Politicians called upon to follow Yar'Adua's exemplary style of governance

Nigerian leaders, particularly those in the political sphere, have been encouraged to adopt the transparent, honest, and modest approach to governance embodied by former President Umaru Yar’Adua, with Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Edo State, Prof. Roland Otaru (SAN), making this call at a recent event.

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The occasion was the third President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Leadership Award and Honour Night, held in Abuja on Friday, which was organised by the Global Initiative for Leadership Success under the theme "Recognising Excellence in Leadership", as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria.

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Prof. Otaru, who chaired the event, described the late Yar’Adua as a resilient leader who upheld the country's cultural ethos, pathos, and logos, and believed in unity in diversity, consistently preaching religious tolerance among Nigeria's ethnic groups.

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According to Otaru, Yar’Adua was a born leader who lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation, leaving behind a legacy that still resonates across the country, with his example serving as a valuable lesson for leaders and youths alike.

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Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, also paid tribute to Yar’Adua, describing him as a dedicated servant-leader who was honest, simple, and humble, with such humility being a rare trait among leaders.

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Ribadu noted that Nigeria had previously been led by similar leaders, such as Murtala Mohammed, who initiated major reforms, including state creation and the relocation of the Federal Capital Territory from Lagos to Abuja, within a short period of six months.

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Ribadu observed that, unfortunately, good leaders like Yar’Adua and Murtala Mohammed do not stay in power for long, and are often replaced by arrogant leaders, highlighting the contrast between Yar’Adua's humility and the arrogance of some other leaders.

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Dr Phil Okonkwo, Managing Consultant of Lonvenza Specialist and Wellness Centre, praised Yar’Adua for demonstrating a rare convergence of theory and practice in leadership, showing that leadership is not about noise, but about discipline and restraint.

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Okonkwo highlighted Yar’Adua's commitment to transparency, including publicly declaring his assets, and his pursuit of dialogue over conflict, which brought stability to the Niger Delta, demonstrating a leadership style anchored on principle.

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The President of the Global Initiative for Leadership Success, Mr Sunnie Chukumele, represented by the organisation's Board of Trustees Chairman, retired Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Mamman, stated that the award and honour night was an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate individuals and institutions that have positively shaped society through visionary leadership.

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According to Mamman, true leadership is measured by impact, the ability to inspire others, uplift communities, strengthen institutions, promote unity, and leave society better than it was found, rather than merely by position or power.

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Mamman emphasised the importance of honouring exemplary leadership for national transformation, as celebrating integrity, competence, and service encourages future generations to embrace responsible citizenship.