The assertion that democracy thrives on the ability of people to express their opinions and great concerns in an environment where they have genuine need for help, without resorting to violence”, resonates deeply.
As a leader, it is crucial to create an environment where family members or citizens feel comfortable in sharing their thoughts and concerns with those who lead them.
When leaders fail to listen, they risk making uninformed decisions that can have far-reaching negative consequences.
It is essential to encourage open and sincere communication, and create channels for feedback without distortions, to ensure that decisions and policies benefit everyone.
In a democratic setting, citizens have the right to express their opinions and hold their leaders accountable.
The constitution guarantees this right, and it is crucial to exercise it responsibly.
Recently, a news report highlighted a protest in a country where citizens were demanding better electricity supply at an affordable cost, without any external force hijacking their peaceful protest.
This is a perfect example of people exercising their right to express their grievances peacefully. However, when protests turn violent or are hijacked by hooligans, or externally imposed negative third forces, they lose their impact and credibility.
It is essential to maintain peace and orderliness during protests to ensure that the message is conveyed effectively to the leaders.
Leaders must listen to the concerns of their citizens, and work towards addressing them.
When people’s feelings are listened to, understood by their leaders, who consequently embark on transparent and equitable solution measures in the immediate time, the people or citizens have a higher propensity to trust and support their leaders into the longer timeframe.
As an advocate for leadership and good governance, I believe that listening to people’s complaints is essential.
During my time as a union leader, we organized peaceful protests and established communication channels to achieve our goals.
Intimidation and docility never promote good governance, nor understanding, cooperation, and productivity in any society.
In conclusion, the ability to express constructive opinions peacefully is a fundamental aspect of democracy, a constitutional right (not a privilege to the people), and good governance.
Leaders at all strata of the society have a fundamental responsibility for creating an enabling environment where citizens feel comfortable in sharing their thoughts and suggestions on ways forward, and the leaders themselves should be visibly seen as genuinely going beyond the preponderance of promises.
Their leaders need to sincerely commit themselves towards addressing their concerns under a social contract with the people they lead.
This is what builds trust in the people-leaders’ relationship management, and ensure effective governance that helps to deliver agreed mandates and promises.
Success is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders in a society that is built on trust and commitment.
Divisiveness, mistrusts and violence should be avoided at all costs.
Dr. S. O. S. Nwachukwu,
a Strategist and Consultant
Writes from Asaba
