By Basheer Luqman Olarewaju
With the 2023 general elections pulling closer, we must visit a common question once again: How can our political leaders improve trust between the general public and the system that governs them?
Data shows that in numerous democracies all over the world, the issue of declining trust between the people and their governments is becoming an issue too critical to overlook. Trust between elected leaders and constituents is critical for a successful democracy. A decline in public trust poses a threat to the success of the policymakers, the wellbeing of the civilians and the stability of the society in question.
The legitimacy of any democratic institution lies on a foundation built on trust. That is, an exchange between the people and the policymakers that holds each other responsible for doing that which is required of them. The very essence of good governance requires trust, as it directly influences the behaviors and attitudes of the public. However, earning public trust has proven to be easier said than done, and has challenged and impacted many administrations’ performances.
Nevertheless, Mallam Muktar Shagaya believes that integrity is a non-negotiable attribute for leaders. Simply put – if you do not demonstrate integrity as a visionary leader and an individual, your constituents will not be persuaded to trust you – and that inhibits your progress as a policymaker. He is well aware that true integrity of a leader is more than what you do for the betterment of the people, it is also how well your personal attributes align with what you portray. In other words, what you say, who you are and what you do all must be in alignment.
The numerous steps taken by Mallam Muktar Tolani Shagaya, post-primary elections, have been highly commended by the people and point to the genuinity of his personality. As his main goal to solidify the camaraderie and support between the people are said to point to the ingenuity of his personality.
His emphasis on collective progress highlights his overarching goal of success for the party. A win for him is a win for the party.
He leaves no room for grievances to fester and works to solidify the camaraderie and support between the people as he continues to meet with stakeholders, other aspirants, party bigwigs, interest groups and individuals on his thank-you visits.
“It is of great importance to me that we exude the highest level of good sportsmanship throughout this journey. I do not take for granted the support shown to myself and my team before, during and after the primaries. I assure you that we are in this together and working towards the common good. This is our project and by God’s grace we will succeed,’’ Shagaya stated.
His initiatives are also garnering positive reactions across social media as users continue to celebrate his hard work, rare drive and determination, and exemplary leadership.
A trustworthy leader will always invest in relationships with others as the journey cannot be taken alone. Shagaya continues to show that indeed he is indeed a leader we can trust and a leader for the people. It is one thing to say you believe in the collective success of the party but actively building bridges and mending fences as a means to bolster the trust of his constituents shows the passion that lies in his heart. Indeed, Shagaya is a rare gem leading the pack.
Basheer Luqman is the Director of Media and Publicity, Muktar Shagaya Movement.
