In the words of a renowned South African freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela, “fools multiply when reasonable men keep quiet”. A tour by DAILY GIST around the state shows that roads in Imo state is not only bad, scrab and not commendable, but an orchestrated trap meant to destroy innocent lives.
In this current scenario, there is need for leaders to passionately urge the Governor and the government to fast rack actions to restore public confidence. No doubt, the people are suffering.
Information has it that a determined government can sit up when leaders tell her what should be done, how to do it, where to do it and when to do it. Most times, political enemies who wish the government in power to fail has no need to advise government on areas to improve on for optimal delivery.
Comparatively, Senator Anyanwu is a chieftain of PDP whilst the current government in power is an APC led administration. This concludes the fact that ordinarily, Senator Anyanwu should have wished the government well if he were selfish and tricky.
Notably, his public disposition shows a man with a sound mind whose major objectives in life or in politics is the state. Most dangerous and selfish politicians will tag his action as “anti party”, but the question is; does it disturb him? will it deter him from speaking for the masses? The answer is capital NO.
This is because, in an all inclusive and egalitarian government, achievements are recorded following observations, reactions and advise from the people. One thing is to give advise and another thing is for the person to whom the advise was given to hid.
A good leader is not only identified during the practice of active politicking, but an example of good leadership is the ability for a leader to raise alarm on issues affecting the generality of his people when everyone shy away from what matters. It is noted that the so called political leaders only talk anyhow once election is closer, thus is because, they are careful not to criticize government to avoid “missing” appointment.
Aside all odds, Senator Anyanwu takes this bold step without expecting any political gains or working to score cheap political points. He does this to instill peace, harmony and unity. Until the leaders begin to advice government sincerely on areas improvement is needed, the society will continue to be beclouded with sycophants.
Few days ago, the media were awash of the news of the passionate, and statesmanly appeal by a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Senator representing Imo East in the red Chambers, Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu (SamDaddy) for government to look into roads in the state with major focus on Owerri zone which currently records highest number of pitiable and deplorable roads.
His passionate appeal came at the heels of anguish, regrets, complaints and murmur by Imo people over government nonchalance to inject fresh air into the state’s roads.
It could be recalled that Senator Anyanwu had previously applauded Governor Hope Uzodinma and the state government for providing shuttle buses to the civil servants. He described the gesture as the simplest way a viable administration quickens and improves efficiency in the workforce.
Senator Anyanwu saw the idea as a major obligation of a serious government to ameliorate the sufferings of her workforce, an indication that the state vision for improved society is gradually returning to its normal fold.
Regrettably, while some good number of selfish opposition condemned that harmless appeal or advice for the Governor to look into roads in Owerri zone, other well meaning individuals applauded the sagacious and dogged erstwhile Lawmaker for taken the bold step towards agitating for the betterment of the society.
More so, those who think that Senator Anyanwu should not have raised the alarm citing his closeness with the Governor failed to understand that leadership and friendship are two sides of a coin which obviously is beyond mere beer parlour hobnobs. Reason is that relationship has to do with self interest while leadership or governance deals with the collective interest of the people, the public and the state at large.
As a major player in the Imo project, Senator Anyanwu has done noble by drawing the attention of the state government to areas her urgent actions were needed. He should be commended for raising the flag. This is not only to reposition and relaunch the government on a self pedestal that will enable her remain safe from destructive criticism as an action packed administration.
Senator Anyanwu‘s passionate appeal narrates a story of a rich man and Lazarus who Bible records to be mean, pompous, wicked and arrogant on things that should not have bordered him considering his level of class on earth. A rich man who enjoyed the sufferings of the less privileged and the dejected ones, a rich man who never cared over the plight of those under him.
The summary is that most Nigerian leaders today have become that rich man who had everything at his beck and core yet, was not satisfied with himself. They are like the rich man who after gaining the whole world still allowed his soul to be eluded and lost over frivolities.
Some leaders within the class of Senator Anyanwu are trying their best to redress and re-address the bad precedent of that rich man who never cared over the condition of his subordinates. It further means that if leaders in the state can talk passionately like Senator Anyanwu on areas government is not improving on without targeting the administration for destruction, the people will continue to murmur less against government.
Senator Anyanwu’s passionate appeal suggests that public office holders should ensure that public resources are used judiciously to put the public in order. It means that those privileged to lead others should see the opportunity as a call to serve rather than an avenue to oppress the poor.
From all indications, it does appear that Senator Anyanwu is trying his best to inject the system of egalitarianism into our today’s political structures. His decision to bring sanity to governance takes a person with a pure heart and a sound mind to advise his fellow leaders on issues of public importance.
Senator Anyanwu is bringing fresh air into our today’s political framework owing to the fact that his core mandate is to restore public peace, harmony and decorum.
Leaders should learn how to be bold, sincere, and when to talk meaningfully. The era of arrogance and destructive politics, social intricacies and intrigues are gone, and the need to reformat societal view point of politics has to be focused. Remember, it is not how long Imo started suffering untold hardship but the question is; who will bell the cat?
By so doing, we shall be expecting Nigeria of our collective dreams.
