ECHOCHO VS NATASHA:
COMPARISON NEEDLESS, BASELESS AND SIGN OF MYOPIA
By PROSPER ELIJAH SALIFU
The comparison between Senator Isah Jibrin and Senator Natasha, based on a two private employment facilitation efforts in Airpeace, underscores a larger problem in our society: many people tend to judge leader who use every avenue to engage in propaganda, rather than digging deeper into the broader, often more meaningful, actions that occur behind the scenes.
Senator Isah Jibrin record of facilitating employment for countless individuals in Kogi East is an exemplary case of impactful leadership that often goes unrecognized because it isn’t showcased through the usual public optics. The Senator’s ability to facilitate jobs in agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS), Nigeria Railway Corporation ( NRC), the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), among many others, is a testament to his far-reaching influence and dedication to his constituents. These efforts, made during his first term, are particularly impressive given that they were achieved without public fanfare.
This quiet approach to leadership is, in fact, a hallmark of certain types of public servants. Some leaders, like Echocho, believe in letting their actions speak for themselves. His decision to avoid camera optics, such as not taking photos with beneficiaries every time he facilitates employment, reflects a belief that true service is about the impact on people’s lives, not about gaining public praise or attention. Echocho’s method of discreetly providing employment letters, even going so far as to have beneficiaries pick them up from his security team without direct involvement, shows that he is more focused on the outcomes rather than the recognition.
In contrast, the style of other leaders, who may highlight each individual achievement with a photo opportunity or media presence, can be seen as a more modern form of engagement, especially in an age where social media plays such a large role in public perception. While this method isn’t inherently wrong, it risks overshadowing the depth of work being done by those like Echocho who choose a different path.
Echocho’s follow-up with the beneficiaries—inquiring about their well-being, ensuring they are accommodated in their new jobs, and even sending financial support to help them settle until their salaries begin—shows a level of care and personal involvement that is often missing from leadership roles. This goes beyond just facilitating employment; it demonstrates a genuine commitment to the success and welfare of his constituents. It’s clear that for Echocho, it’s not just about getting people jobs; it’s about ensuring they thrive in those roles, which is a rare and commendable quality in leadership.
The fact that these actions aren’t widely publicized may lead to a misconception that he is doing less than others, but as you rightly pointed out, this is far from the truth. In reality, Echocho’s contributions extend to numerous federal agencies, providing opportunities for people across various sectors, including the Nigeria Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC), Security And Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Bank Of Industry (BOI), Public Complaint Commission (PCC), FCT-IRS, SEC Tribunal, National Environmental Standards And Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N- HYPPADEC), Transmission Company Of Nigeria (TCN), and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The sheer breadth of agencies involved, and the number of beneficiaries, speaks to the substantial efforts he has made to uplift his constituency.
Your frustration with the comparison between Echocho and Natasha who might have secured a handful of two jobs with private companies is understandable. It’s important for the public to recognize that securing federal agency jobs, like the ones Echocho has facilitated, often has a longer-lasting impact because these positions typically offer stability, career growth, and benefits that private-sector jobs might not always provide.
It’s important for the public particularly Kogi easterner to exercise critical thinking and look beyond the surface. As you rightly mentioned, it’s crucial to open our minds beyond political affiliations and personal biases. By doing so, we can recognize the efforts of leaders like Echocho, who are working diligently, often without seeking applause. It’s easy to praise a leader for a few visible achievements, but it takes a more discerning and informed view to appreciate those who are working in the background, consistently providing real value to their communities.
As you pointed out, even the scriptures suggest that a prophet is not always honored in his hometown, implying that sometimes the greatest contributors to a community are the least recognized by those closest to them. Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho’s leadership deserves to be evaluated not by how many photo opportunities he takes, but by the tangible difference he makes in the lives of his people.
In conclusion, Echocho’s leadership exemplifies the idea that service should not always be about public recognition but about genuine commitment to making a difference. His track record, both in employment facilitation and personal follow-ups with beneficiaries, speaks volumes about the type of leader he is. It’s important for people to take a step back and assess his contributions based on objective facts and results, rather than being swayed by visibility or optics. Echocho is a prime example of a leader whose quiet yet monumental work deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated. Below are the few pictures I can lay hands on right now.
An expert shouldn’t always be someone from out of town. Echocho is phenomenally iconic
