Reverend Dr. Sam Esale’s
response came from a discussion on the Balue Development and Cultural Organization
forum on WhatsApp in which a member challenged the authority of Ndian division
chiefs, who are, in the most part, silent in discussions about social, economic
and political developments in our division.
One of our chiefs on the forum
lamented on the lack of respect that citizens pay to the chiefs which is one of
the causes of the erosion of the powers of South West Region’s chiefs. That, among
other things, if we expect the chiefs to act as intermediaries, the citizens
must respect their authority as leaders of villages.
 |
| By Rev. Dr. Sam Esale |
Here comes the Reverend
with his impactful rebuttal……..
Brethren,
In every discussion or debate, it is important to understand the point of view of the other side or participants, to genuinely appreciate their contributions. Often, we seek to be understood by others, without us trying to understand them. Civility requires that we respect each other in private or public discourse, even as we contribute various and opposing ideas and opinions to solve debilitating problems. There is strength in our diversity of mind, if we assume that we are one big family, God’s family.
As a people, we must learn the art of disagreeing without being disagreeable. We must agree to disagree and still be comfortable in our skin. We must be civil or polite, by being understanding and respectful of each other. An Intelligent postulation or submission in a heated discussion does not require fighting language, name calling, shouting or disrespectful language. Self-control, level-headed articulation and inner peace are the hallmarks of self-confidence, education and leadership.
That notwithstanding, "respect" is reciprocal, because it goes both ways. Respect doesn't only go upwards. It is a two-way-traffic. We must also recognize the salient difference between "respect" and "fear" in inter-personal or group relationships. Fear is "demanded," but respect is often "earned." I may not agree with Chief Dr. Mokube of Bafaka Balue on certain issues, but it is important for me to respect him because he is an elder and a man of integrity, who has consistently demonstrated leadership qualities which are exemplary, or he is an accomplished Scientist and traditional leader, with Knowledge, wisdom, understanding and humility. By the same token, the Chief must be respectful enough to LISTEN to what I have to say, despite my age or social status. For even "fools" or "poor folks" have a story to tell. Moreover, listening and patience are important Communication and leadership skills. We must engage in open, frank and respectful exchanges with our leaders. That is a vital role of a civil society. African leaders must get used to the role of civil society as an important vehicle of good governance. In more modern concepts of "democracy," there are 5 branches of government, i.e. Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, Free Press and Civil Society. And none should usurp the powers of the other.
Integrity and radical humility command respect much more than the position of a Chief, the office of a President or the title of a king, for that matter. Servant Leadership must compel our leaders to become open-minded enough to entertain respectful disagreements or dissenting opinions. But our tone in the conversation must be in check. Genuine leaders are servants of God. They are not Demi-gods. That is the true meaning of Enlightenment as opposed to Despotism.
In most of Balue, Chieftaincy is NOT hereditary. In Dikome for instance, our Chiefs have either been elected or selected from among the people they serve. Hence, there is NOT one "Royal Family" in Dikome Balue who can claim royalty. This situation has its strengths and weaknesses. In this dispensation, true nobility or power is derived from the people, the personal integrity of the Chief and his accomplishments or Leadership abilities. Now, this kind of "democratic" arrangement is different from what is obtained in other cultures, such as Bafut or Bali in the Northwest Region of the country, where even a corrupt or lazy Fon can "demand" fear from his subjects. Legitimate authority is NOT only conferred by a Throne, office or title, it is derived from God and man, not by force but by consent. Saul, David and Solomon, were approved by God before being anointed by Samuel for "selection" by Israel. And King David was not Saul's son to become the next king of Israel. David killed Goliath, commanded an Army successfully before gaining the respect and trust to lead the children of Israel, after Saul had fallen from God's grace.
However, the fact that the man/woman from Bali is "forced" by circumstances or tradition to be loyal to the authority of their chief doesn't mean it is a bad idea completely. Sometimes, that kind of loyalty engenders concerted action, unit cohesion or group sense of common purpose. It breeds a sense of volition to be and to do more. Who built the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt? History reminds us that there is a distinction between Absolute Despotism and Enlightened Despotism. Compare development in Bali or Bafut with or against progress in the Balue tribe, to understand the point I'm making. Ultimately, the buck stops at the Chiefs’ desks. A people shall rise or fall depending on the pace set by its leaders and where there are no risk takers or heroes or dreamers or visionaries, a people shall perish or continue to dance in darkness.
The Balue Clan needs to see our Chiefs as role models and give them the kind of respect they deserve or we will continue to lag other clans or ethnic groups, in socio-economic development. Culture, including language and tradition, plays a significant role in human progress. But our Chiefs must take over the mantle of leadership, not only as custodians of tradition, but also as community organizers and "nation" builders. Just see what English and French Cultures have done around the world. But this has a lot to do with leadership and how they see themselves, either as leaders anointed by God and blessed by their ancestors or political pawns, as is the case with most groups in Ndian Division today.
For the Balue man and woman, the issue of attitude towards hierarchy or chain of command, up or down, requires a paradigm shift. Our work ethics also need re-orientation. For us to gravitate to the next level of consciousness, we must shift our thinking towards the will of God for us as a people:
Why are we here?
Where are we going?
What do we need?
What are our strengths?
What are our weaknesses?
What opportunities do we have?
And what are the threats to our existence as a people?
SWOT is acronym for Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threats or vulnerabilities. This SWOT Analysis enables us to define who we are and to develop Strategic Thinking based on Divine Guidance. It also helps in the development of our strategic competences. Like the Children of Israel, Balue people are Children of God. We are by no means less valuable in God's eyes, than any other human group on God's Earth. But it is up to us to choose whose team we are on. The devil's team or God's Team. Once we decide what side we're playing the game of life, and if the side we elect is God's side, then our thoughts, words and actions shall be bound by the Will of God. Then, everything we do shall be done to Glorify the name of God, who is Love, and everything else shall fall in place, including God's Army of Angels to help us reach our goals, short term, mid-term and long-term. This is our time, whether we are ready or not. We can squander it by playing the blame game or we can all roll up our sleeves and go to work for the development of our bio-Region. Liberty or Freedom is not given, it is taken. By our collective thoughts and actions, we are responsible for the state-of-affairs in Ndian Division. No denial. Let's admit shared responsibility and decide to change things for the better. We are the ones we have been waiting for.
May God bless you,
Respectfully,
Rev. Dr. Otteh Sam Esale
President/CEO DIDECO International Incorporated.
In every discussion or debate, it is important to understand the point of view of the other side or participants, to genuinely appreciate their contributions. Often, we seek to be understood by others, without us trying to understand them. Civility requires that we respect each other in private or public discourse, even as we contribute various and opposing ideas and opinions to solve debilitating problems. There is strength in our diversity of mind, if we assume that we are one big family, God’s family.
As a people, we must learn the art of disagreeing without being disagreeable. We must agree to disagree and still be comfortable in our skin. We must be civil or polite, by being understanding and respectful of each other. An Intelligent postulation or submission in a heated discussion does not require fighting language, name calling, shouting or disrespectful language. Self-control, level-headed articulation and inner peace are the hallmarks of self-confidence, education and leadership.
That notwithstanding, "respect" is reciprocal, because it goes both ways. Respect doesn't only go upwards. It is a two-way-traffic. We must also recognize the salient difference between "respect" and "fear" in inter-personal or group relationships. Fear is "demanded," but respect is often "earned." I may not agree with Chief Dr. Mokube of Bafaka Balue on certain issues, but it is important for me to respect him because he is an elder and a man of integrity, who has consistently demonstrated leadership qualities which are exemplary, or he is an accomplished Scientist and traditional leader, with Knowledge, wisdom, understanding and humility. By the same token, the Chief must be respectful enough to LISTEN to what I have to say, despite my age or social status. For even "fools" or "poor folks" have a story to tell. Moreover, listening and patience are important Communication and leadership skills. We must engage in open, frank and respectful exchanges with our leaders. That is a vital role of a civil society. African leaders must get used to the role of civil society as an important vehicle of good governance. In more modern concepts of "democracy," there are 5 branches of government, i.e. Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, Free Press and Civil Society. And none should usurp the powers of the other.
Integrity and radical humility command respect much more than the position of a Chief, the office of a President or the title of a king, for that matter. Servant Leadership must compel our leaders to become open-minded enough to entertain respectful disagreements or dissenting opinions. But our tone in the conversation must be in check. Genuine leaders are servants of God. They are not Demi-gods. That is the true meaning of Enlightenment as opposed to Despotism.
In most of Balue, Chieftaincy is NOT hereditary. In Dikome for instance, our Chiefs have either been elected or selected from among the people they serve. Hence, there is NOT one "Royal Family" in Dikome Balue who can claim royalty. This situation has its strengths and weaknesses. In this dispensation, true nobility or power is derived from the people, the personal integrity of the Chief and his accomplishments or Leadership abilities. Now, this kind of "democratic" arrangement is different from what is obtained in other cultures, such as Bafut or Bali in the Northwest Region of the country, where even a corrupt or lazy Fon can "demand" fear from his subjects. Legitimate authority is NOT only conferred by a Throne, office or title, it is derived from God and man, not by force but by consent. Saul, David and Solomon, were approved by God before being anointed by Samuel for "selection" by Israel. And King David was not Saul's son to become the next king of Israel. David killed Goliath, commanded an Army successfully before gaining the respect and trust to lead the children of Israel, after Saul had fallen from God's grace.
However, the fact that the man/woman from Bali is "forced" by circumstances or tradition to be loyal to the authority of their chief doesn't mean it is a bad idea completely. Sometimes, that kind of loyalty engenders concerted action, unit cohesion or group sense of common purpose. It breeds a sense of volition to be and to do more. Who built the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt? History reminds us that there is a distinction between Absolute Despotism and Enlightened Despotism. Compare development in Bali or Bafut with or against progress in the Balue tribe, to understand the point I'm making. Ultimately, the buck stops at the Chiefs’ desks. A people shall rise or fall depending on the pace set by its leaders and where there are no risk takers or heroes or dreamers or visionaries, a people shall perish or continue to dance in darkness.
The Balue Clan needs to see our Chiefs as role models and give them the kind of respect they deserve or we will continue to lag other clans or ethnic groups, in socio-economic development. Culture, including language and tradition, plays a significant role in human progress. But our Chiefs must take over the mantle of leadership, not only as custodians of tradition, but also as community organizers and "nation" builders. Just see what English and French Cultures have done around the world. But this has a lot to do with leadership and how they see themselves, either as leaders anointed by God and blessed by their ancestors or political pawns, as is the case with most groups in Ndian Division today.
For the Balue man and woman, the issue of attitude towards hierarchy or chain of command, up or down, requires a paradigm shift. Our work ethics also need re-orientation. For us to gravitate to the next level of consciousness, we must shift our thinking towards the will of God for us as a people:
Why are we here?
Where are we going?
What do we need?
What are our strengths?
What are our weaknesses?
What opportunities do we have?
And what are the threats to our existence as a people?
SWOT is acronym for Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threats or vulnerabilities. This SWOT Analysis enables us to define who we are and to develop Strategic Thinking based on Divine Guidance. It also helps in the development of our strategic competences. Like the Children of Israel, Balue people are Children of God. We are by no means less valuable in God's eyes, than any other human group on God's Earth. But it is up to us to choose whose team we are on. The devil's team or God's Team. Once we decide what side we're playing the game of life, and if the side we elect is God's side, then our thoughts, words and actions shall be bound by the Will of God. Then, everything we do shall be done to Glorify the name of God, who is Love, and everything else shall fall in place, including God's Army of Angels to help us reach our goals, short term, mid-term and long-term. This is our time, whether we are ready or not. We can squander it by playing the blame game or we can all roll up our sleeves and go to work for the development of our bio-Region. Liberty or Freedom is not given, it is taken. By our collective thoughts and actions, we are responsible for the state-of-affairs in Ndian Division. No denial. Let's admit shared responsibility and decide to change things for the better. We are the ones we have been waiting for.
May God bless you,
Respectfully,
Rev. Dr. Otteh Sam Esale
President/CEO DIDECO International Incorporated.
1 comment:
Thanks for this very rich and educating piece.
I'll always recommend it to others.
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