Uche Nworah’s Reflection On Transience Of Power: A Wake-Up Call To Those Who Wield Political Power (OPINION)
By Isaac Asabor
In the corridors of power, where decisions affecting millions are made, it is easy for those in authority to lose sight of the transience of their positions. Ozonkpu Ezeudo Uche Nworah’s poignant reflection, posted on his Facebook page, serves as a wake-up call to those who wield political power. Against the foregoing backdrop and for the sake of clarity, it is expedient to copiously extract the post titled, “A Reminder That Power Is Transient” thus:
“I hope that some people in government will reflect on this. I have seen the mistakes many make when they occupy political positions. It begins to get into their heads. As their heads swell, the airs and arrogance set in. They begin to feel that they are more important than everyone else.
“Because they have the ears of A or B who may be the President, Governor, Senator, Minister, etc., every other person doesn’t matter. They assume that other people are beneath them and are not important. They dish out abuse for free to those who may have differing opinions from their principal. They deplete their goodwill burning bridges in the process.
“They visit their friends or family less and less. They stop taking calls or calling anyone anymore. They begin to ‘form’ busy.
“By the time they realize it, time is up. Two years, four years, eight years, whatever. They come crashing down from their high horse and start to face reality. Their phones stop ringing.
“Give it a little time and the money they may have made in government finishes from the excessive lifestyle. That’s when they start to look for people they abandoned a long time ago. Unfortunately, those people may have moved on.
“We have been there. What has helped some of us to manage the transition from public life to private life is being your humble self in and out of office. Don’t seek to enjoy in government what you cannot provide for yourself.
“When it’s all over like it must surely be, can you still go back to your profession or business? That’s if you had one.”
It is a timely reminder that power is not a perpetual entitlement but a fleeting opportunity to serve and impact lives. Those who forget this lesson often pay a steep price when the tides turn. This article explores the dangers of arrogance in power, the inevitable reckoning that follows, and the virtues of humility and self-awareness for leaders.
Power has a way of intoxicating its holders. Once in office, some individuals begin to view their positions as a shield of invincibility. They surround themselves with sycophants who reinforce their inflated sense of importance. As Nworah aptly describes, this arrogance often manifests in disdain for others, particularly those who hold differing opinions. The dangerous belief that one’s proximity to a President, Governor, or Senator elevates their value above others is not only delusional but also self-destructive.
History provides countless examples of leaders who fell into this trap. In Nigeria and beyond, tales abound of political figures who, drunk on power, alienated friends, family, and supporters. They built walls of arrogance around themselves, believing their influence to be unassailable. Yet, as Nworah notes, power’s transient nature ensures that such individuals are eventually brought back to earth, often with a harsh dose of reality.
The end of a political tenure often marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that many are ill-prepared to face. For those who have allowed power to consume them, this transition can be particularly brutal. Phones that once rang incessantly with calls from associates, journalists, and constituents fall silent. Invitations to events become scarce. The entourage that once followed them everywhere dissipates. Suddenly, the aura of importance vanishes, leaving behind an individual grappling with a loss of identity and relevance.
Nworah’s observation about the financial recklessness of some politicians further compounds their woes. Accustomed to extravagant lifestyles funded by public coffers, they find themselves unable to sustain the same standard of living once out of office. Without a solid professional or business foundation to fall back on, they are left floundering. This harsh reality underscores the importance of financial prudence and the need to avoid living beyond one’s means, whether in or out of office.
One of the most regrettable mistakes made by many in power is the burning of bridges. Political officeholders often underestimate the importance of maintaining relationships outside their official roles. Friends, family, and colleagues are sidelined in favor of new associations deemed more beneficial to their ambitions. This short-sightedness can have long-term consequences.
By the time their tenure ends, those they once ignored have moved on. Attempts to rebuild these relationships are often met with indifference or outright rejection. The goodwill they squandered during their time in office becomes a missed opportunity for support and solidarity in their post-political lives. Nworah’s advice to remain humble and maintain connections with one’s community cannot be overstated.
Humility is a rare but invaluable trait in leadership. Leaders who remain grounded and accessible, even in positions of great authority, earn the respect and admiration of their constituents. They understand that power is not an end in itself but a means to serve. By staying true to their values and maintaining genuine relationships, they ensure a smoother transition when their tenure ends.
Former South African President Nelson Mandela stands as a shining example of humility in power. Despite his global stature, Mandela remained approachable and connected to ordinary citizens. He used his influence to uplift others rather than to aggrandize himself. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of humility and selfless service.
One of the key takeaways from Nworah’s reflection is the importance of preparing for life after power. Political office is, by its nature, temporary. Leaders must anticipate the day when their tenure will end and plan accordingly. This involves maintaining a career or business that can sustain them post-office, cultivating personal and professional relationships, and living within their means.
In addition, leaders must focus on leaving a legacy that outlives their time in office. By prioritizing impactful projects and initiatives, they can ensure that their contributions continue to benefit society long after they have stepped down. Such a legacy not only cements their place in history but also provides a source of fulfillment and purpose in their post-political lives.
Aspiring leaders can learn much from the experiences of those who have walked the corridors of power before them. Nworah’s reflections highlight the importance of self-awareness, humility, and foresight. By recognizing the transient nature of power, aspiring leaders can approach their roles with a servant-leader mindset, prioritizing the needs of their constituents over personal gain.
Furthermore, they must resist the allure of sycophancy and remain open to constructive criticism. Surrounding oneself with honest advisors who challenge one’s decisions can help prevent the pitfalls of arrogance and poor judgment. By fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, leaders can build trust and credibility that endures beyond their tenure.
Power is a gift, not a guarantee. As Nworah eloquently reminds us, it is fleeting and must be wielded with humility, responsibility, and a sense of service. The mistakes of those who allow power to consume them serve as cautionary tales for current and future leaders. By remaining grounded, maintaining meaningful relationships, and planning for life after office, leaders can navigate the transition from public to private life with grace and dignity.
The ultimate measure of a leader is not the length of their tenure but the legacy they leave behind. Those who embrace the transient nature of power and use it to uplift others will find that their influence extends far beyond their time in office. For, in the end, it is not the position that defines a leader but the impact they make on the lives of those they serve.
