In “The 48 Laws of Powers” Robert Greene says in the 45 laws thus, “Everyone understands the need for change in the abstract, but on the day-to-day level people are creatures of habit. Too much innovation is traumatic, and will lead to revolt. If you are new to a position of power, or an outsider trying to build a power base, make a show of respecting the old way of doing things. If change is necessary, make it feel like a gentle improvement on the past”.
I quite agree with Robert Greene in keeping to the old ways of doing things, which is following due process in line with the rule of law; this present administration lacks due process.
There are no cutting corners to excellence. Being in a hurry to deliver portrays a serious lack of control over one self. In becoming a detective of the right moment the true test of leadership is evaluated. Okorocha appointed too many advisers but it appears they are all there to watch him do the wrong things, like the case of Wille Amadi to Ohakim.
Some of the paid Senior or Junior advisers are conscious of their monthly little take home which may not serve them because Rochas we know is not willing to invest where he cannot harvest or reap. Yes this is the true nature of a capitalist. So he needs to be told the bitter truth. His behaviors reminds me of my old friend while in the United States of America who advised his son in my presence thus, “Dress like a lawyer, behave like a priest, but think like a thief”.
Now in dressing like a lawyer his true colour would not be known. In behaving as a priest, he would become the ultimate hypocrite. In thinking like a thief then lies his true colour. This appears to be the true nature of politicians in Nigeria, no wonder Maureen Potter says, “Politicians are like nappies. They should be changed often and for the same reason.” Yes Imo people need this change.
Now that our governor appears not to love the rule of law his advisers are in trouble. Don’t pretend to know it, when in the real sense you are a complete novice of the principles of good governance. According to Margaret Thatcher, “I don’t mind how much my minister’s talk, as long as they do what I say in the end”. This is Owelle’s principle and such cannot move any state or nation forward. A good leader must try to listen to good advice.
In the words of Anthony De Mello, “When a million people follow you, ask yourself where you have gone wrong” and for John Mason, “If you don’t have any challenges in your life, you should get down on your knees and ask, ‘God, don’t you trust me anymore?” It is very interesting to note however, that Owelle is being followed and loved by Imo people whether this is by destiny or by manipulation is not my concern but the truth now is tongues are wagging. The eyes of the mugus (mgbadas ) are now open to know that the sound of a bitter cola is different from its taste. Imo people are crying and calling on God for help.
In the midst of the same crowd that shouted for Owelle’s praise with full expectation, great enemies have emerged due to obvious disappointment. I did mention this to Owelle, before he was elected governor. This article is again designed to pose a serious challenge to His Excellency in order to sit up because Imo Government House belongs to Imo people and not to Rochas and his Rescue Mission.
I am aware that our governor have good advisers but they may be afraid of telling him the bitter truth for fear of losing their jobs, as a result they have continued to clap for him in error; chief Okorocha, be informed that those who praise you in error will mock you in defeat. That is why you need this nivaquine column for better inspiration. You are still in a hurry to deliver otherwise how can your Government be privatizing and at the same time building five star hotels in an area where people are yearning for industries.
Owelle Rochas, do not concern yourself with yesterday’s regrets nor with tomorrow’s faithful possibilities that you fail to fulfill the promises of today. According to St. Augustine, “Time takes no holiday”. As someone in a hurry, you have left many things undone. Get into the habit of living according to plan, if you have any. Allow yourself a sufficient margin of time in which to do things well. Leave nothing to change. Hurry, worry and anxiety defeat your purpose. Panic measures will end up exposing your inability to govern well.
You may not know that you have more enemies than you think. Chartering private jet to Abuja or Enugu is a core economic waste, please avoid such mistake and don’t blame your lack of performance upon Imo people whom you say are too difficult to govern; this is exactly what bad leaders and mediocre do.
Once a man went to the king’s palace and made his way right up to the throne. The king who is meek in approach asked him what he was looking for. The visitor said, “I am looking for a sleeping-place in this caravan”. This is no caravan, this is my place” the king speedily replied. Then the visitor asked, “Who was it before yours?” “My father’s” replied the king. “And before that?” Asked the visitor. “My grand fathers” replied the king. The visitor then said, “And this place, where people come and go, staying and moving on, you call other than a caravan?”
The interaction between the king and the visitor should tell our governor that soja go, soja come and that what matters most is the legacy you live behind. Okorocha shall soon become an ex-governor the question that should continue to bother him is, what shall I be remembered for? Give Imo state the deserved attention for (according to Albert Einstein) “Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves”.
Your privatization policy (business mind) has made it impossible for you to give Imo good attention. Your Government wants to sale off everything in Imo state. Okorocha why? The only thing remaining to be sold is Government House. You now make Imo people live in fear that one day each and every one of us shall be sold (privatized) for one reason or another. Don’t entirely monetize leadership and refrain from being busy doing nothing. Remember the wise warning of Socrates, “Beware the barrenness of a busy life.”
Learn how to do in the art of doing. Do not be a show man as you have always been. Stop being gratified by vain praises. Those who praise you are also watching you at the same time. Think very well before you talk. Leadership can spoil good people. But try to evaluate yourself properly whether you truly deserve the praise of Imo people, because human beings may mean letter ‘A’ while pronouncing the letter ‘B’. I do not hate you as you may have been informed. I want you to succeed hence this advice. Imo belongs to us all and like Winston Churchill, “It is a mistake to look too far ahead. Only one link in the chain of destiny can be handled at a time”. I have spoken the mind of an unbiased senior special adviser who is not in your pay roll.
