By Yusuf Kabiru David
Politics should never be measured solely by the position a leader occupies, the title attached to their name, or the power they exercise while in office. True leadership is also reflected in how people are treated, especially those who have little or nothing to offer in return. A leader’s humanity should not disappear when the privilege of office comes to an end.
Recently, I watched a short video reportedly showing former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, encountering a woman hawking outside his residence in Abuja. The gesture of assistance he reportedly extended to the woman and her husband caught my attention and reminded me of an important truth: leadership is not only about holding power; it is also about touching lives.
Beyond the political debates, controversies, and arguments that often surround public officeholders, moments like this invite us to reflect on the human side of leadership. Sometimes, a simple act of kindness can communicate a message that a thousand political speeches cannot.
However, the significance of such encounters should not be measured by a single video alone. The true value of leadership must also be assessed through consistent actions, public policies, accountability, and the lasting impact a leader makes on the lives of ordinary citizens.
During Yahaya Bello’s tenure as governor, issues such as security, infrastructure, and youth empowerment formed part of public discussions about his administration. Like every public officeholder, his overall record deserves to be examined through evidence, the experiences of citizens, and the outcomes of the policies implemented under his leadership.
Nevertheless, the broader lesson remains relevant to every politician in Nigeria: public office is a responsibility to serve humanity, not merely an opportunity to enjoy power and recognition.
Unfortunately, some leaders appear to become distant from the people they represent once they gain political authority. The ordinary citizens who campaigned for them, defended them, and trusted them often struggle to gain access to them after they assume office. Yet, these are the very people whose welfare should remain at the centre of governance.
Leadership should not be confined to government buildings, official convoys, or public ceremonies. It should be visible in the lives of market women, struggling families, unemployed graduates, vulnerable children, and young people searching for opportunities to build a better future.
The responsibility of a leader also extends beyond offering occasional financial assistance. Sustainable leadership means creating opportunities, strengthening security, improving education, supporting small businesses, and establishing policies that enable people to live with dignity. Compassion may begin with a personal gesture, but good governance must translate that compassion into lasting solutions.
As the next generation prepares to take up leadership positions across Nigeria, it is important to learn that a title does not automatically make someone a great leader. What matters is the willingness to listen, the courage to act in the public interest, and the commitment to remain connected to the people.
We need leaders who understand that political power is temporary, but the consequences of their decisions can affect generations. We need leaders who will remember the struggling citizen even when there are no cameras, applause, or political benefits attached to helping them.
Ultimately, the question every aspiring leader should ask is not simply, “What position can I occupy?” but rather, “Whose life can I improve, and what positive legacy will I leave behind?”
Yahaya Bello’s reported encounter with the hawking woman offers an opportunity to reflect on this important question. Beyond the individual involved, it reminds us that humanity should remain an essential part of leadership, both inside and outside political office.
Politics may give a person power, but it is the responsible use of that power, demonstrated through compassion, accountability, and meaningful service, that gives leadership its true value.
– Yusuf Kabiru David
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