By joshua 
By
Toba Abraham
The ongoing discussions on the leadership recruitment process and the failure of the Nigeria government to meet its responsibility have left the people with the question of whether Nigeria, the so-called giant of Africa is not a failed state. This may not be an appropriate description, however, the reality on the ground confirmed Nigeria’s falling into the undesired category.
This description is a reflection of a Sovereign State unable to meet its central objectives and the needs of the people.
There appears to be a realization now, that the prospect of democratic consolidation hinges on the performance of the Legislature.
In a Constitutional Democracy, the Legislature as the First Estate of the realm is regarded as the hallmark and bedrock of modern democracy. It is the pillar that holds the fabrics of democracy upon which the principles of separation of powers are built.
The legislature may be defined as a body of elected persons in a country or a State vested with the power to make, alter and repeal laws.
To begin with, modern democracy, especially the liberal democracy is about the people exercising power through their elected representatives. it is also the only expression of the popular will of the people.
The 2023 general election is fast approaching, the time to redefine our journey as a people. It provides the good people of the Western Senatorial District of Kogi State another opportunity, a moment of critical decision making to chart a new path, and elect political leadership for the enthronement of good governance.
It is an opportunity that must be considered with due diligence and accorded the seriousness it deserves given the nexus between the choice we make and our destination, between effective leadership and development.
While we strive to produce Kogi West Senator, a worthy ambassador of the people, it is imperative to take into critical consideration, the capacity, personality and experience of the choice we make.
Leadership is often viewed as the product of Natural endowments and traits of personality, intellectual capacity, the force of will and enthusiasm. But those are not of paramount importance in good leadership.
The real qualities of good leadership are found in those who are willing to sacrifice to see to the physical, economic, social and spiritual development and needs of the people.
A leader is expected to be communicative, thus having the ability to understand the need to be constant, clear and open. He is also to have a collaborative ability to lead, setting aside ego while creating an environment of safety and trust. He must have an enabling ability to create clear expectations and processes, while still allowing others to find their solutions to challenges as they present themselves.
A Leader must also be humble and care more about results than who gets the credit.
They are ambitious, not for personal gains but only for the success of the organization lastly, leaders must have convictions, this is persistent and consistent with their effort. They exhibit a tremendous personal determination to succeed.
The choice of Hon. Sunday Karimi to represent and provide political leadership for the good people of Kogi West at the National Assembly would be a square peg in a square hole.
This is so because the choice of electable representatives all over the world where popular democracy is practiced has always been a herculean task; not because of the dearth of human personnel but rather the challenges of getting the right person for the right job.
Hon. Sunday Karimi undoubtedly performed excellently well when he represented the good people of the Yagba Federal Constituency at the National Assembly by providing effective leadership and qualitative representation to the satisfaction of the people of Yagba Federal constituency which earned him his re-election for a second term in 2015 becoming the first elected representative from Yagba Federal constituency to be so rewarded for his dedication to duty, patriotism, sacrifice and hard work.
My view on this noble son of Yagba Nation is that Karimi is one Nigerian with the sense of character, integrity and indelible mark of honesty, a Man whose forthrightness distinguishes him as a special breed.
He is a blessing to Nigeria, Kogi State, Kogi West and humanity. This I know that wherever and whenever the burden of leadership is placed on him, he perfectly and appropriately delivers with crowning efforts of success.
Karimi is a creative thinker and someone who believes in the intrinsic value of humans, a visionary leader who placed a high premium on adding value to people’s lives through, motivation, inspiration and self-development.
Hon. Karimi’s leadership drives his team forward with passion, enthusiasm, inspiration and motivation. As well as making them feel valuable and worthwhile. He continually reinforces how their efforts are making a difference, and encourages the development of their potential with meaningful goals and challenges.
This he demonstrated while in the House of Representatives when he initiated Education Support Funds to reduce the financial burden of indigent students from the 34 wards of Yagba Federal Constituency. The scheme provided enormous support to a larger percentage of the student population of Higher institutions through bursary payments and other means including several financial assistance to many students who approached him.
The Karimi Education Support Scheme was recently expanded to accommodate Students of Kogi West extraction in various Tertiary institutions. (http://karimisunday-edusupport.ng ).
Hon. Karimi in his attempt to liberate his constituents from the shackles of poverty, and economic downturn and transform the fortunes of his people established and register with the Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC) the Yagba Peoples Empowerment Scheme(first of its kind in the political history of Yagba people).
The concept of the Yagba Peoples Empowerment Scheme was a result of the deliberate and conscious efforts of Hon. Karimi on how best to improve the social and economic well-being of the common man and woman in Yagba land which came up with the blueprint that was targeted at the economic prosperity for the good people of Yagba federal constituency.
The Scheme was launched in November 2013 with the initial take-off capital of Forty Million Naira(40,000,000) under the management and supervision of a management team.
The Yagba Peoples Empowerment initiative was registered with the corporate affairs commission as a business entity to cater for the economic prosperity of the Yagba people. The idea was conceived as a tool for harnessing the various economic and entrepreneurial potentials of the good people of Yagba extraction to translate them to economic prosperity and improved wellbeing.
It was a concept that was developed to provide a link between identified talents and skills among the youths, women, vulnerable and the old folks, making sure those skills and talents are harnessed, showcased and translated into productive enterprise
It was further conceived to provide a financial base from which needed funds for operational take-off and support for new and existing micro, small and medium business enterprises could be drawn as revolving financial facilities for disbursement to prospective entrepreneurs.
Hon. Karimi identified poverty and Youth unemployment as major crises confronting Nigerian Youth, hence, he initiated Youth Empowerment Scheme to provide Skills and Vocational training for selected Youth in the 34 Wards of Yagba Federal Constituency. About 160 Youths were trained in different vocations while tools were also provided for some of them to take off.
Hon. Karimi has designed a strategy to replicate the same developmental agenda to cater for the good people of Kogi West. He is a leader with a distinct vision and a clear idea of what he wants to do, how to get it done and what success looks like.
The choice of Karimi Sunday is noble, it is a decision that can not be regretted because he has demonstrated several sterling qualities that are admired which are peculiar and showcased him as a statesman.
Supporting Karimi for Senate will be a choice to lift the bar of political representation. It is a choice to place Kogi West Senatorial district on the pedestal of socioeconomic progress.
It is incumbent on us to choose the part of progress,
Infrastructural Development of communities is Hon. Karimi’s priorities. This became manifest in his efforts to ensure the problem of water and basic amenities is alleviated in the 34 Wards of Yagba Federal Constituency. It is on record that there are no Ward in his Constituency that did not benefit a project from Karimi.
In view of Karimi’s tested and trusted capacity, effectiveness, commitment to individuals and the growth of community, it is obvious that his emerging as the next senator will debut a greater Kogi West.