We all know that political relationships are all about exchanges, these exchanges occur between leaders and followers and it is expected that leaders are to build quality exchanges that make the followers to trust them.
The fundamental principle of life is of the duality that exist: light and darkness, seed time and harvest time, give and take.
This now will take me to the point where I will emphasize the need for the political leadership to create trust and build relationships through Transparency and Vulnerability.
Political leaders sign a Social Contract with their constituents, either expressly or implied which is supposed to be built upon through adequate engagement (participatory democracy).
On the part of the political leaders, trust must be built, through transparency and vulnerability.
Our followers must be able to take our words for our bond and see through our eyes, altruism, so that they feel involved and connected to the system that determines their way of life.
We’ve seen situations where a councillor (who is supposed to be the closest to the people) elected in an area leaves the area to relocate to a highbrow area because of supposedly change of status.
One important thing every elected official should always note is that, you are a Steward; whatever you have access to is by the people and for people, and as a custodian for the people, so you should be accountable by being transparent.
Through this, you build trust, and not by buying it with a morsel of porridge because of economic power.
Building trust through vulnerability shows the human side of a leader, this also builds strong connection with the constituents.
Without trust, we hardly achieve more, we merely coordinate or, at best, cooperate.
It is trust that transforms a group of people into a mighty army of nation builders.
Being vulnerable as a political leader, doesn’t show you are weak, more often than not, vulnerability is a powerful way to support a trusting, positive society that drives real political change and good governance.
Participatory Democracy is beyond telling people to register to vote and then voting.
It is important for political elites to build trust and relationship with people.
This guarantees genuine participation in governance and political processes, civic engagement, positive reengineering and building hope of true nation building.
On the part of the citizens, understanding the electoral processes places you at an advantage, and with that you can negotiate a better future for you and your children.
It’s also important to know your representative, how to engage them, and hold them accountable, know the electoral/political processes, have a positive mindset towards government and politics, know that you are a vital part of the process of a New Nigeria and most importantly, know that political parties are not secret cults, join and actively participate.
All and sundry should understanding that important conversations that you are not part of, you cannot decide the outcome.
To achieve the Lagos of our dream and by extension a New Nigeria, we all have a role to play.
So let us all rise up and be counted among the true soldiers of a prosperous nation.
Tolani Animashaun
Lagos PDP Chieftain
