Wage Peace, Not War -Governor Umo Eno’s Example

“The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humour but without folly,” so declared Jim Rohn. To Martin Luther King Jr., “A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a moulder of consensus.” Let’s reflect on a leader’s pursuit of peace using the example of Pastor Umo Eno, the Akwa Ibom State governor.

Do you know that a leader plays a key role in building peace, driving inclusiveness, and promoting a society where there is active pursuit to mend cracks of divisions along political, religious, and ethnic lines? While people may have different perspectives concerning his achievement in infrastructural developments, even those who would have hated to love him are in consensus that Governor Eno is a peace builder. While perspectives may differ on how democratic the process of his emergence as the governor was, there is a loud consensus that Eno was that hidden leader needed to dismantle political, religious and tribal inhibitors of peace in the state. He has demonstrated that you can disagree without being disagreeable. His exemplary ability to see his position beyond party lines and to remain loyal to his political mentor without inheriting the mentor’s enemies or utilizing his position to score political points at the detriment of the interest of the average Akwa Ibomite makes him a political leader with a difference. His amazing sense of humility seemed to have fostered on him a rare skill in being there for everyone without betraying the trust of his political affiliation. He seems to understand that it’s not everything the hunter sees in the bush that he discusses where children are and that no victory is worth the savour if it threatens peace.

So, enhance your capacity to build peace rather than fight selfish, political, or tribal battles. Know that, as a leader, you should promote inclusiveness, not division irrespective of the rationale for the later. Be aware that everyone may not agree with you. So, reject the temptation to see those who disagree as enemies or those who agree as friends. Be aware that there are people who thrive on chaos and so may be catalysts for fights. However, know that your ability to manage such people without creating unnecessary tension is a clear test of your leadership prowess. Reject the temptation to bow to the sentiments of sycophants, the seeds of discord of talebearers, or the misinformation of favour-seekers. Define clear boundaries to guide actions and utterances to enhance peaceful coexistence. Let your words and body language showcase that you win more with peace than through wars. Be known for waging peace, not waging wars. Never let your love for your pocket, pride, party, religion, or tribe be bigger than your love for humanity and the need for societal peace.

As you step out, learn from Governor Eno. Seek and pursue peace and be known for creating an atmosphere where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Never forget how transient time is. So, listen to Ralph Emerson: “Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and make a trail.”
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Prof. (Engr.) Esang Esitikot is a professor of occupational health and safety, a COREN-registed chemical engineer, public affairs analyst, certified management consultant, World Safety Organization Ambassador, recognized Environmental Ambassador, marriage counsellor, youth mentor, reviewer for some international research journals and volunteer lecturer at the Institute of Health, Safety, Security and Environment, University of Uyo. He is a manager in the oil and gas industry and was recognized by Highstone Global University, USA as the occupational health and safety personality of 2024. He can be contacted via 08035103559 (Whatsapp only) or email (esitikot@gmail.com).