~ Malcolmatically speaking
The statement “you will know them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16) is part of Jesus’ teaching about recognizing true followers and avoiding false prophets.
However, it is in this context I passionately advice Deltan, that as we race towards the 2023 general elections, let us choose the fruitful one – Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, (JP).
When you dispassionately look at distinguished men in front of you, and careful assess their lives while in service, you will definitely recognize the fruitful leader amongst the pack. You will find out for yourself the leader that has these four c’s; character, competence, courage and compassion.
Character
Character is the ability to rise above self-interest for the sake of others. It is who you are when others are not watching. It also encapsulates everything you do while relating to others. A good leader must lead by example and people around him, must testify of his character, vis-a-vis how he treats people within his sphere of influence.
What do people say about him? Is he proud, arrogant, or always aloof? Is he friendly and connects with the people, his contemporaries and those beneath him? Once you discover such remark about him, then he is Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, (JP). But if not, no matter how brilliant or intelligent he may be. Without character, he cannot be a political leader that can be compared to Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, who has been able to successfully lead his contemporaries in the Delta State House of Assembly, because he was able to build a very good character over the years, rising through the ranks to become Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.
Competence
Competence is the ability to have the specialized knowledge on political leadership and the wisdom to adequately exercise your functions to the best interest of the people. A good leader must be able to show that he is skillful and competent while performing his duties. Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, as the longest serving Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, has successfully proven that he is a very skillful leader due to his ability and dexterity to provide effective leadership as first among equals in the legislature, while working seamlessly with the executive arm of government.
Courage
Courage is the quality that enables the political leader to take critical decisions during the discharge of his leadership duties, without fear or favour, even in the face of daunting challenges. He knows that without courage, boldness and self-confidence, he cannot discharge his duties effectively. You will agree with me that during plenaries at the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has consistently displayed remarkable courage while taking critical decisions for the common good of Deltans.
Compassion
Compassion is the strong feeling or enthusiasm of a political leader to render help to people at critical times, regardless of their status, through acts of selfless service. A good political leader is always motivated by his inner passion and desire to alleviate the sufferings of his people. Without compassion, a political leader cannot exercise genuine acts of service to his people. And without compassion, which is a very critical quality of a good political leader, he would be seen as being proud, arrogant and disloyal. And this is a red flag.
You will also agree with me that, it is with a healthy dose of compassion that enabled Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, to provide consistent and effective leadership as first among equals in the Delta State House of Assembly.
Meanwhile, records of how he has touched the lives of many through his humanitarian projects, scholarships, setting up of small scale businesses for his constituents, less privileged, people living with disability, indigents and party faithfuls across the three senatorial districts, are visible in the State.
And above all, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, JP, has consistently displayed uncommon humility and loyalty to both the leadership of the political party and the people of Delta State. This is why he was able to successfully provide remarkable leadership in the State House of Assembly.
Malcolmatics:
You + Me + Sheriff Oborevwori = A Fruitful Delta
Tagbarha Malcolm, FHNR, a multi-award winning writer, author and Political Communicator, is the State Publicity Secretary, Coalition for Media Politics and Governance, CMPG. He is the Pioneer Chief Press Secretary to Sapele LGA Council, and a fellow of the Institute of Human and Natural Resources, FHNR.