Leadership - Retreating isn't cowardice

True compatriots are those who understand, value, and respect the affairs of the nation, their love for the country surpasses their egos, self-ambitiousness, and quest for power, wealth, and fame. A true compatriot chooses the interests of the nation above all others.

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Everyone may have something to contribute to society either positively or negatively, for some it is an opportunity to exploit the treasures of the nation and gain popularity or fame and power, while for others, they desire to make a difference.

Nations that are remarkably doing so well in the affairs of the nation are those who have the right leaders with the right intentions and interests of the nation. It is not good enough to have a leader but the same leader should be able to convince others especially those selected to work directly or indirectly alongside him or her, to his or her ideas, goals, and vision for the country.

News Channels and some social media platforms have revealed to the general public about Joe Biden's public and official withdrawal from being re-elected in November as the president of the United States of America. Some may think his stepping down from the presidential race could be as a result of or influenced by severe opposition and criticism since his administration as the president of the U.S.A. in 2021.

However, Joe Biden stated that his withdrawal from the presidential race is due to his health and age. He also endorsed the current Vice president; Kamala Harris as his successor assuring her of his unwavering support as the election date is fast approaching.

At the age of 81, Joe Biden understood that even if he hadn't achieved all that he intended for the USA as its president, he probably would have added value and made a difference from what he met, some of his actions may have had a positive or negative effect on the country and the world at large. This may have been the reason for wanting to be re-elected in the first place. He probably wanted to get the opportunity to right the wrongs made and possibly make a better impact.

I understand that people deserve a second chance in life, an opportunity to prove themselves trustworthy and reliant. Unfortunately, some people misuse both opportunities; sometimes they even do worse at the second chance given.

In life, it is important you know when to retreat; in this case, retreating does not signify weakness, cowardice, or failure but it is an opportunity to evaluate and re-evaluate the drawing board, seeking how best to achieve your goals and vision.

In 2015, something remarkable happened here in Nigeria, the then-former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan lost the election to the former President Muhammadu Buhari, During Jonathan's regime a lot was happening in the country, the incessant killings as a result of insecurity was a major deal affecting the country.

Goodluck Jonathan had the interest of the nation at heart but he was surrounded by those who did not see things in the same plight. The tension in the country was high, people lived in fear and trembling and so when the moment came for Nigerians to elect their next leader, the then-incumbent president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan lost the seat to the opposition party candidate; Muhammadu Buhari.

Although Nigerians witnessed what true statesmanship and a compatriot leader should be like, they only got to realize and understand after some years. Jonathan had allowed a smooth transition to office when Muhammadu Buhari was declared the winner after the elections for the sake of peace and stability in the country.

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan had looked beyond his interest and sentiments for the nation to experience an impact of change, he may not have gotten it right during his tenure but today the world recognizes and celebrates him as a man of peace, he is now affecting not just a country but the world at large.

In both scenarios, Joe Biden and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan were both allowed to serve their respective country, each one making their distinct contributions to the country which may have affected the country either positively or negatively. Each of them wanted a second chance to get their equations right where they were wrong but knew when to withdraw or retreat after considering their different reasons.

We are most at times judged by our actions; the things we do or don't do, we are not perfect but we must know when to recoil inwardly to evaluate ourselves taking note of our weaknesses and strengths, only then can we face the world with a head raised high and confidence, enthusiasm and a better methodology for positive impact. Not everybody may get a second chance in life even though everyone deserves it. So make remarkably good use of the opportunity you get.

Reference

President of the United States - Joe Biden

Joe Biden drops out of presidential race

Nigeria 2015 presidential election: Significance and challenges ahead