ORJI AND THE OTHER SIDE OF LEADERSHIP
It was Eugene B. Habecker who in his book, “In The Other Side Of Leadership” said: “The true leader serves. Serves people. Serves their best interests, and in doing so will not always be popular, may not always impress. But because true leaders are motivated by loving concern than a desire for personal glory, they are willing to pay the price.” The above assertion aptly captured what has transpired in Abia State in the last eight years that Theodore Ahamuefule Orji was at the helm of affairs as governor. Within this period, Ahamuefule which means “let not my name be in vain,” showed a good example of service in leadership. He was humility personified. He worked hard and made great sacrifices that were motivated by loving concern than a desire for personal glory.
It will be recalled that Orji’s emergence as governor of the state was divine, having made history as the first Nigerian to become governor while in prison. It was the beginning of a new dawn in the state then. In a matter of days, Governor Orji will be handing over power to his successor, after which he will proceed to the National Assembly as the senator representing Abia Central district. Orji’s elevation is a continuation of his patriotic service to the people of his state and the country in general. His election to the Senate is an eloquent testimony of the confidence and trust his people have in him.
Orji’s life has been synonymous with service to humanity, right from his youth through his public service career as a seasoned public servant and in politics. In the last eight years of his administration, he has displayed uncommon service to the people of the state in the face of numerous daunting challenges. He has written his name on the sands of time by laying a solid foundation for the modern Abia.
Early in the life of his administration, Orji was held hostage by his predecessor and estranged godfather who have always seen the state as his family business. The state of infrastructure was appalling and huge debts accumulated. The resources accruing to the state were hijacked by the godfather and his family members. But with God’s help coupled with Orji’s patience and political sagacity, the state was liberated from the grip of the godfather towards the end of Orji’s first term. Orji’s administration quickly initiated people-oriented policies and programmes. The people were reunited and peace has continued to reign since then. The politically-motivated kidnapping that ravaged the state was quelled by the government with the cooperation of the people.Within this period, several developmental projects were initiated and executed across the state. Majority of these projects have been completed and inaugurated. They include Specialist and Diagnosis Hospitals in Aba and Umuahia, Ubani Ibeku international market, several roads, schools, health centres, International Conference Centre, Workers’ Secretariat and many housing estates. The new Government House and few others are nearing completion.
What was baffling is that in executing all these projects and funding different youth empowerment programmes, Orji’s government didn’t borrow money from anywhere to finance them. Rather the government judiciously managed the resources accrued to the state to offset debts, it inherited and to execute those projects. The state has never had it so good.
Orji has shown that he is a true apostle of equity and fairness. This is reflected in appointments and projects. He capped it all with his party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s decision that Orji’s successor must come from the Ukwa-Ngwa clan of Abia South district; the zone that has never produced governor of the state since its creation. That was how Dr Okezie Ikpeazu from Obingwa emerged the party’s governorship candidate, and subsequently went ahead to win the governorship election in the state against all odds.
With Ikpeazu’s victory, the Ukwa-Ngwa people will ever remain grateful to Orji. It has enshrined the principle of zoning in Abia power sharing.
As Gov Orji bows out in glory, history will vindicate him for standing on the path of truth, fairness and equity. Posterity will remember him for laying a solid foundation for modern Abia.