In response to the recent remark by former Rivers State Governor, and currently Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, who questioned, “Who has Fubara made?” during a ceremony where he was honored by the Ijaw community, it is essential to set the record straight on what true leadership entails. This question, though seemingly casual, reflects a much deeper issue in the mindset of Nigerian politicians, a fundamental misunderstanding of the true role of governance.

Governance is not, and should never be, about empowering or “making” individuals based on personal ties, political favors, or loyalty. It is not a tool for creating allies or strengthening one’s network of political benefactors. True governance transcends personal ambitions or friendships; it is about creating an environment where every citizen, regardless of connection to those in power, can thrive. A good leader works to uplift their entire constituency, ensuring that the benefits of governance reach everyone, not just a select few who are privileged to be in their inner circle.

There is a dangerous narrative circulating within Nigeria’s political discourse that must be corrected. We often hear that certain politicians have “made” certain individuals, be it a governor, senator, or influential business figure. This notion is often repeated when discussing about some politicians, with some praising their political prowess by stating that they have “made” numerous leaders and politicians who have risen to prominence. But governance is not supposed to be a king-making affair. It should never be about the elevation of a few at the expense of the many.

The reality is that true leadership is measured not by how many individuals one has “made,” but by how well the leader has uplifted the collective well-being of the masses. Governance, at its very essence, is about creating opportunities for everyone, ensuring equitable access to resources, and fostering an environment where the average citizen can achieve their full potential without needing to rely on political patronage.

This culture of “making people” is rooted in the erroneous belief that governance is about personal favors, not about service to the populace. The idea that a leader’s success should be judged by how many individuals they have “empowered” or “made” is fundamentally flawed. It perpetuates a system where political officeholders are seen as gatekeepers to opportunity, rather than stewards of the public good.

When Nyesom Wike posed the question, “Who has Fubara made?” it was as if to suggest that Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s leadership should be evaluated by how many individuals he has personally elevated. But this is a dangerous and short-sighted way of viewing leadership. The purpose of governance is not to create a select group of privileged individuals who rise because of their proximity to power; it is to create a system in which every citizen has the opportunity to rise based on their own merit and effort.

Governor Fubara’s success should not be measured by how many political godsons he has made or how many of his friends have found themselves in positions of power. His success, and indeed the success of any leader, should be measured by the overall development and well-being of Rivers State, by the number of jobs created, the quality of education improved, the infrastructure built, and the lives of ordinary people transformed.

The idea of “making” individuals only serves to perpetuate the cycle of patronage politics that has hindered Nigeria’s development for decades. This system places personal loyalty and political allegiance above merit, competence, and the collective good. It also fosters an environment where access to opportunity is limited to those with the right connections, leaving the vast majority of Nigerians on the outside looking in.

We often hear that a certain politician has “made” this person or that person, and while this may be seen as a mark of political influence, it is not the essence of true leadership. Political leaders, like every other leaders in Nigeria, should not be measured by how many individuals they have “made” or by how many allies they have elevated to positions of power. Rather, they should be measured by how effectively their administrations uplift the masses, create equal opportunities, and improve the overall living conditions of Nigerians.

True leadership requires vision, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to public service. It is about creating systems that empower everyone, not just those who are part of one’s political or social circle. In an ideal democracy, every citizen should be able to succeed based on their talent, hard work, and dedication, not on their personal connections or political patronage.

Leaders should focus on creating policies that benefit the general population, policies that improve healthcare, education, infrastructure, and employment opportunities. They should work to create an environment where every citizen, regardless of their background or affiliations, has a fair chance to succeed. This is the true measure of leadership.

A great leader honors the people by ensuring that the resources of the state or country are managed equitably and responsibly. When politicians focus solely on empowering their friends, they dishonor the broader population. Governance should not be about honoring personal relationships; it should be about honoring the mandate given to them by the electorate. The resources and opportunities provided by the government must be made available to everyone, not reserved for a privileged few.

Nigerian politicians must break away from the mindset that governance is about patronage and personal favors. The country cannot progress if its leaders continue to operate as if their primary responsibility is to enrich their friends and allies. True governance is about service, and service means uplifting the entire population, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.

If Nigeria is to realize its full potential, its leaders must embrace a new mindset, one that focuses on the collective upliftment of all citizens, rather than the personal empowerment of a few. Governance must be about building systems that work for everyone, not about “making” individuals. It is time for our politicians to understand that their legacy will not be measured by how many people they have placed in positions of power, but by how well they have served the people.

A great leader builds institutions that will outlast them, creating opportunities for future generations. They work to improve the lives of the masses, not just a select few. They focus on creating a fair and just society where every citizen has the chance to thrive.

Governance is not about making friends; it is about making a difference in the lives of the people. Leaders who understand this will leave a lasting legacy that benefits all Nigerians, not just those within their inner circle. It is time we held our leaders accountable to this higher standard.