By Prince Ugochukwu Nwanjoku
Today, Enugu stand on the brink of substantial disruptions-and of considerable opportunity -as new political and economic models challenge traditional templates. This gripping scenario also applies to Dr. Mbah's statement of purpose and his social contract with the people of Enugu state, an entity whose governance trajectory will indisputably impact the old Eastern Nigeria - for good.
This is especially more so as Enugu for many years only rely on the federal government allocation to survive without looking inward for other economic means, and this has massively unsettled conventional political-economic playbooks and upended the state economy. Even as the recovery phase kick in, only tested trailblazer with vision, knowledge and courage can provide the imperative cutting-edge leadership to ensure both stability and progression. And this is Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah's forte.
Dr. Mbah, international maritime lawyer, business mogul-cum-key energy sector player, financial analyst, astute public administrator and philanthropist of note the s the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Enugu State, come the 2023 general election. Arguably powered by a quartet of forces-unique vision, an unrelenting drive to succeed, providence and careful planning, the ascendency of the soft-spoken Dr. Mbah to the state, provide a study in the imperative of unswerving perseverance and a strong believe in the possibilities of focused human striving.
For Mbah, a powerful vision pulls in ideas, people and other resources. It creates the momentum and will to make change happen. It inspires individuals, complementary organizations and institutions to commit, to persist and to give their best. Enlisting this enduring philosophy, the unassuming Enugu State politician has also deployed impeccable professionalism, discipline and persistence to change the traditional narrative in the sevenfold arenas of his impactful engagements, thus far. No less a child of providence who wields influence and authority with alluring humility and exemplary focus, the Pinnacle Oil and Gas Ltd boss has demonstrated with his life's trajectory that law, business, public administrator, philanthropy and faith fundamentally address transformation of society and the human condition for good.
To-date, he unabashedly maintains this unique footing. The enthralling odyssey of Dr. Mbah's life further validates the enduring wisdom that difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations. An unwavering sense of duty, rigorous training and firm professionalism, demonstrable integrity and almost a child-like faith in his beloved God form the navigational compass of his life story. Dr. Mbah certainly is not the kind of professional who stays tamely at the receiving end of received policy prescriptions. He covets knowledge-driven innovations, proactive engagement with the stake-holders in the rural community, policy makers, fluid operating environments and sure-footed action. These dimensions have been boldly mirrored in the nimble leadership of his several pace-setting entrepreneurial entities.
His amiable soft-spoken mien hides an inner steel that has enabled him create and grow an enviable entrepreneurial empire and rise to the top of his game. Up close, the vibrations of controlled energy are discernible and the sense of a man who has identified his life's calling is palpable. But who really is this youthful politician who has been thrust on the biggest stage of his development-hungry state? Dr. Mbah opens a chink into his thoughts on leadership in a recent paper he delivered on September 24, 2022 at the MEDRHUS Leadership Forum 2022, held at Justice Mary Odili Moot Court, Faculty of Law, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), Enugu State. He contrasts three types of leadership: transactional, transformational and transcendental leadership. On transactional leaders he stated that they "engage with their followers strictly based on economic influence, relying on the reward or punishment to motivate their team members. However, this style of leadership is generally unable to deliver any revolutionary growth or any performance outside what is contractually agreed." According to him, transformational leaders tend to be more visionary and charismatic than the transactional leaders but noted that this style of leadership is prone to becoming selfish or narcissistic whereby the leader becomes carried away and builds the vision around himself. He however stressed that authentic transformational leadership would involve the leader being guided by ethics.
Transcendental leadership, according to Dr. Mbah, "involves leaders who go even further to motivate their team numbers with not only reward and punishment, professional learning and capacity development, but also with the promise of satisfying real needs of individuals, groups or societies in general. These leaders tend not to restrict the authority of leadership at the topmost level. By this willing delegation of powers, they therefore tend to be better at developing new leaders within their teams." It's anyone's guess at his preferred leadership model from the distinctions he offered.
Today, clearly aware of the challenges ahead, he heeded the call to serve the people of his home state of Enugu as governor come 2023. To transform Enugu State and align it with the human development imperatives of tye 21st Century certainly requires an organizational cultural transformation, especially in a milieu that has long been driven by traditional metrics. More, it requires bold, game-changing leadership. Dr. Mbah is ready and raring to go. Significantly, Dr. Mbah's tasks have perhaps been made easier with the considerable development grounds Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has covered.
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