BY BOLAJI AFOLABI
As a nation, we have experienced 26 years of unbroken democracy, which by the way is the longest since independence in 1960. Though our democracy is patterned after that of the United States of America, (USA), it is unique on many fronts, shapes, and ways.
It can be argued that democracy, as practiced in our country is novel in terms of operations and operators, perception and performances. In the USA, and other countries around the world, political parties have been in existence for decades. 
The reverse is the case here, where, with the exception of one or two, political parties witness regular extinction, birth, and repackaging in lightning speed, as situations and interests demand. Elsewhere, while parties are built and driven on ideologies, it is almost impossible to state emphatically, the true vision and mission of respective parties in Nigeria. As a result of these disturbing factors, many analysts believe that real political development is still tottering in Nigeria.
Politicians are the major players in every democracy. Perhaps, having witnessed decades-long practice of democracy, politicians in the USA and other European countries are millions of miles ahead and above their “name-mates” in Africa. In this part of the world, there are peculiar characteristics associated with the average politician. It includes self service interests; resistance to scrutiny; ignoring citizens’ concerns; making unrealistic campaign pledges.
Others include patronage systems; charismatic rhetoric; lack of transparency; resistance to change; prioritizing immediate gains over long-term development. Sadly, many politicians here, are largely interested in power and influence; status symbols; and public recognition. These and a few other factors drive their actions, decisions, and priorities, which sometimes conflict with public welfare or natural interests. A school of thought described the average politician as one who craves, desires to be celebrated at every time possible, even if not impacting positively on his people.
To achieve this, there are reports that some politicians explore certain measures in positioning themselves for recognition. From the absurd to ridiculous, and unethical to immoral. The penchant for awards by the political class has led to the emergence of many groups and associations, whose identities and motives are bellicose. For some, painstaking inquisition of their prospective awardees are outrightly unnecessary. Credibility, transparency, thoroughness, and probity are consigned to the backwaters. The commercialization and merchandizing of awards have become rampant in the polity. Indeed, the entire process and paths towards achieving recognition has been bastardized.
Somehow, as a result of this negative profiling, the subject of this article has rejected many awards from different organizations. Kingsley Chinda, as the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, and a fourth-termer took this decision for three reasons; lack of credibility, proliferation, and detest been celebrated. Those who know him believe his aversion is not surprising. Described as a quintessential legislator, an exemplar of integrity, Chinda, who represents Obio-Akpor Federal Constituency prefers to operate from the back.
Not minding his prodigious and efficacious attributes, he loves privacy. Beneath, is a sagacious and fastidious public servant whose unwavering commitment to excellence has permeated his constituency, Rivers State, and Nigeria. Many of the phoney groups versed in the racketeering of awards are said to always avoid prospecting before Chinda, who prefers being addressed as “Representative” instead of “Honourable” which is the most preferred nomenclature by legislators.
Convinced that a goldfish has no hiding place, and the need to honour a Nigerian, who truly merits recognition and celebration, a group resolved to get the approval of Chinda. After months of persistence, they got the greenlight. A few weeks back, the doors to his National Assembly offices were opened for the Centre for Credible Leadership & Citizens Awareness, (CCLCA), NaijaBlitzNews, and Hellosis Media. The awards presentation had the trappings of order, focus, and timeliness. True to his nature, antecedents, and approach to issues, the less than half-hour investiture was devoid of elaborateness, grandeur, and panache. No invitations to any colleague, no long speeches. Everything was brisk and brief.
Before presenting Chinda with the 2025 Leadership Award for “Integrity, Stewardship & Transparency In Public Service” the group confirmed that he has “consistently pushed for people-centred legislation, accountability, and sustained an unwavering stance on national interest.” The group further highlighted his numerous contributions towards constituency development, national cohesion, and nation building. Chinda’s one-line response further confirms his unequivocal commitment to nationalism, sacrifice, and empathy.
The soft spoken legislator dedicated the award to Nigerians, and declared that, “it’s time for sober reflection considering what is happening in the country for the moment.” This typifies a leader who is not only conscious of developments around him but also concerned of the various challenges people are going through. Chinda, by the way, was also presented the “Distinguished Legislative Leadership & Public Service Award” by The Parliament Diary Newspaper.
Going by the unanimity of the comments of many people, across party affiliations, state, and other divides, the awards bestowed on Chinda are not only well deserved but also long overdue. A Rivers-born, Abuja based media entrepreneur, Chief Darlington Sobrekun declared that, “giving his brilliant achievements since 2011, he is over qualified for any award of excellence.” For Ms. Cecelia Hogan, a serial media influencer, “from verifiable records, Chinda has used the instrumentality of legislation to advocate for good governance, probity, and fairness that is geared towards improving the lives of people and promoting nationhood.”
A veteran political journalist who prefers anonymity confirmed that, “Chinda is a thoughtful, analytical, and intelligent legislator, who ranks among the best since 1999. His Motions, Bills, and contributions to debates at plenary and other sessions are first class.” A senior member of a federal agency recalled his experiences when Chinda was the Chairman of a sensitive Committee in the House of Representatives, “unlike those before him, he encourages and supports MDAs to do the right thing when they erred in their reports.
He was never bossy, autocratic, or demanding. He was very dutiful, transparent, and accommodating.” For Chief Innocent Enumah, a community leader, “though I belong to a different political persuasion, Chinda has touched the lives of his constituents and constituency in beautiful colours that will be difficult to match by anybody that replaces him.”
Between June 2023 and now, Chinda has shown brightly in his lawmaking and oversight responsibilities. He is credited with legislations that are people-focussed, and development-driven. Anchoring on his mission, he, at all times advocates for the inclusion of the provision of basic amenities as a fundamental human right of the people.
He also seeks the protection of human lives and properties, and encourages biodiversity and sustainable livelihood of all. In addition, he advocates for good governance and meaningful development. A strong advocate for the personal growth of Nigerians, he believes that the people should be the fulcrum of any, every initiative, action, and programme of the federal government.
In the last two years, Obio-Akpor federal constituency has witnessed impactful development in various sectors. From roads to education, health, power and water, Chinda’s imprimatur is all around the constituency. Roads completed or nearing completion include Nyemanu Onuoha Close; Weli-Wosu Elendu Close; Amadi Weriri Close; Apostle Obuchi Elendu Close; and many others in the constituency. Construction of classrooms and provision of necessary infrastructures; continuous capacity building for secondary school teachers; overseas training for teachers; financial aids to indigent and brilliant students.
Medical outreach and financial support for those with peculiar medical challenges. Vocational training, skills acquisition, and other entrepreneurial schemes are up and running; regularly. There are also programmes targeted at women empowerment and youth development for all grades, including the widow scheme; SME support for women and youths.
No doubt, Chinda has raised the bar of excellence in lawmaking, representation, and constituency development. He has given credit to the wise sayings of Aristotle that, “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” He does this with grace, candour, and delight such that he feels fulfilled and satisfied.
Going forward, as people salute his penchant for hard work and service, Chinda should imbibe the words of Aristotle that, “we are what we repeatedly do… excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit,” in all his efforts towards ensuring that the people; in Obio-Akpor and across the country derive the necessary benefits from government.
BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.
