OTU’S CONSULTATIVE LEADERSHIP STYLE OFFERS A SUSTAINABLE WAY FORWARD FOR THE CROSS RIVER APC.

Consultations on the part of Governor Bassey Otu are increasing and are providing opportunities to heal divisions within the Cross River APC. However, to ensure these consultations are sustainable, they need to improve governance and citizens’ well being.

The key here is when those opinions are voiced. As a governor, you must be ready to accept criticisms, admit mistakes, and change decisions where needed whilst still keeping sight of larger development goals.

Stakeholder engagement should be a constant part of Otu’s leadership style. Appointment decisions, policy making, distribution of projects and administrative actions should all be done with a genuine desire to understand how the government will affect each community.

The November 2 presidential campaign meeting in Calabar showed that there was a new sense of unity between the various political interests. With national leaders, state officials and party stakeholders all engaging, there was a chance to bring back trust and improve party cohesion.

However, unity should go further than just people showing up to events. Those who feel aggrieved should have a real opportunity to engage. Long standing and new members should both feel they have a voice.

The Cross River APC should welcome those who have been elected, those who were previous candidates, community organisers, young people groups and those who have had their expectations let down. If everyone has a voice then unity will be more likely.

The launch of the state campaign council on the 1st November provides a structure to bring together the various interests of the party. Now, we need to ensure that the positive feelings generated are used to consistently engage with those in each ward and community.

A strong political party should not be based on the influence of one person or the excitement of a large rally. It should be built around strong relationships which allow differences of opinion, fair resolution of complaints and continued unity.

Otu’s consultations present the opportunity to create this political culture. This will need patience, fairness and no exclusivity.

Political unity will not be enough to ensure good governance. Citizens should feel included with fair opportunities, responsive institutions and improved living conditions.

Those in communities throughout Cross River (Boki, Obanliku, Bekwarra, Yala, Ogoja, Akamkpa, Yakurr, Obubra and Bakassi) should feel like their priorities are being considered in development. Consultations should play a role in deciding what projects are chosen, how resources are allocated and that they are being implemented to meet the real needs of the community.

The People First ethos of the administration should be based on tangible outcomes. Improvements to roads, healthcare accessibility, employment and reliable services should be prioritised.

Whilst the Calabar meeting shows that just because people are criticising the administration doesn’t mean there is a loss of political support. However, just because people attended the rally doesn’t mean everyone is on board, they will win elections or that long standing issues have been resolved.

What is more important is that the unity shown can overcome differing ambitions. Leaders within the party should create ways to raise and resolve differences of opinion.

Otu now has the opportunity to make consultations a key part of his leadership style. A sustainable achievement would be to create a party where members feel valued, a responsive government to valid concerns and a state where citizens benefit from unity.

Ultimately, success should not be measured by how many people attended or how high profile those on the platform were. Success should be measured by whether unity has created sustainable engagement and improved governance within Cross River.

Source: thisdaylive.com

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