Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has recounted an incident from his time in office to underscore the importance of listening to people from all walks of life.
Speaking in a video shared by Advocacy for Good Governance, Obi recalled visiting Upper Iweka, an area in Anambra known at the time for pickpocketing and other criminal activities. He said a man widely regarded as mentally ill insisted on speaking with him despite attempts by others to stop the interaction.
According to Obi, the man claimed those responsible for the thefts often came from a nearby military barracks and suggested that relocating the facility would help reduce crime in the area.
“I went there as a governor. And there was a mad man there, he kept insisting he would talk to me, and as everybody said the man is mad I said let’s listen to him. And he told me the people who come to steal come from here,” Obi said.
Obi said the man’s constant presence in the area gave him firsthand knowledge of local activities, adding that effective leadership requires listening, learning and remaining open to useful ideas regardless of their source.
