Category: Opinion

  • Why Sen. Jarigbe Agom is wining the Hearts of the people of Cross River North BY SOLOMON INOK

    Why Sen. Jarigbe Agom is wining the Hearts of the people of Cross River North BY SOLOMON INOK

     

    The first pitfall most Cross River North leaders fall into is the “lack of ability to balance fame and power, with the realities of a humble background society they hail from.”

    Power and fame is like fuel poured into burning fire. It scares those standing by and even the one igniting it is careful not to be consumed by the inferno. Most of our leaders pour fuel into the fire of Power and Fame not minding the resultant consequences even to themselves.

    At the immediate, they see the glamours of Power, surrounding them with praises, slogans, applause and the command of men and women all ready to do their bids. To them, they have conquered. They forget so soon that the very area they hail from and the people will not change automatically with the glamour they see themselves as new individuals in power.

    They refuse to realize this gap and lost sight of consultative powers. They become Kings owning kingdoms instead of leaders elected by the people to serve the people.

    Without a proper Needs Assessment, they come taking down thatch houses of ages with promises to rebuild new modern homes. They speak with Power and gather praises to boost their egos momentarily. Keeping expectations high, building hopes and expanding desires.

    Later they return forgetting the people Thatch Houses pulled down and start building a Road that will not be completed before their tenures expiration. And when those whose Thatch Houses were pulled down starts agitations and complains, they are quickly branded enemies of progress, haters of Brothers, bad eggs of the society and haters of growth.

    How then is Sen. Jarigbe Agom approaching His leadership tactics differently?

    1. Sen. Jarigbe Agom Jarigbe is not scared of the future because to him He have the future to make today, through His relationship with the people. Those who know him will tell that, he is not one who seek validation from outsiders, He creates validation from within himself, his circles, society and his immediate environment based on cherished values benefiting all involve.

    2. He operates an open Consultative budgeting Policy, whereby, every year during the budgeting preparation periods, He interfaces with the people and request for a proper Need Assessment and possible selection of a pressing Need to be included in the year’s budget and allow the people to participate in the project execution process when approved and funds released.

    3. He is not a Lover of Money, Wealth and Material accomodations. He is so satisfy with his relationship with his people and understand that, to keep them close is the Future, and that too requires him to be large enough to care, knowing that will reduce his ability to acquire much wealth, and material possessions. He is satisfied with the many having a meal than for one to have too much and throwing away.

    4. Sen. Jarigbe is not insecure, not low in self-esteem thereby, seeking validation through Material possessions and wanting the people to attach his importance to the number of Houses, Big Hotels, Estates and grabbing of large properties. He is not a leader who lost touch with his youth and wishes to reclaim it through extravagance lifestyles.

    5. Sen. Jarigbe Agom will not Promise to do or accept to do what is beyond His Capacity as a Senator just to make himself feel large and gain praises. He is sincere, Trustworthy, dependable, confident and fearlessly open.

    He is not the best but yet, He possess qualities that requires strategic study.

     

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Solomon Inok, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • The Lingering Burden of Intercommunal Conflicts in Cross River State BY OKOI OBONO-OBOLA

    The Lingering Burden of Intercommunal Conflicts in Cross River State BY OKOI OBONO-OBOLA

     

    Cross River State remains one of the flashpoints of internecine intercommunal strife and violence in the country, largely emanating from disputes over land rights and, occasionally, chieftaincy matters. However, the Government of Cross River State has consistently exhibited a troubling lack of political will to boldly, fearlessly, courageously, and fairly settle these lingering disputes. The result has been sporadic and periodic eruptions of violence that have wracked the peace and stability of the State, leaving in their wake senseless killings and the destruction of property.

    It is difficult to comprehend why a Governor, having taken the Oath of Office and Oath of Allegiance—both profoundly solemn—would exhibit fear, indecision, and mindless politicking in addressing such disputes simply because he does not want to “rock the boat.”

    In 2006, the communities of Ebijakara and Ebom, though cousins, fought bitterly, leaving Ebijakara devastated. To this day, successive governments have inexplicably failed, refused, or neglected to resolve this conflict, which has since spread to involve other Bahumuno communities in Abi Local Government Area. Several judicial commissions of inquiry and administrative panels have been constituted by government on this issue, but their reports continue to gather dust in cupboards of government offices.

    Earlier this year, bloody clashes erupted between communities in Obubra and Ikom Local Government Areas, once again leading to loss of lives and property. Yet, as usual, the government of Cross River State has manifested ambivalence and nonchalance in resolving the matter. Disturbingly, there are rumours that one of the protagonists in the conflict hired terrorists to fight on its side, resulting in deaths. There is also speculation about the involvement of a ranking Army officer from one of the communities, allegedly lending support to ruthlessly deal with their neighbours.

    What is most irksome is the government’s refusal, failure, or neglect to release the report of the Surveyor General of Cross River State, who was appointed to ascertain and delineate the boundary marks between the two Local Government Areas. As is often the case, this report appears destined to be permanently lost in the labyrinth of government documents on sensitive matters that demand urgency and alacrity.

    Similarly, the report of the Peace and Reconciliation Committee set up by government to address the issues between the communities in Obubra and Ikom, and to clearly define their boundaries, has been left unattended. Instead, some officials appear to be sleeping over these reports and playing politics until another violent incident erupts.

    It is profoundly sad that a government entrusted as custodian of welfare, peace, stability, and justice would exhibit such unimaginable cluelessness over matters so sensitive and urgent. This neglect not only undermines the credibility of governance but also perpetuates cycles of violence that could otherwise be resolved with courage and fairness.

    Conclusion:
    The recurring intercommunal conflicts in Cross River State underscore the urgent need for decisive leadership and political will. Until government rises above fear and politicking to implement the findings of its own panels and committees, peace will remain elusive, and the people will continue to suffer needless tragedies.

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Chief OKOI OBONO-OBOLA, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • Leading Others Has An End Time… BY AGBA JALINGO 

    Leading Others Has An End Time… BY AGBA JALINGO 

    Leadership is not a forever task. Any leader that wants to lead forever doesn’t have a target and does not represent the interest of the people. Real leaders go into the positions they seek, deliver their promises and exit.

    Real leaders do not recycle themselves. They groom others to replace them when they leave the scene. They do not seek to obliterate the aspirations of novel entrants. Those who seek to remain in public office perpetually are not seeking public good. They are seeking personal aggrandizement and endless opportunities to pilfer public wealth. There is a reason political offices have terms.

    Even traditional rulers, who are supposed to lead till death, abdicate their authority when they feel their roles have been accomplished. You couldn’t have been a senator for four years, become governor for eight years and still think you are the only one available and want to return to the senate as retirement. Statesmanship requires more elegance and panache. That has been happening in other parts of Nigeria, not in Cross River State.

    I am trying to imagine former governors Ebri, Duke or Imoke returning to run for senatorial seats in Cross River state. It will be a big shame to them. Even if it is boredom, governor Imoke for instance is actively running the Bridge Leadership Foundation and building young leaders and mingling. Duke is even more popular amongst young Cross Riverians in retirement than when he was governor. Governor Ebri is silently working from behind the scenes. What exactly does former Governor Ayade want?

    Is he bored at home? Then he should get busy with his teaching work again. Even if he claims he wants to go and serve, you do not serve people in perpetuity. Hunger for the perquisites that public office confers is ephemeral and cannot be termed ‘service.’ The earlier that is realized the better for personal sanity. There is even more honor in grooming others after leaving office than perpetually fouling the air with seeking to return.

    It is a true test of character to be able to resist the temptation to perpetually control others and control public resources. Watching from the sidelines when the klieg lights have left you is very difficult but it is possible. Be mindful of cheering dependants and hangers on, who urge you on the path to Golgotha. Their pseudo panegyrics are usually veiled with hypocrisy. For they speak with twisted tongues while their hearts mock you.

    If the cosmic has been gracious to you like it has, pay back by sitting back and watching others play in the arena. You are certainly not the best man available. No one is the perpetual best. Best men are only found in weddings, not in public office. There are even young people in their thirties, with brighter ideas, who want to become senators too. Don’t stifle their dreams. These are my thoughts this morning for my former Governor, Ben (no one knows tomorrow) Ayade.

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

  • Advent: Pruning Hooks BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    Advent: Pruning Hooks BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    ….Being A Sermon Delivered on First Sunday of Advent.

    The Advent season has come. The season that reminds us of peace even in the midst of darkness. The prophet Isaiah describes these times using the image “pruning hooks” (read Isaiah 2: 4). A pruning hook is an instrument that was used by Israelite farmers to cultivate the land and feed the people. It is meant to remind us of growth and development, not war and discord. At the time of Isaiah’s prophecy, the kingdom of Judah was preparing for war.

    Jerusalem, the capital city, was in danger of being destroyed, yet Isaiah saw a bright future; Jerusalem, far from being destroyed would be the center of the world and the starting point of movement towards universal peace (Is. 2: 1-5). Yet Isaiah sees hope, where all others see war? This prophet had the audacity of hope, the firm belief that things would get better, and so he awakened the people to turn their spears of war into pruning hooks of peace and growth through hard work. That’s the “good news” this season (advent) brings to us.

    This year, no doubt has been a year full of “wars” for some. There are lots of threats from one end to another. Even now, there are threats of terror going around, bandits hiding in bushes ready to attack. Denials of Christian genocide even when brothers and sisters are being massacred in their numbers. Our security is being threatened from within and from outside.

    Within our households are disagreements and discord in all corners. They are even quarrels and lots of fights among family members Yet now, more than ever is the time to turn these war instruments into pruning hooks, otherwise, we are not ready for the season. Jesus also used familiar images, not necessarily to cause fear, terror or anguish in our minds, but to remind us of the need to be VIGILANT if we must claim the peace he offers us this season (Matt. 24: 37-44). It is not going to be a walk-over. We must be VIGILIANT.

    In Noah’s days, there were two kinds of people: those who failed to shine their eyes, but were concerned with enjoying themselves alone and those who were vigilant, who foresaw the coming of the flood, who heeded God’s warning and became the fathers of a new humanity (vs. 37-39). The people in Noah’s day were going on with their day to day lives, doing normal things. Some were working in the fields and grinding flour (Vs. 40-41).

    Many didn’t live sinful lives but perished with the flood. Their only crime was: not “shining their eyes” to the times they lived in. they were not quite awake to prevent the Burglar (v. 43). The peace Christ offers can only be claimed with vigilance. Yes, true peace is won at a high price, and we must stand ready to claim it because Jesus offers it to us at a platter of gold at this special season of advent.

  • We Are Called To Be Vigilant, Called To Prepare Our Hearts And Be Watchful For The Coming Of The Son Of God BY FELIX EKPE

    We Are Called To Be Vigilant, Called To Prepare Our Hearts And Be Watchful For The Coming Of The Son Of God BY FELIX EKPE

     

    Being a Homily delivered during the 9:00am (Second Mass) at Holy Trinity Parish, Ogboja Ogoja, by the Parish Priest, Very Rev Fr Felix Ovai Ekpe

    First Sunday of Advent.

    Advent begins with a horizon of hope. Adventus in Latin means “arrival” or “coming”. The coming of the One whose arrival changes everything.

    Advent reminds us that God draws near to humanity. It is a season that invites us to move forward spiritually, to awaken, and to prepare.
    The season of Advent comes with many signs. The priest wearing purple symbolizes penance and purification a sign of metanoia, a true change of heart. This is why we are called in this season to prepare our hearts.

    St. Paul gives us three key attitudes for Advent:
    Cast away the pains and burdens of our hearts.
    Reject the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Live with discipline, avoiding drunkenness and every excess.

    There are some people who work from January to November, many squander everything in December. Advent calls us to a different path, a path of discipline, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

    The best preparation for the coming of Christ is the preparation of the soul. Advent is a new beginning. A time to start over. A time to put off anything that makes us spiritually old, jealousy, hatred, resentment, and bitterness.

    It is a time to put God first in all we do, so that even those who do not know God may see Him reflected in our lives.
    Advent is a call to watch and pray, to recognize the challenges of our time. Psalm 141:1–4 reminds us to guard our hearts, our thoughts, and our actions.

    We are called to discipline ourselves, to resist the enemy, and to nurture a prayerful life. How else can Christians return to God if not through prayer?

    As we begin a new liturgical year, let everything about us be made new. Let us begin again, a life that reflects Christ, a life that speaks of Christ. Carry others in your heart with love, even when they go about their lives unaware.
    Let go, reconcile, and seek peace. When we pursue God above all things, the outcome is peace, peace that only the Lord can give. But when we pursue the things of this world, we remain restless until we possess them, and even then, they do not satisfy us, we year more for the latest version.

    At Christmas, we celebrate the God who came for His people. As we seek forgiveness for our sins, we are called to become agents of forgiveness ourselves.
    We pray, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us” and we must live that prayer.

    Let us not deceive ourselves by merely putting up lights or outward decorations, let us instead embrace the virtues of Christ, mercy, forgiveness, humility, and love.

    I wish you peace, and may that peace, which comes only from the Lord, fill your hearts this Advent season

  • Former Governor Ayade Supporters Should Stop Their Expensive Jokes…. BY AGBA JALINGO 

    Former Governor Ayade Supporters Should Stop Their Expensive Jokes…. BY AGBA JALINGO 

     

    Because former Governor Ayade wants to run for Senate in 2027, his minions are digging up AI generated motion pictures to hoodwink the public. For want of what to present as his record of achievements for eight years as governor, they are resurrecting matters that should be buried if they don’t want their master to head to jail.

    One is the British Canadian University BCU Obudu, which was given accreditation by the NUC in June 2023. BCU is one of the 39 privately owned schools that were given accreditation by the National Universities Commission NUC on June 9, 2023 in Abuja. Kingshill Education Limited is the proprietor of BCU.

    It is annoying and injurious enough to remember that Governor Ayade misappropriated the State Universal Basic Education Board SUBEB funds, which are meant for year one to year nine education, into the construction of a university and later unilaterally sold it to private individuals. But it is even more irritating to see his lapdogs continuously flaunting a private school as one of Ayade’s achievements in office.

    A project that Cross Riverians should be on the streets or in courts asking the former Governor to account for how it was transferred from public to private is repeatedly thrown at our faces as a feat?

    No name of a Cross Riverian is reflected in the Board of Trustees of the school. I do not want to talk about the details of what is inside the school or happening in the school because it is now a private concern. I don’t want to offend the new owners. But I will never stop talking about the shady process of how our State funds were used to build a school that is now a private school without due process.

    And for those who think they can pull that veil over our eyes, know that the more you try, the more questions will be asked until one day, the chicken will come to roost.

    (See attached documents.)

    Yours sincerely,
    Citizen Agba Jalingo.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Agba Jalingo, and does not represent Theluminenews its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • Let Christ Reign Over You BY SYLVERUS ULEM

    Let Christ Reign Over You BY SYLVERUS ULEM

    LET CHRIST REIGN OVER YOU By Rev Fr Sylverus Ulem

    …. Being a sermon delivered during second Mass (9:00am) at Holy Trinity Parish, Ogboja – Ogoja.

    34th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year C
    Solemnity of Christ the Universal King

    My dear people of God,
    When we allow Jesus to reign over us, our society becomes a better place. Many times, the stagnation we experience, individually and collectively is because we have not truly allowed Christ to take His rightful place in our hearts.

    From the beginning, God created us with one primary rule, that good be done. The Ten Commandments came later as guidance, but the heart of God for us has always been goodness, love, and obedience.

    Christ the Universal King
    On this 34th Sunday in Ordinary Time, the Church celebrates Christ the Universal King, a feast instituted by Pope Pius XI. This celebration is a public proclamation that Jesus is the King of the universe and, by implication, the King of our lives.

    God created everything out of nothing. Jesus is the center of our being, the foundation on which everything stands. Without Him, everything collapses back into nothingness.

    In David, the people saw a worthy servant. He did not campaign or write manifestos; instead, the people recognized the qualities of leadership in him. When we humble ourselves, God reveals Himself in us. Every true leader carries the “flesh and bone” of the people, he arises from among them and must protect and guide them.

    A king who cannot protect his people has failed in his duty. Today, we see many leaders more concerned with power than service. Political defections, power struggles, and the hunger for influence remind us that many seek authority without embracing responsibility. But Scripture tells us, all power comes from God, and any power not rooted in God will eventually collapse.

    Today we see apostles, evangelists, bishops, prophets, all kinds of titles, yet confusion persists. Some pursue titles more than service; some even fight or kill to protect these positions. But any title without corresponding responsibility is useless.
    Whether priest, bishop, parent, or leader if we carry the name without carrying the corresponding responsibility, we have failed.

    Pilate and the Jews conspired out of ignorance, yet their actions fulfilled God’s plan of salvation. Our celebration today is not a mockery of Christ, but a recognition of His kingship expressed through the cross.

    There are three crosses in life:
    The cross we accept, it serves us.
    The cross we reject, it condemns us.
    The cross we willingly carry, it redeems us.

    Christ’s Kingship vs. Earthly Leadership
    Christ is the model of all kings and leaders. He thinks of His people, loves them, and serves them like a good Shepherd. He treats us as brothers and sisters. Many leaders today make promises they do not keep, feeding on the people rather than feeding the people. But Jesus is the King who feeds His subjects, who gives His life for them.
    He left the riches of heaven to share in our poverty so that we might become rich. Yet today we often see leaders who rise from poverty only to feed on the riches of their people.

    He had no social media account, yet He has the largest followers in history. Many today expose themselves online simply to gain followers and earn small payments, forgetting their dignity.

    There is no protocol to access Jesus. He was like a parish priest whose parishioners could freely approach Him. Sadly, even we priests sometimes fail in this area. When a rich man arrives at the parish house we often rush to welcome him, but when a poor man comes, we sometimes turn him away.
    May God help us to change.

    As we celebrate Christ the Universal King, may He truly reign over our hearts, our families, our communities, and our nation.

    May His peace fill our lives, now and always.
    Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

     

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Rev Fr Sylverus Ulem, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • Jarigbe’s Strategic Move: A Masterstroke of Political Strategy BY PETER AGI 

    Jarigbe’s Strategic Move: A Masterstroke of Political Strategy BY PETER AGI 

     

    Senator Jarigbe’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a masterstroke of political strategy, one that is anchored in the paradigm of surrender and transformation. To truly live, one must first surrender to death, not a physical demise, but a metaphorical one – the death of the ego, the death of limitations, and the death of the familiar. It is in this crucible of transformation that the essence of our being is forged, like gold refined in the furnace of adversity.

    Senator Jarigbe’s decision to join the APC reflects his willingness to adapt and evolve, surrendering his attachment to the past and embracing the unknown, recognizing that true growth and victory lie on the other side of uncertainty. His move is a bold statement of intent, one that signals his willingness to take risks and challenge the status quo. With his deep understanding of the people, his ability to connect with them, and his knack for crafting winning strategies, Senator Jarigbe is poised to make history. His victory is not just a possibility, but a sure bet, as he has aligned himself with the forces of change and the will of the people.

    The APC is a party of winners, with a track record of success in Nigerian politics. Senator Jarigbe’s decision to join the party is a strategic move that gives him access to a wealth of resources, expertise, and networks. The APC has a strong presence in Cross River State, and Senator Jarigbe’s move is likely to boost the party’s chances in the 2027 elections. His popularity and influence in the state make him a valuable asset to the party, and his decision to join is a significant coup.

    Surrender is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. It takes courage to let go of the familiar and embrace the unknown. Senator Jarigbe’s decision to join the APC demonstrates his willingness to take risks and trust in the process of transformation. In politics, surrender is not just a personal journey, but a collective one. It requires a willingness to listen to others, to build coalitions, and to work towards a common goal. Senator Jarigbe’s move shows his ability to build bridges and unite people towards a common purpose.

    Senator Jarigbe’s journey to victory is not just about him, but about the people who support him. He has built a strong connection with the people, and they trust him to deliver on his promises. His decision to join the APC reflects his commitment to serving the people and making a positive impact in their lives. He is a leader who is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo, and his victory is a sure bet.

    In conclusion, Senator Jarigbe’s decision to join the APC is a masterstroke of political strategy, one that is anchored in the paradigm of surrender and transformation. His move reflects his willingness to take risks, trust in the process of transformation, and align himself with the forces of change and the will of the people. Let us, therefore, take a cue from Senator Jarigbe’s playbook and surrender to the fire that forges us. Let us emerge, reborn and renewed, our spirit unshaken, and our will unbroken. For it is in dying to our old selves that we are reborn, and it is in surrendering to the unknown that we discover our true potential. Victory is indeed a sure bet for Senator Jarigbe, and may his tribe increase! What a matchless persona in current political evolution. No one can doubt his capacity to make a fundamental difference and change. Has his entrance rattled the gladiators? One thing is sure, political permutations have been altered and he is leading the pack currently.

    Peter Agi (FCA)
    Writes from Ijegu Yala.

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • Governors And The Senate: A Call for Democratic Balance BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

    Governors And The Senate: A Call for Democratic Balance BY OKOI OBONO-OBLA

     

    A leading political figure from Imo State confided in me what former President Muhammadu Buhari told him during a visit to Daura after leaving office. Buhari remarked that one of his greatest achievements was blocking former governors who sought to move directly from governorship to the Senate.

    I share this perspective. Recently, the former Governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa, expressed the same view, underscoring the need for fairness and inclusivity in our democratic process. The Senate should not become a retirement chamber for former governors who have already enjoyed the privilege of serving their states for eight years.

    Anyone who has been privileged to serve as Governor for two terms must step aside and allow others the opportunity to contribute their quota to national development. Democracy thrives when diverse voices are heard, when fresh perspectives are allowed to shape policy, and when political offices are not monopolized by a select few.

    The practice of governors transitioning seamlessly into the Senate risks entrenching political dominance, stifling new leadership, and undermining the principle of equal opportunity. Nigeria’s progress depends on widening the space for participation, not narrowing it to a cycle of recycled elites.

    Conclusion:
    The call is simple but profound: let governors who have completed their tenure give way, so that others may rise to serve. This is not just about fairness; it is about strengthening democracy, deepening inclusivity, and ensuring that national development benefits from the contributions of many, not the ambitions of a few.

    @ Okoi Obono-Obla

    Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in this article is strictly that of the author, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, and does not represent Theluminenews, its agent or the organisation the author works for/with.

  • Servant Leadership: Christians Are Called To Lead, But Such Leadership Comes At A Cost, For Nothing Truly Good Comes Cheaply BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    Servant Leadership: Christians Are Called To Lead, But Such Leadership Comes At A Cost, For Nothing Truly Good Comes Cheaply BY PETER OBELE ABUE

    Some time ago, CNN posted a picture of Pope Francis holding his own handbag as he walked toward a plane. Someone commented that it was “against protocol” and “unbecoming of a Head of State.” But the real question is: Why would the Pope choose to break protocol in the 21st century?
    The answer is simple: because kingship today is about service, not pomp and pageantry. In that gesture, Pope Francis was pointing us toward a new model of leadership, leadership grounded in humility, simplicity, and a willingness to serve.

    This is the very spirit Jesus demonstrated when He stood before Pontius Pilate and declared, “My kingdom does not belong to this world.” (John 18:36). Jesus wanted Pilate to understand that His kingship was nothing like the worldly leadership built on power, fear, or intimidation.
    Jesus would eventually pay the highest price for this servant leadership, shedding His blood on the cross and being betrayed by His own closest companions. The kingship of God is different from every other kind of kingship because it is built on sacrifice. Christians are called to lead, yes, but such leadership comes at a cost, for nothing truly good comes cheaply.

    Today’s world is in desperate need of leaders after the heart of Jesus Christ, the Universal King. Leaders who may arise from humble conditions but who do not lead from fear. Leaders who are not surrounded by sycophants ready to destroy others on their behalf. Leaders who do not threaten opponents or force their enemies to “lick their dust.” The world needs servant leaders.

    When the tribes of Israel gathered at Hebron and asked David to be their king, they were not looking for an angel to rule over them. They wanted someone who was “their flesh and bone,” someone who understood their struggles. They had grown weary of leaders who were selfish, materialistic, and blind to the hopes of the people. After years of enduring one despotic ruler after another (2 Samuel 5:1–3), God finally sent them a leader—yet even then, many doubted him because he did not fit their expectations.

    The truth remains: authentic servant leadership comes at a great price, and only those who genuinely believe can recognize and embrace it. Such leadership already exists among us, but only those with perceptive eyes can see it. In the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta:
    “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.”
    Servant leadership begins not with a title, but with a heart willing to serve.