"The ear that listens to the cries of the people is a leader's ear." - Kenyan Proverb
In the realm of leadership, attentive listening is the cornerstone of trust and cooperation. Leaders who actively engage with their constituents signal their respect for diverse opinions and concerns, forging a robust bond of trust that paves the way for a more harmonious relationship between the governed and those in power.
Nigeria's President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has emerged as a leader who wholeheartedly embraces the invaluable art of listening to the voices of his people. This commitment to hearing the concerns of Nigerians and party members alike is propelling the nation toward a path of national recovery.
It is worth mentioning that those who criticise leaders frequently have flaws of their own. Hypothetically, a person who struggles to practise democracy inside their own family unit, dismissing family members' opinion owing to their role as the breadwinner, may ironically level baseless allegations against people in positions of power.
Knowing how the Presidential Villa functions, with its set rules and procedures for decision-making, emphasizes the value of a President who actively seeks to hear and understand the concerns of ordinary people on the streets. This quality is seen as a positive trait in a leader.
Certainly, the elimination of the fuel subsidy has created economic difficulties. While the opposition may seize this chance to criticise the government's leadership, it's critical to remember that even after the subsidy is removed, Nigeria's economic status remains superior to that of many other countries across the world.
Statistics regarding Nigerians seeking better opportunities abroad are frequently referenced, but critics conveniently disregard the economic challenges that immigrants suffer due to expensive living costs.
They fail to recognize the dependency on public amenities to make ends meet abroad, while hurriedly casting fingers at Nigeria's economic challenges—a predicament principally caused by the loss of fuel subsidies.
Despite the concerted opposition efforts to destabilise Tinubu's administration, it is apparent that he is emerging as a leader who actually listens to his people. An Ethiopian proverb captures this sentiment: "A leader who does not consult the people will not succeed." Consider three examples of Tinubu's attentive leadership that have earned Nigerians' trust:
1 Conditional Transfer Cancellation: In response to concerns and criticisms regarding the proposed ₦8,000 cash conditional transfer to the poorest of the poor, Tinubu decided to halt the disbursement. Nigerians feared a lack of transparency, and Tinubu's decision reflected his commitment to ensuring that the funds would genuinely benefit their intended recipients.
2 Minister of Youth Redeployment: Following criticism surrounding the appointment of a Minister of Youth, Tinubu responded to the voices of the youth by redeploying the minister, acknowledging the need for a more representative figure to cater to the concerns of the younger generation.
3 Party Member Intervention: Tinubu, as a political leader, has demonstrated his responsiveness to party members' concerns by intervening in the appointment of representatives to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) board in Ondo and Cross Rivers, ensuring that those chosen had actively contributed to the party's growth.
Nigeria deserves a leader who listens to its people for several reasons:
Democratic Representation: In a democracy, leaders are entrusted with representing the will and interests of the people. Listening is paramount to upholding democratic principles and aligning policies with the desires and needs of the populace.
Addressing Socioeconomic Challenges: Nigeria faces multifaceted socioeconomic challenges, including poverty, insecurity, and unemployment. A leader who listens gains a better understanding of these issues, enabling the formulation of effective policies to enhance citizens' quality of life.
Promoting National Unity: Nigeria's diversity encompasses various ethnic, religious, and cultural groups. A leader who listens can bridge divisions, foster inclusivity, and work towards national unity by addressing the concerns and aspirations of all segments of society.
Enhancing Accountability and Transparency: Engaging with the people fosters accountability and transparency in governance. Responsive leaders are more likely to act in the nation's best interests, rather than for personal or partisan gain, when they heed public feedback and constructive criticism.
"The one who listens to the cry of the poor will himself be heard when he cries." Tinubu, with such a virtue, is guiding the nation towards a promising path of success.
Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah is the Chairman and CEO of Bush Radio Academy.
Source iReporteronline.
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Opinion