By: Johannes Jafo Akunatu
Alhaji Yussif Sulemana, who is commonly referred to as Ori, is a name that has become synonymous with enormous respect and admiration in the Savannah Region. Since the day he was elected the Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi for the third term and then appointed Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Ori has been nothing short of a revolutionary leader – a leader whose heart, courage, and vision are what characterize him. He is not the usual political figure who enjoys giving speeches and playing symbolic roles. Ori has a different style of leadership, one that is alive— it is very much visible at the grassroots, it is experienced by the people, and it is a source of renewal for the trust in government when kindness is paired up with action.
There is no doubt at all that Ori is the lionhearted politician of the Savannah region— a character whose bravery and mercy have become the rhythm of his service. The lion is not a lazy animal it is always alert and hunts. And like that powerful king of the forest, Ori is on the move with undaunted zeal not for his personal glory but for the good of his people in the region. Following his oath of office in January this year, Ori, through sheer tenacity, has already gotten more than 100 young people employed in the Savannah Region by cutting through bureaucratic barriers. The jobs are not mere symbolic acts but rather an intervention that affects the lives of real people. Each opportunity brings about the betterment of a household, restoration of faith, and the awakening of hopes. Ori does not sit idle expecting things to work out; he creates good out of the bad by pursuing them for his people.
To Ori, touching the human connection between the governed and the one who governs is what leadership is about and not the titles. He is known for leaving his office’s comfort zone and walking among the very people who placed their hope in him. He hears, he involves, and he isolates. From youth groups to farmers, artisans to graduates, Ori’s presence is a constant and a source of comfort. He does not differentiate between party or constituency; he serves all. His affection for the youth transcends barriers, thus forming a rare bond of unity in a region where division had always been the hallmark of politics. Ori does not only occupy a position but he also occupies hearts of his people.
His engagement in duty and grassroots development has set him apart more clearly and many view it as a model for contemporary political leadership. He has been able to make authority and accessibility alike to the general public and has shown that the best leaders are the ones that serve and not the ones that rule. In a place where expectations have frequently gone to waste, the impact of Ori’s actions has been more powerful than any campaign slogan. His passion, modesty, and openness have propelled him to the status of a standard — one that every politician in the Savannah Region has to live up to.
In a notable turn of events, the youth of the Savannah Region have almost universally rated the politician positively for the first time and this politician is none other than Ori. He has put great effort into winning this recognition which is also a modest title for him as he is the Political Office Holder of the Year. They refer to him as “the lion of the people” for the reason that he does not make the loudest noise but rather he ensures their safety, supply their needs, and remains steadfast while others withdraw. His leadership has thus become a beacon of hope and this is a very endearing trait to the new generation that is looking up to him for faith. Ori’s roar is not for dominance; it is for a mission.
His triumphs are not only for him but also send a strong signal to all the political officeholders in the Savannah Region that it is time for a change in the way of leadership. The period characterized by politicians solely serving their own interests is over. The society requires ethical behavior, not rationalization, and they expect not only statements but also good services. If all the politicians would follow Ori’s example by entering areas where people live, making chances, and winning over the public trust, the whole region would rise up together.
