AMBROSE NWAOGWUGWU
— A Case In Study Of Political Lilly-liveredness
My elder brother, Dee Emeka Ihedioha will make a good project topic for political science students on a case study of what I now call a political Lilly-liveredness.
The former illegal governor of Imo State who was sacked by the Supreme Court for stealing the People’s votes exemplifies the quintessence of political lilly-liveredness, of always chickening out and leaving supporters confused and attendent disillusionment.
Even his illegal tenure was marked by vindictiveness, indecision, vacillation, and a lack of political will, which ultimately led to his downfall.
Any political leader who wants to live beyond his time or tenure must pick one or two lessons of the political misfortunes of the former Deputy Speaker of the house of Representatives.
The core people who worked for him for the election were either dumped out of his system and many left unappreciated that even when they could have helped in the political river that was raging to swallow him was knocking, many who were to help looked the other way.
When I dumped the PDP four years ago, many people were saying I left the party that made me but same people who cursed me then do no longer have anything to say because it is Ihedioha.
But Ihedioha, everything he is today was made possible by the PDP!
The PDP breastfed him from political infancy to whatever he is today but just because he lost in the control of the party in the state, he has dumped the party.
It is that spirits of vindictiveness, ungratefulness and lact of appreciation will be his biggest undoing as a politician. amidst high expectations from the people who toiled for him, now what did they get? He never consider the plights of the man who puts his life at risk for him. His illegal administration was plagued by indecision, and a reluctance to take bold steps to address the state’s pressing issues because he became a law unto himself to even listen to those around him who toiled for him.
Characteristics of Political Lilly-Liveredness Any Politician Who Intend To Go Far Must Avoid:
1. Indecisiveness: Ihedioha’s body politics is marked by a lack of clear direction and purpose. He failed to make tough decisions, often vacillating on critical issues, and leaving his aides and supporters in confusion.
2. Fear of Confrontation: Ihedioha avoided confrontations with political opponents and interest groups, even when it was necessary to take a stand. The best he usually do is to chicken out. This perceived weakness emboldened his opponents and undermined his authority.
3. Lack of Political Will: Ihedioha’s politics failed to implement meaningful reforms or policies, due to a lack of political will. He was more concerned with maintaining a fragile political balance than taking bold steps to address the state’s challenges.
4. Overreliance on Elite Aides: Ihedioha relied heavily on his aides and advisors of his elite friends, often to the point of abdication. This led to a lack of personal responsibility and accountability, as he frequently shifted blame to others for his administration’s failures.
5. Inability to Connect with the Masses: Ihedioha’s aloofness and detachment from the people of Imo State contributed to his unpopularity. He failed to build a strong connection with his constituents, leading to widespread disillusionment and discontent.
Conclusion:
Emeka Ihedioha’s political lilly-liveredness ultimately led to his downfall. His indecision, fear of confrontation, lack of political will, overreliance on elite aides, and inability to connect with the masses made him an ineffective leader. As a case study, Ihedioha’s example serves as a warning to politicians and leaders of the importance of courage, decisiveness, leadership in governance and strong reward system.