By Harry Dafikpako
Putting Ukwuani on the right political footing is my expectation about our political leadership institution. I do not support the shenanigan of power tussle by leaders who lack tangible proofs or results of leadership in Ukwuani.
Leaders must be proven to be leaders only when they raise leaders after their kinds. This is the mantra of Governor Ifeanyi A. Okowa – he makes leaders just as former Governor, Chief James Ibori.
See how working closely with Dr. Esther Uduehi, Rt. Hon. Ochor Chris Ochor and Sir Monday Onyeme in particular produced a next generation leadership at Ukwuani Local Govt Council, with Hon. (Barr.) Ajede Possible taking over as Council Chairman and the little me serving as SLG.
This reality angers some anti-progressive forces who would not let Ukwuani PDP have peace and their anger buttresses the point that same leaders are strongly opposed to youth involvement in political leadership which is the only approach to implementing effective leadership succession.
In 2023, none of these leaders fighting for supremacy have prepared any of their boys whom we know, to contest for House of Assembly elections or to be appointed as Commissioner during the next administration.
They will fight to occupy those local positions and when the coast is not clear, will plan a political gang up against those leaders who understand leadership as a principle of raising leaders.
Ukwuani people will be shocked to their bone marrows when the interests of these gang of sit tight leaders begin to clash, particularly when they begin hustling for what their boys should ordinarily have if they meant well for Ukwuani political growth.
It is painful to realise that we have persons serving as POLITICAL or DOMESTIC AIDES to some of our leaders since the past 10 – 22years who have no prospects for political growth. They perhaps lack the qualification or valuable competences to ascend the ladder because their bosses would never engage intellects who by any means have potentials of surpassing their leadership politically.
How can one praise leaders who surround themselves with mediocres, who they can’t offer better platforms for sustained political growth other than Supervisory Councillor, SA to Governor and others appointments that are not intellectually demanding?
Ukwuani has remained in same profile because same leaders are recycled in key positions depriving the youths, even their own AIDES platforms for sustained political growth.
The highest ranks their AIDES could attain in another 8years is Waterways, SA, Taskforce Member, SSA at most or remain Personal Assistants to their Bosses or to the political allies of their leaders.
They do this intentionally to subject the status of their AIDES to BOY BOY, ensuring their financial status remain staggering. If you manage to build a small HOUSE in the village, you will not be able to buy a car unless the leader gifts you one.
Even after gifting you a car, to manage the car becomes a challenge in the current leadership we experience in Ukwuani.
How could it be that only in our constituency could you find leaders who have not allowed their followers or proteges attain prominence in Delta politics as we witness in Ika, Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo?
A boy remains boy until the Oga retires by either age or death; what leadership is that?
