Chiji Collins’ Dishonourable Reactive Approach To Genuine Call For Effective & Responsive Leadership By Isiala Mbano Constituent

NJOKU MACDONALD OBINNA 

A chief responsibility of leadership is to be an example to others – a role model, whom others could look up to. Being a role model has everything to do with leadership, undisputed personality and firm character: while personality is how you behave, character is what you are. Character is what you do consciously or unconsciously when no one is watching.

The poor outing and show of shame flagrantly displayed by the member representing Isiala Mbano Constituency and former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins, during a Town Hall meeting with members of his Constituency is to say the least, very shameful, dishonourable, embarrassing and a dirty slap to the corporate image of Imo State that has been in the news for all the wrong reasons.

What happened? A viral online video footage captured a highly provoked Chiji Collins, former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly for almost 12 months, as he threw away a tray filled with kola nuts in a clear protest against a member of his constituency, Comrade Adindu; an outspoken and fearless youth leader, who vehemently opposed his bid for a third term in office come 2023 largely because of poor performance and ineffective representation since 2015 when he was elected as a member of  the Imo State House of Assembly, to represent the collective interest of the good  people of Isiala Mbano: which is a sharp contrast to what they got in return as their State Representative is busy allegedly acquiring personal properties in Owerri and other choice cities while the youths roam aimlessly on the streets of Anara and Eziama.

From the narrative of this vibrant member of his constituency, the embattled state legislator, Chiji Collins, during one of his campaign tours in Eziama, Isiala Mbano LGA, which Adindu was completely opposed to due to his lacklustre legislative performance, especially as he had not attracted or sited a single project in his home town. A rather blunt Adindu asked him to step down, and even asked if there was anything he forgot in Government House that he wanted to pick up again? The former Speaker, Chiji Collins, in a political twist of dramatic personage replied ‘Yes’ and was temporary pardoned in anticipation of a positive change and fruitful outing in his second missionary journey. Unfortunately, he disappointed members of his constituency with an embarrassing impeachment as a result of alleged overseas PhD certificate forgery, misappropriation of funds and ‘unparliamentary’ conduct.

However, by appearing rather too starchy with the elusive mentality of being a former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly before his ‘Umunna or Umunnadi’, Chiji Collins sold himself out as an intolerant leader, who cannot accept contrary or opposing view in a democratic era. By his uncontrollable provocation, Chiji Collins also sold himself out as a leader, who lacks self discipline.

To this end, he forgot that most people are naturally open books. Certainly, Adindu is one of them. They say what they feel, blurt out their opinions at every opportunity and constantly reveal their plans or intentions. In doing so, the likes of Adindu think that they are being unbiased, honest and speak the minds of the voiceless majority. A good leader should be able to learn about different personality traits and character modification while dealing with the masses. Regrettably, our elected and appointed public office holders apart from not making out time to attain leadership trainings or seminars are also dangerously surrounded by sycophants, who feed them with reports of what they want to hear rather than the heartbeats or reservations of the people about their style of leadership.

Interestingly, the political consciousness and social awareness highly raised by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kalu, has given many Igbo youths home and abroad the impetus, courage, boldness and audacity  to challenge bad governance and also hold the leaders accountable to the people. 

In 2023, I foresee a political tsunami, which shall sweep away many lacklustre political office holders, who are standing for re-elections. No form of gunboat diplomacy, bribery, threats or intimidation will stop the resistance of determined youths against rigging. ‘The Supreme Court formula or Ben Johnson Way’, as was in the case of Imo State in 2020, shall also not work. I see reawakened Nigerian and Imo youths ready to take their collective destiny in their own hands if the EndSARS nationwide protests across the country are anything to go by, as a litmus test.

Arise, Nigerian youths! 

Njoku MacDonald Obinna 

Publisher, 4th Estate Reporters.