The much deliberated Nigerian election by Nigerians abroad and at home has come and gone. It now appears that a minority state like Edo State could be surrounded by watchful eyes, nationally and internationally, for only one reason — a fresh birth of national leadership through the body and spirit of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Nigeria’s main opposition party to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

By the next presidential election, Oshiomhole would be in his second term in political leadership in the capacity of a well-acknowledged, treasured and cherished governor. Like William Jefferson Clinton (Bill Clinton), the 40th and 42nd governor of Arkansas, who later became the 42nd president of the United States, Governor Oshiomhole continues to show similar leadership qualities.

Oshiomhole’s years are continuously marked by extensive efforts to reform the educational system, spur economic growth, improve the labour market, improve institutional ethics and to propose modest reforms in commercial regulation, pollution control, road construction, highway programmes, as well as to improve industrial development and spur business investment.

As a leader, who aims for sustained economic growth, meaningful spendings, reduction of budget increase in budget surpluses, Nigeria could be ready for Oshiomhole in the next election cycle.

He has demonstrated an ability to bounce back from defeats and humiliation, and his style continues to play to the positive sensibilities of the Nigerian citizens.

His state was beset by numerous problems, one of which resulted in him becoming the first elected Nigerian governor with expansive labour background.

He continues to enjoy high popularity among traditional chiefs, market women, students and children and the fact that he has gained more popularity for defeating the powers-that-be makes him an unflinching executive and a high level risk taker.

Oshiomhole now stands out as the first leading figure to put a notable dent and tear on the psychology of godfatherism—a long standing threat to public transparency and national safety.

In the recent Edo State election, he campaigned to make more major strides in education, highways, health care, security and other vital areas, including a large investment of public money, with what he has planted in Edo State, he could equally bring these resources to the presidential table for a new Nigeria.

Oshiomhole, as a visionary, could bring in technology-oriented businesses and large tax incentives for foreign industries that will expand production and jobs.

He is on his way to make Edo one of the best states in job creation and in public school development in the coming years, a reminder that he could successfully transfer powerful leadership skills to the presidency and raise new standards in the areas of education and jobs.

Psychologically with his recent resounding victory in the 2012 governorship election over the PDP, a well-financed opposition party and the defeat of several key powerful figures, he appears to have changed the mind of many Nigerians that a new national ethics, leadership and atmosphere is possible democratically. 

Oshiomhole, who is bent on altering the appalling state of national politics in Nigeria, strengthened his national stature and gave himself significant accolades through this most recent election. 

Oshiomhole presents as an individual who will remove the nation from the path of a sluggish economy, from high unemployment, and from diminished security, and a leader who will secure health insurance coverage for every Nigerian, reform the rural areas, begin a meaningful national service programme, reform the system of civil service and invest heavily in the nation’s infrastructure.

President Goodluck Jonathan, by his own admission, stated that the people have an unusual perception of him in terms of leadership. The president responded to the people that he is not a “General.”

Oshiomhole, on the other hand, comes across to many as, at least, psychologically agile, sharp, stubborn, pointed, non-crippled, persuasive, critical, encouraging, non-harmful and fully alive.

Oshiomhole, in the face of the long time ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), continues to demonstrate to the nation and to the world that the leadership qualities revealed by the civil rights lawyer, Dr. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), are quite practicable in Nigeria.

Ozekhome’s measures on leadership include, but not limited to, credibility, recorded performance, transformation, continuity, progressiveness, aggressiveness, collectiveness and risk-taking.

It is essential to rate the next presidential candidates on these Ozekhome’s leadership criteria, which are mostly based on some common sense characteristics and consistent with the traits of past successful presidents globally.

In a more psychological, practical and expanded ways, these noted metrics and character traits should show in the next president.

The next president of the Nigerian people should be the best; should know how to put Nigeria forward in dealing with other nations, and should be someone who, in principle and in practice, will rule Nigeria with some degree of stubbornness and disagreeableness.

The individual should be a bit loose in order to meet the constant multiple flexible circumstances in the society. The individual should be open-minded, assertive and attentive to their emotions as well as willing to question things, try new ways of doing things, show faith and morals, as well as show imagination, tolerance to stress and adversity.

The presidential leader should be very noisy, but must exhibit straightforwardness when confronting corruption, stupidity and manipulation among public officials.

Oshiomhole as a man of ambition, competence, ability, hard work, negotiation, confrontation and amusement could move heaven and earth to meet the need of Nigerians.

Oshiomhole is likely to be able to painstakingly follow the powerful words of Dr. Ozekhome who continues to cry out for an individual that will take charge of the affairs of Nigeria seriously.

In other words, an individual that could help operate a true federal system in the nation, and an individual that will recognise regional resources for the benefit of the entire federation.

Dr John Egbeazien Oshodi, is of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation.