Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has said he does not like accepting awards or endorsing the writing of his biographies because of praise singing that accompanies such events. He said such dispositions could easily becloud good judgment from any leader.
Obi spoke at Obudu, Cross River, during the launching of a book, titled: Peter Obi’s Model of Leadership: An Imperative for Nigeria, authored by Rev. Humphrey Uche Udechukwu.
The former governor, who was represented by Chief Douglas Ogiake, stressed that political leaders and public office holders must always resist the seductions of undue flattery that come through awards or biographies, which he said, affect objectivity.
“I am aware that a lot of books and articles have been written about me. I am also aware that I have been the topic of many research projects in higher institutions. My reactions have been the same.
“As governor, I turned down many requests for awards in the belief that awards given while in office are always motivated by other interests other than recognition of merit. For the same reason, I discouraged those that sent proposals to write books on me. I did this because I strongly believe that undue flattery affects objectivity,” he said.
Obi expressed appreciation to Rev. Udechukwu, who he said took time to present such a research-based work out of deep conviction of his excellent performance in public office.
The former governor said he had never met the author, adding that he only got to know about the book through his former Chief of Staff, Prof. Stella Chinyere Okunna.
He said: “Today, Rev. Humphery Uche Udechukwu is presenting a book, titled: Peter Obi’s Model of Leadership: An Imperative for Nigeria. I cannot recall meeting him at any time. In fact, my attention was drawn to the book by Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna. I am convinced that the author has written out of genuine desire to record whatever we might have done for the instruction of budding leaders and future generations.
“His efforts are worthy of support since he wrote out of conviction. Though I have not read the book, I am pretty sure the work is research-based.”
Advising public office holders on the need to focus on building a better society rather than be swayed by corrupt practices, Obi said: “It is my wish that those in positions of authority should bear in mind that leadership is not about stealing the money belonging to the people but about using the positions of leadership to serve the people and contribute to the advancement of civilisation.
“Even if books are not written about one while in office, time shall come when one’s good deeds will be the talk of the town because one simply did the right things.
“When I saved over N75 billion for Anambra State, cleared the arrears of pension, and did massive work on institutions of state, I felt I was only doing the right thing. Today, this book, as well as many other write-ups about me, are more fulfilling than if I had stolen the money belonging to the people.”
