The expectations placed on elected officials, especially presidents and governors in a complex democracy like Nigeria are exceptionally high from the moment they take office. While it should be reasoned that the beginning of their tenure ought not be better than the ending.
The beginning of a new administration is a time of optimism and hope. It is a time when promises are made, and plans are put in motion to enact change and achieve certain goals. The first few months or years of a presidency or governorship can often be seen as a period of excitement and anticipation as the new leader and their team work to implement their agenda and campaign promises.
An exemplary leader is not just measured by what they do at the beginning of their tenure, their achievements and accomplishments but also by the ability to groom an enduring economic and political legacies as well mentor successors who will continue their legacy and lead their followers to even greater success.
This is exemplified by the antecedents of Present Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima as former Governors of Lagos and Borno States of Nigeria.The Governors that have govern Lagos State since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu left have always been a shinning example of Governors should be all over Nigeria just like Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno is excellently performing after Governanor Kashim Shettima
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State in Nigeria, is no doubt a political titan in the country. Tinubu's leadership qualities and strategic vision played a significant role in the development and transformation of Lagos State during his tenure. However, what truly sets Tinubu and Shettima apart is their ability and commitment to grooming and nurturing future leaders.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, also the former governor of Borno State in Nigeria, is one such leader who had helped his state of Borno to honed skills and gained valuable experiences in life that would later serve the people of Borno State
It is important to note however that leadership is a complex and multifaceted concept, and success in office is dependent on a variety of factors.
The Tinubu and Shettima example in the Nigeria political landscape is a prime example of how an exemplary leader should bequeath an excellent and sustainable system as well as successors to carry on. Tinubu and Shettima's willingness to invest time and resources in the development of Lagos and Borno not only benefited them personally but also contributed to the overall advancement of the political landscape in Nigeria. By grooming successors, Tinubu and Shettima ensured that their legacy would continue beyond their own tenure as governor and showed example that the people of Nigeria would continue to be led by competent and capable leaders.
the story of these great political leaders serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship and succession planning in leadership. An exemplary leader is not only concerned with their own success or even the next election but also with the success of the system, the country and of those who will come after them. By investing in the development of future of the country and its leaders, they ensure that their legacy will endure and that their impact will be felt long after they have left the stage.
A leader's legacy should be judged not only by their accomplishments but also by how they handle adversity and navigate through difficult times just as President Tinubu is evidently carrying on during these trying moments in Nigeria,a testimony that he ias true leader is tested, and had tremendous ability to rise above the challenges and continue to govern effectively to ultimately determine and steer the ship of the state, a testament to the importance of strong leadership and the impact it can have on a country.
In Kogi State also, if the young Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State continues to impress both God and the people of Kogi State as he is said to be doing at the moment, it may suggest that former Governor Yahaya Bello's judgment of human character may not be as poor as he himself made his people believe, it may also indicate that Bello was not a totally poor judge of human character. That he 'deliberately' bequeathed to Kogi people a leader far better than himself
Like our leaders are facing in Nigeria today, there are numerous examples throughout history of presidents and governors who have faced adversity during their time in office but were able to turn things around and leave a lasting impact.
One such example is Abraham Lincoln, who faced immense challenges during his presidency but ultimately led his country USA through a civil war and abolished slavery.
Nigerians should not doubt the fact that President Tinubu like Lincoln will surely lead Nigeria out of all the crises she is facing and set her on the path of sustainable economic growth and development
*Hon Musa Bakare* is a member, Tinubu Support Group TSG
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