, even when he doesn’t like the tune. But
such can’t be said of Iroko of today.
Change is inevitable but for us as a people, Progress is optional.
The most important thing with communication is to hear what is not being
said and what’s not being said is that even the governor knows he has lost
it with the people.
When you’re finished changing, you’re finished. Mimiko has changed so much
that I doubt if there is more except for brandishing cards and like he has
eternally said, he has used only one of ten cards. I see the remaining
nine if they are as being useless at this point.
To work effectively as an agent of change in a pluralistic society, it is
necessary to be able to connect with people different from oneself.
When enthusiasm is inspired by reason; controlled by caution; sound in
theory; practical in application; reflects confidence; spreads good cheer;
raises morale; inspires associates, arouses loyalty; and laughs at
adversity, it is beyond price.
Leaders who can stay optimistic and upbeat, even under intense pressure,
radiate the positive feelings that create resonance. By staying in control
of their feelings and impulses, they craft an environment of trust,
comforts and fairness. And that self-management has a trickle down effect
from the leader.
This is the leader Mimiko is not and it is the beginning of the era of an
end.
All said and done, the people will make a choice even if by force and the
PDP will remain in power.
Ayodeji Ologun
A political analyst, public speaker and broadcast journalist writes from
Akure