Buhari's Ministers

So we finally have PMB's first list of ministers (or should I say former governors?!). I'm not sure why, but something inside me doesn't quite gel with this notion that only a select few are capable of running the affairs of this nation.

Not that I have anything at all against the former governors cum federal ministers, but don't these same individuals have a few strange clouds hovering over their heads?! 

Anyway, let's not go there, as I fear I may never return. I'll just say this - "surely there are many other individuals who are as capable of being dynamic, productive, and effective ministers!"

Having said all this, let's bear something in mind. Each of the national newspapers clearly points out that nobody - not even the chief of staff that delivered the list to the senate president - knows which names are on the list.

Question - if nobody knows who's on the list then how did the national dailies come up with the names???

The words 'mindless' and 'speculation' come to mind. 

Whilst on my morning run I noticed a convoy of three cars passing by - with a patrol car at the front making that awful beep sound that tells us someone powerful and far more important than everyone else is passing by. 

My immediate thought was, 'oh no, now that there will soon be ministers traversing all over the place our streets will once more be plagued by those dreadful sirens. Damn!!!'

This thought, which actually made me shudder with dread, underlines my biggest advice to all incoming ministers and government appointees. 

There's a phrase that one used to constantly hear regarding the former governor of Lagos state- Babatunde Fashola;

"Fashola oun lo siren."

This phrase was common amongst all - rich, middle class and poor; it endeared him to all citizens of the state.

Why?

Because by not using sirens he was able to effectively send a subtle message to all citizens of Lagos state - that he is not their master, but in-fact their very humble servant. 

One of the most powerful means by which to win people over is to hammer your desire to serve into their subconscious.

Communication destroyed Jonathan's government in two ways;

1. A failure to communicate the things that were working (don't ask me what 'cause I haven't the foggiest)

2. A devastating failure to connect positively with the electorate

One could write a full blown thesis on each of the above but I'll spare you that agony - for now.

For the electorate to side with you it has to believe that you've got its' back; that you are on its' side, and there to serve its' best interest. 

There are many ways in which to subtly communicate this. The none-use of sirens is just one of them. Interacting - listening more than talking- is another way. But this isn't a communications seminar so I won't got there. 

The main reason the Labour Party's new leader won the leadership election is because he was able to connect / relate with party members. Fine, he'll probably never win a general election or even last more than a year for that matter, but his leadership victory is a wonderful example of the power of connecting with the electorate. 

David Cameron won the British General Election when he decided to take off his tie, roll up his sleeves, mingle with ordinary people and talk tough. The media said he 'came out fighting'. But in truth he simply did what needed to be done to win the election - connect with the people - on their terms, and with no holds barred. 

The Nigerian electorate has finally woken up to the reality that power lies in the hands of the people - power by the people, for the people. 

All incoming ministers should recognise and embrace the fact that they are there for a limited time only; and as such focus on Service and leaving a Positive Legacy. For that is what stands the test of time - not how powerful you think you are, or how loud your sirens bleat.  

Power is but for a fleeting moment. A Legacy of Service is not only remembered, but passed from generation to generation.