OPINION: Humility Is the Hallmark of A Good Leader: Rt. Hon. Chinedu Onah An Example

According to Merriam-Webster, Humility is the state of being humble. Humility is synonymous with modesty, humbleness, meekness, lack of pride, lack of vanity, diffidence, and un-assertiveness. 

Emphasizing humility, Proverbs 11:2 recorded that: When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Rt. Hon. Chinedu Onah, a member Representing Ohaukwu South Constituency who doubles as the Deputy Speaker, of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, embodies humility. From childhood, he distinguished himself among his equals and lived an exceptional life. Having come from a poor background, he vividly understood that being humble is the best apparatus to excel in life, hence embracing it like breast. He followed the right path from scratch and God embodied him with grace which has continued to limpid paths for him.

Before his sojourn into the form of politics, eloquent testimony about this rare gem, a phenomenal of sorts, humility personified, and leader par excellence has remained positive and conservative. His sense of humor and magnanimity to humanity carved a niche for him which was the sole reason the youths, men, and men of Ohaukwu South Constituency unanimously vowed that he willy nilly represent them in the House of Assembly against avalanche odds.

Rt. Hon. Chinedu Onah is humble, respectful, and circumspect with his words and doesn’t raise his shoulders notwithstanding his talent and current position which would have ordinarily given him temerity to be embroiled with pride like seen in the life of many who kissed the keg of power or attain a great highest in any endeavor.

Power they say, intoxicates but, in the case of the Rt Hon Chinedu Ogba Onah, nothing about him has changed. A typical African man who comes in contact with political, economic, or security power is usually enclave with ado, pride, and arrogance, but the power vested in him as the 4th citizen of the State doesn’t influence his traits.

While hurdles and protocols are observed before identifying with other politicians in Ebonyi State, especially those occupying high positions like Rt Hon Chinedu Onah, there is no protocol to be observed before identifying with him. He has maintained this standard since 2019. As the Deputy Speaker with Security armed men that follows him, notwithstanding, he breaches the established protocols just to ensure that his friends and constituents identify with him freely like he has been maintaining in the past. This is rare in our clime. He identifies with the least person in society. He is always seen exchanging pleasantry with his constituents without segregation. His gate and office are always open and he stops on the way amidst his exotic car laced with air conditioner and tainted glass to exchange pleasantry with those who gave him the mandate.

While some politicians find it difficult to genuflect before their constituents or exchange pleasantry, Rt Hon Chinedu Onah understands that the hallmark of a good leader is humility, and accessibility as exemplified by Jesus Christ who dined and wined with both the clean and unclean, hence, set this pace as he is always seen using his two hands crossed together to greet and genuflect before the big and the small. These and more have endeared him to the hearts of many within and outside the shores of Ohaukwu South Constituency such that he has become the most famous lawmaker in the State and hitherto won the award as the best Parliamentarian of the year 2023.

The humility of this epitome of leadership, political enigma, mobilizer, trailblazer, grassroots politician, ebullient and sagacious lawmaker with admirable track records, Rt. Hon. Onah Chinedu (OjiChiAga) should serve as a case study and literature for the upcoming politicians in Ebonyi State and Nigeria at large.

His leadership ingenuity, impact, mentorship, willingness to make himself available to his constituents, and grace of God that follows him have endeared him to the heart of the masses as his followers keep accelerating daily nonstop.

© Nwede Chinonso Martin-Ede

SA on Documentation and Culture.