Beyond Ambition: The story of a man with purpose

“Purpose is the compass of power.”     

By Sylvester Asoya

There is no question that meaningful leadership is guided by intent rather than power. This explains why true leaders, wherever they are, pursue lasting impact and the well-being of others rather than personal gain or authority. Barrister Kennedy Kanma, the subject of this opinion article, a man I first encountered in 1981 as a freshman at St. Pius Xth Grammar School, Onicha-Ugbo, Delta State, exemplifies the qualities most likely to transform and revitalize Nigeria’s politics.

In The Republic and Laws, Plato, the great Greek philosopher, emphasizes the dangers of civic disengagement. He cautions, and also insists that inaction by the good enables misrule by the bad. In other words, the price of indifference or apathy toward public affairs is to be ruled by evil men. I am sure the iconic philosopher from Greece, had Nigeria, and much of Africa in mind when he wrote those immortal lines, as they resonate deeply with the consequences of civic disengagement across the continent. One thing is certain. Kanma, a lawyer, is a devoted follower of Plato, and that may well have inspired his decision to seek public office. And as a student of Platonic philosophy, he is deeply concerned with the dangers of civic disengagement and the erosion of public virtue.

Now, back to my subject: a man who, when I first met him in 1981, was a quiet, unassuming and bookish boy. I can still picture him in our blue- upon-blue house uniform, walking with that effortless, springy stride. Our school, being an all-boys institution in the middle of a forest, was a living hell for junior students. But Kanma was not among the seniors who took no prisoners. As a matter of fact, punishment at St. Pius Xth Grammar School, Onicha-Ugbo, back in the day, was part of the culture. Yet some of us respected seniors like Kanma, who was not only deeply concerned about cruelty at the time, but often protective of us, the vulnerable junior students. To be fair, his kindness and sense of justice set him apart from many seniors of that era. For that, he was intensely loved by junior students like me. He eventually became a lawyer, a part he chose to follow. Remarkably, so little about him has changed today, even after all these years, and this is not surprising. After all, in life, there are certain enduring truths about people.

However, what changed radically, and shocked his classmates, and most of us, junior students, was his unexpected foray into politics in 2023. No one expected Kennedy, the boy, who remained demure and self-effacing all through his secondary school days, never seeking the spotlight, to enter politics. As a matter of fact, there were no signs he would ever become a politician. Another shocker was his superlative performance as a Senatorial candidate under Labour Party, even as a first-timer in 2023.

To be clear, Kennedy Kanma is warmly regarded by his alma mater because of his humanity, a rare currency among haughty Nigerian politicians who think too highly of themselves. For instance, in the last general elections, he received overwhelming support from old boys across sets, both at home and abroad. And many people across Delta North are all going to support him this second time around because of what he represents. There is no doubt that he enjoys a growing support, rooted in the quiet, consistent ways he impacts lives across age and gender.

The truth, and this must be emphasized, is that Delta North must put its best foot forward in the coming election; anything less would be a disservice to the people. No doubt, Barrister Kanma is one of such people at a time like this, and the reasons are not far to seek. Apart from coming into this contest without scandal and baggage, he brings a wealth of experience, having worked in both the public and private sectors. He also brings to the table, proven character, unquestionable integrity, intellectual depth, compassion, team spirit and vivacity.

Another truth is that the Anioma people of Delta State have borne the brunt of poor and unprepared leadership for far too long.
For a senatorial district blessed with distinguished personalities such as Zulu Sofola, Africa’s first female professor of theatre arts; Professor Pat Utomi, management expert and public intellectual; Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, globally respected economist and Director-General of the WTO; Sylvester Ifeanyichukwu Moemeke, advertising pioneer; Professor Tess Onwueme, renowned playwright, poet, and scholar; Nduka Obaigbena, prominent Nigerian media mogul; Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba, former Chief of Naval Staff; Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, former Minister of State for Petroleum; and leading bankers and football icons like Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Stephen Keshi, Jay Jay Okocha and Nduka Ugbade, the district deserves nothing less than the best.

Like most people from Delta North, I believe Kanma brings hope and reassurances, anchoring politics in purpose. And, part of his manifesto carries promises meant to change lives and destinies. “My philosophy is informed by the voices of workers, families, students, young people, market men and women, elders, and communities too often excluded from decision-making for obvious reasons. As a force, our movement recognizes that real change comes not from one leader alone, but from collective action and accountable leadership guided by reason, mission, courage and reality. So, I am confident that together, we can renew faith in our country, our institutions and our people with a view to building a better society where opportunity is not a privilege, reserved only for those who have access, but a right and a promise for all Nigerian.”

As Barrister Kanma officially joins the African Democratic Congress, ADC, expectations are high across Delta North, thanks to his credibility, consistency, proven leadership, and widespread popularity. In a strategic move, he is also bringing on board, his teeming supporters in the Obidient Movement, young men and women who have also joined the ADC as partners, signaling unity, shared vision, and a powerful momentum for the senatorial district’s future.

As the election approaches, the contest promises to be exciting. It will also be closely monitored by voters, constituents and ordinary people who deserve nothing but the best. However, this gentle and unassuming lawyer has his job cut out for him, and he knows just how high the stakes are, which is why he is leaving nothing to chance as he meticulously plans every step of the process. So, he has returned to the field to consult widely and build consensus across the nine local government areas that make up Delta North Senatorial District.

It is never too late for good people to embrace civic engagement in the spirit of Plato’s warning about public service. I believe that is precisely what he is doing right now.

As my secondary school senior begins the inevitable political race to provide meaningful and purpose-driven leadership for his people in the Senate, I wish him the very best for the good of all.

Asoya is the author of Waiting for Tomorrow: Reflections on my Country Nigeria; Class of ’84: 40 Years of Friendship and Generosity, and A Physician’s Extraordinary Journey.