The fundamental duty of a leader, and by extension, the whole essence of leadership, is to articulate and aggregate the interests of the peo...
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The fundamental duty of a leader, and by extension, the whole essence of leadership, is to articulate and aggregate the interests of the people, i.e., the followers, also known as subjects. That is why Lincoln's definition of Democracy is still and will continuously be the yardstick of measuring every democratic system. A leader's ability to aggregate the interests of his people and cater for them is undoubtedly his fundamental duty as a leader.
Contrary to what we have today, the people's interest is expected to be the centrepiece and centre of attention of every responsible and competent leader. Leaders must channel their energy towards the development of all facets of the lives of their people at all levels of governance.
The style/system of leadership being practised today in Nigeria is one that a leader will wake up and summon his aides (Ministers or commissioners) to dictate and decide the developmental needs of all the constituents in the state/nation. Most a times without considering the peculiar needs and peculiar circumstances of each region. This and some unlisted factors are responsible for the continuous dilapidation and slow-phased development of our dear nation.
It is also said that to have sustainable development, the peculiar interests and needs of the people from various regions must be put into consideration. The people must be at the forefront of decision-making to decide and prioritize their developmental and social needs. To avoid mismanagement and misplacement of priorities, every community/village should be given what they need at the time they need it. The government must also prioritize the needs of the people, by putting the commonest people first.
This is exactly what Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State aims to achieve through the Katsina State Community Development Programme (CDP). An initiative geared towards enhancing the livelihood of the people, bringing government to the grassroots, accelerating development and ensuring sustainable development by allowing the people to participate in budget and decide their priorities in terms of infrastructure, social care and learning.
After going through the programme details and the unprecedented achievements intended after implementing the programme, I was convinced Gov. Radda is not like the governors we have in our states. He is not among the docile governors who sit happily in the office to press the continue button. He is a reformer, an innovator and a technocrat. He seems to be thinking 10× faster than his colleagues, from the Community Protection Guard (CPG) which was in no time emulated by other governors, and now the Community Development Programme (CDP). What could be more appeasing than this?
The first thing that came to my mind after reviewing the details was the popular Hausa proverb; "Mai daki shi yasan ina ke yoyo" Meaning, the owner of a room know exactly where is leaking in his room.
This is undisputable, because, a certain village may be in need of irrigation equipments to farm, another community may be in dire need of educational support, at the same time a core village may be in need of an Ultra Modern market. The Community Development Programme when implemented, will reconcile these conflicts and give every community what they need and when they need it.
This will be achieved by establishing 361 centres in all the wards across the state, the people, as Governor Radda stated, "know what they need better than anyone else". Gov. Radda is the only governor giving the people a platform to participate in the development process of their community by deciding on the type of development project they want in their community.
To further enhance the administration and get rid of unnecessary bureaucracy, Gov. Radda has taken the bull by the horns to Chair the Programme Steering Committee. This will also provide security, and ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process. With the deputy governor chairing the Joint Planning Committee, the peculiar needs of every community will be incorporated into the state's annual budget.
What could be more appeasing than this?
Gov. Radda also brilliantly carved three offices in each center comprising the development office, the social support and learning office. Through the Community Development Program, the people in Malumfashi will decide on the type of development project they want in their locale, the people of Funtua will be given the same opportunity, likewise, the good people of Danja Dutsinma, Faskari and Rimi will all be given a chance to cry directly in the ears of the governor.
This is indeed Leadership reimagined, Governor Umaru Dikko Radda, PhD has successfully reimagined the essence and purpose of leadership. The unprecedented achievements visible in Katsina is a testament of his zeal, brilliance and dedication to putting Katsina state ahead. Muna taya ku Murna Katsinawa!
- Sani Bello Hamza is a Law student at Ahmadu Bello University. He writes from Zaria and can be reached through his email: 09013506168 or 07046415284
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