By Chief Edet Isong, Publisher, Newsday Newspaper
When entrusted with public office, a leader is expected to live up to the confidence reposed in him or her by the people. Public office is not merely about occupying a position; it is about providing purposeful leadership, delivering development and making a positive difference in the lives of the people.
The recent political experience in Osun State under Governor Ademola Adeleke offers an opportunity to reflect on the importance of performance in governance. The same can be said of Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, whose administration has continued to emphasise infrastructure development, human capital development, healthcare, agriculture, tourism and social intervention.
Governor Adeleke has pursued a number of projects and programmes across Osun State, particularly in road construction and rehabilitation, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare, agriculture and community development. His administration has also placed emphasis on addressing some inherited obligations and improving infrastructure across the state.
Whatever political differences may exist, governance should be assessed objectively by looking at what is being delivered to the people. Roads, schools, hospitals, water projects, employment opportunities and workers’ welfare are tangible issues that directly affect citizens.
In Akwa Ibom State, Governor Umo Eno has equally demonstrated a hands-on approach to governance. One notable feature of his administration is his regular inspection of government projects across the state.
The governor has personally visited various project sites to assess the level of work, interact with contractors and give necessary directives where improvements are required. This approach demonstrates that government projects should not simply be awarded and forgotten; those in authority must monitor them to ensure that public funds are properly utilised and projects are delivered according to specifications.
From road construction to healthcare facilities, agriculture, tourism, education and major infrastructure projects, the Eno administration has continued to pursue its development agenda across Akwa Ibom.
The ongoing development of the Oron Marine Terminal and other projects in the coastal area is particularly significant because of the economic opportunities such infrastructure can create for the people and businesses of the area.
PERFORMANCE SHOULD MATTER AT ELECTIONS
The experiences of Osun and Akwa Ibom provide an important lesson for Nigerian politics. Elections should not be determined solely by political party, propaganda or promises. The performance of every public office holder should also be placed before the electorate for assessment.
Citizens should be asking simple but important questions: What has the government achieved? Which roads have been constructed? Which schools and hospitals have been improved? What has been done for workers, farmers, young people and businesses? Are government projects visible and beneficial to the people?
These questions should guide the electorate when choosing their leaders.
If political party considerations were removed and elections were based purely on the visible performance of governors, leaders who have genuinely delivered on their promises would naturally have a strong advantage.
Governor Umo Eno’s frequent inspection of projects is particularly commendable because it demonstrates personal interest in the implementation of government programmes. A governor who physically visits project sites is better positioned to identify challenges, demand quality and ensure that contractors remain committed to delivering on their mandates.
Governor Adeleke’s experience in Osun also shows that an administration can seek to build political support through visible programmes and development initiatives.
The bigger lesson is that good governance should rise above party politics. Where a governor performs, the people should acknowledge the achievement. Where an administration fails, citizens should demand accountability.
Public office is a sacred trust. Leaders must therefore work every day to justify the confidence placed in them by the electorate.
Governor Ademola Adeleke and Governor Umo Eno, in their respective states, offer examples of how performance and visible development can become important measures of leadership.
At the end of the day, political parties may provide the platform, but performance is what should define leadership, and the people should ultimately have the final say at the ballot box.