Courage And Inspiration: Hallmarks Of Leadership
When I x-ray the economic recession in Bayelsa State, I am reminded of the World War leader of Winston Churchill. His charismatic leadership traits enabled him to adopt a vision and concentrate on the bigger picture, which enabled him to claim victory for his nation. Churchill was able to perform his duties democratically and not as a totalitarian dictator.
To be an exceptional leader one must have strong communication skills. When much of Britain was in despair, he excelled and through his inspirational speeches, encouraged people to have faith in him. The people of Britain could identify with him and trust his vision. This enabled him to achieve the goals of the country and lead a democratic nation to victory over Nazi Germany.
Like Winston Churchill, Governor Seriake Dickson is writing his history, which none has done before since the creation of Bayelsa State. The Restoration Administration is the best philosophy of government I have ever seen. The second best I have come across is Late Ibrahim Waziri’s Politics without Bitterness”.
When we took off, His Excellency, the Governor faced the challenge of an empty treasury, a huge debt profile and unimaginably low Internally Generated Revenue and a dislocated society where cultism, crime and criminality was the order of the day.
In a matter of 365 days all these vices were arrested. Strong institutions were built, the security architecture was re-configured and peace and security was restored. This was the same way Otto Von Bismarck united and strengthened the Germanic empire before it was bastardized by the Third Reich. That was the same way Winston Churchill communicated hope to the British during the World war.
There are some characteristics Governor Seriake Dickson shares in common with Winston Churchill.
First is his ability to communicate with the people. In a speech he made in Dundee Scotland in 1908, Winston said “What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone? How else can we put ourselves in harmonious relation with the great verities and consolations of the infinite and the eternal? And I avow my faith that we are marching towards better days. Humanity will not be cast down. We are going on swinging bravely forward along the grand high road and already behind the distant mountains is the promise of the sun.” For those who care to listen, Governor Seriake Dickson is a very good communicator. He communicates government policies to the people via transparency briefing initiatives, town hall meetings, and community-based meetings.
Governor Seriake Dickson is inspires hope even in a state of despair. He has a cast-iron vision and gold plaited reputation. Governor Dickson has a lion’s heart even amidst life threatening economic conditions. Besides he is a prudent manager of resources Like Churchill said “I felt as if I were walking with destiny, and that all my past life had been but a preparation for this hour and for this trial.” At good times or bad times, Governor Dickson is a man of service, an orator, a statesman, a lawyer who is passionate about the development of the Ijaw nation. He is passionate about the betterment of Bayelsa State regardless of his good and bad criticisms. And of course, more than passionate about winning in times of great economic challenges.
Of course, great leaders have visions and they are not shy of showing it to their followers. Having clear goals are as vital as any weaponry you bring to a battle, a powerful tool used in times of adversity and chaos. Governor Dickson’s vision is the total emancipation of the Ijaw race. This has to be on all fronts: economic, political, social, environmental etc.
Again Governor Dickson is one leader should never give in, in nothing small or great, large or petty. Governor Dickson never gives in except to convictions of honour and good sense.” A courageous leader never gives in. Like Governor Dickson, Churchill, held one of the toughest posts during the Second World War; tougher still were the decisions he made to carry on until the very end of it. This is the same toughness Governor Seriake Dickson has exhibited since the rain began to beat us in April 2014.
Like Winston Churchill, Governor Seriake Dickson rises to the occasion when the need arises. He is a man of great bravery and optimism imbued with altruism. In times of despair, Bayelsans and indeed the Ijaw nation look up to him as a soothing balm. He is an immovable wall, forever confident and forever protective, protecting the Ijaw cause and the cause of humanity. This is why in difficult times like this, Bayelsans need to prop-up their patriotic leader howsoever.
In Bayelsa State we have a solid leader in the person of Governor Seriake Dickson; a leader who believes that even in times of great adversities, Bayelsa State will triumph. That inspiration and infectious optimism is worth more than anything else in leadership. We acknowledge that salaries are good for our upkeep but salaries will be paid and the money will be spent, rents will be paid and they will expire, school fees are paid but the semester will run out; bags of rice and groundnut oil will be bought and soon they are empty but the courage and inspiration of a leader like the one exuded by Governor Seriake Dickson endures till eternity. This is what makes the difference between a leader and a manager. Bayelsa State is blessed with a good leader and for that we are grateful to God.
John Idumange is Director, New Media
Bayelsa State